Outsourcing Video Production

I make my career out of producing movies and videos for other people, so as much as I like sharing my knowledge, I still need people to outsource.  Sometimes, a production needs a professional company with the skills and equipment to do an outstanding job.  This is often out of range of most enthusiasts or small studios.

That isn’t to say that those enthusiasts or smaller operators aren’t any good, because they probably are, but in their own little niche.  You wouldn’t ask a wedding photographer to make a music video, the same as you wouldn’t ask a news crew to make a movie.  Each operator has their own expertise, and should know what they can and can’t do with their training and resources.

That’s where outsourcing comes in.  You don’t just hire the most expensive you can afford, you hire the best you can afford in the given genre.  Like the example above, you need to find the professional outfit that has the style level and niche expertise that you’re looking for.  They need the skills to make your intended genre come to life.

On the flip side of that you need to have an idea of the level of your intended video.  If you want it on prime time news or MTV then you’re going to have to pay for it, and hire the appropriate crew to do it for you.  If you’re making a video for the net or local use then you could probably save a few thousand dollars and hire a smaller scale company.

If money is an issue, do the pre-production yourself, let the crew do the production and some or all of the post.  You may be able to post-produce yourself, only you can know that, but again, it will save you money if it’s an issue.

If you can’t afford a whole professional crew, try asking at your local TV station.  They often hire out crews when they aren’t busy or permit them to freelance.  Whatever their arrangements, they can often be much cheaper than a video studio.  If they don’t have someone to hire, they will probably tell you the whereabouts of some if you’re polite.

Whoever you decide to hire to do the work, make sure you see a demo reel or portfolio first.  If you can, watch them in action on a shoot before you engage them.  If you know movie making too, you will soon be able to tell if they’re any good or not.

When you employ someone to make a video for you, appoint yourself executive producer.  Make sure you’re at the top of the organization for the shoot and make sure you call the shots.  Lean on the crew for advice and stay out of their way when they are working, but convey to them what you see in the finished movie and ensure they are keeping to that vision.