When you use a video production company, there’s more involved than simply having them shoot and give you the video. There are pitfalls you might not think about before it’s too late. Here are some important questions to ask your video production company before you sign a contract with them:
1. Where do you get your music?
Often companies will cut corners by using music that is not legally available for use. When you watch a video we have produced for our clients, you will notice we add a subtle underlay of music to help with the flow of the video. All music that we use is legal to use, with no copyright infringements. We make sure we use music that will not cause you any problems in the future. Using copyrighted music can get your video removed from YouTube, or land you in legal trouble. We make sure that won’t happen to you.
2. When will I get the video?
I was once talking with a plumber about a video project we are about to bid on and I asked him, “Why didn’t you go with the other company? I looked at their YouTube channel and they had some great videos there!” He agreed but said it took them months to get the videos back to their clients. They didn’t own the rights to the videos as they didn’t have the raw footage. It was a nightmare process for them to get their videos finished and back. In his case, they never got their footage back at all.
We turn our videos around in a week to a week and a half, depending on how high-end the production is. We also give you the finished, produced video in raw form so you can upload it in other places. Make sure you ask about turnaround because you do not want to risk shooting your video and then waiting months to receive the finished product.
3. Is there an agreement?
Every time we bring in a video client, we talk through the process beforehand. We talk about the project’s scope, the shots we want, whether or not we want photography, etc. All of this will be included in a written agreement that you sign and we sign. This way, both parties are accountable and there are no surprises. We will never come back to you and tell you you will have to pay extra for editing, or music. Everything will be included in the agreement.
We also make it easy for you to pay. This may sound silly, but when you work with a freelancer you often have to pay them through Zelle or Venmo. It can get awkward. We make it as easy as possible for you to pay.
I know many of you will be adding video to your marketing mix in 2024. When you sit down with the various agencies to decide who will be the best to serve your business, make sure you ask these questions. Make sure they have the right to use the music so that you don’t risk YouTube cutting it out. Make sure they’re able to deliver videos to you promptly. And make sure everything you talked about is in writing, signed by both parties.
Your Next Step
These are standard items we offer to all our clients. We’d love the opportunity to show off the quality of your work through video. If you would like us to shoot a video for you, please contact us at 817-991-7830. We’ll sit down with you, learn more about your business, and see what kind of video will be best to take your business to the next level.
And remember, when you Market With Mario, you profit with Mario!
