Every company, project and production is unique. It’s safe to say that a quality production of a 1-2 minute video could cost between $2,500 - $25,000. It really depends on the complexity of the video.

There are occasions when all that’s needed is a simple animated video, with no on-site production, which could lower the cost significantly.

When considering the cost of video production, it’s important to remember that you do get what you pay for. Be wary of companies who offer “too good to be true” pricing. Make sure they have the equipment, experience and professionalism that is required to appropriately represent your brand.

The time it takes to produce a video can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the project, the length of the video and the amount of planning required.

Generally speaking, a simple video might take anywhere from 2 - 6 weeks to complete, while more complex productions could take 6 weeks to several months.

By planning in advance, and having a clear timeline agreed upon, we can ensure the project is completed on schedule, delivering quality content that is ready for use.

Social media videos: For platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Twitter, shorter videos are usually more effective. Usually 15-60 seconds is the window you want to stay in to fit within the platform constraints.

YouTube & Vimeo: These platforms allow for a broad range of video lengths, However, you want to keep your content engaging and direct. For most videos you will want to aim for 5 to 15 minutes, as this is the sweet spot for retaining interest. If your video is for training, education or demonstrations, this may require longer videos or segments. Try to keep it under 30 minutes.

Marketing videos: Advertisements should range from 30 seconds to 2 minutes to deliver the message effectively, without losing the interest of your audience.

Webinars: These can vary significantly in length, depending on the topic and audience engagement. Plan for 30 minutes to 2 hours, if the content justifies it.

Ultimately, quality and relevance is more important than the length of your video. Armed with a well written script, and a clearly conveyed message, you can keep your audience engaged and convey your message successfully in a shorter time frame. Proper pre-production will also likely save you money, and time. If you know your audience and the platform they are using, you can tailor your content length accordingly to maximize engagement and retention. These trends tend to change, so it’s important to check the most current information before you begin.

When choosing a production company to create content for your brand, you should take a few things into account.

Experience & Portfolio: Look for examples of their past work, and projects that are similar in scope and style to what you want to achieve. What kind of relevant industry experience do they have? They might make beautiful videos, but do they know how to run a complete project from beginning to end? The industry is full of startups with no background in the industry, so be careful that you are choosing professionals who will follow through, on schedule - and within budget.

Quality: Assess the quality of their work. Consider details such as style and storytelling. Listen carefully for the quality of the audio - do you hear background noise or hissing? Do their videos play well on small and large screens?

Reputation & Reviews: Go to their Google reviews and their testimonial page. See what previous clients have to say about their work.

Technical Expertise: Do they have the necessary equipment to deliver the quality of content that you require? This equipment includes cameras, lighting, audio equipment, and editing software. You may even require background music. Can they provide licensed music or even stock footage when necessary? How many years of experience do they bring to the table?

Understanding Your Brand: A quality video production company will take the time to learn about your company values, brand identity and target audience. This knowledge will help inform the steps they take to create content that resonates with your audience.

Quotes: A reputable video production company will be able to provide you with a detailed quote, including the crew and equipment needed, the time frame, the cost and how many revisions are included in the price. Be very cautious of exceptionally low cost options, as they might not understand the scope of work involved and be forced to cut corners, lowering the quality of your finished product.

Project Management & Communication: Effective and responsive communication are crucial for a successful project. How long does it take to get a response? Is the conversation smooth and comfortable? Are they able to answer your questions? Do you feel confident after speaking with them? Trust your instincts.

Client Services: Evaluate their customer service, and how responsive they are to your inquiries and concerns. Will they be difficult to get a hold of as the project rolls out? Will they be available to you throughout the process?

Choosing the right production company will save you time, frustration and money. The good news is, the research you’re doing right now will help you make an informed decision, and prevent unnecessary stress due to lack of planning.

Video production is essential to any business, so it’s important to ensure you are getting proper value for your investment. Here are some common mistakes to avoid in the process:

Lack of clear objectives: Before production starts, you should have defined the purpose and objectives of your video. Whether you’re promoting a new product or service, explaining a complex concept, or increasing your brand awareness, having the goals clearly defined will help guide the entire production process. The production team will know exactly what equipment to bring, how to set up each shot, and how long it will take to achieve the desired result.

Poor scripting: A compelling story line is essential for keeping your viewers engaged throughout the video. Don’t over-complicate the message. Avoid using excessive technical language that may confuse the viewer. Keep the message simple, concise, and easy to understand.

Neglecting audio quality: Clear and crisp audio is just as important as good visuals. Low sound quality can be distracting and lower the overall impact of the video. Use professional grade microphones and make sure the audio is mixed by a professional.

Lengthy videos: Avoid making videos longer than they need to be. It’s more effective to spend the money on the quality of the video rather than the length.

Failing to include a CTA (call to action): A corporate video should have a clear CTA at the end, guiding the viewer on which action to take next. This could include visiting a website, subscribing to a newsletter, contacting the company, or filling out a survey.

Slacking on the pre-production process: Rushing into the production phase without proper planning could end up costing you more time and money in the long run. Take the time to create a script, ensure that all logistics are confirmed and resources available. A professional company will establish a clear workback schedule that ensures everything is planned out to ensure your content is delivered on time, as expected.

Wasting revisions: Make sure all stakeholders have viewed the rough cut. Collect all feedback and confirm that all revisions are agreed upon. This will ensure that you are not wasting time and money on additional revisions beyond what was agreed upon in the initial consultation.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your video will be ready on time, and that everyone involved will be happy with the final product