No matter what your job, there will be at least one thing that customers regularly ask you, that you wish they wouldn't.
Why do we hire people and businesses to do things for us? It might be because it's easier, it might be because you have better things to be doing with your time, but for the most part, it is because they possess skills that we do not.
No matter what your job, there will be at least one thing that customers regularly ask you, that you wish they wouldn't. Sometimes it's because the customer is chancing getting a better result, as a teenager working as a waitress you'd be shocked how many times I was asked if we could 'Swap the salad for Prawns'.
For the most part though, I believe it is simply that the customer is not aware of how your industry or process works; they are after all hiring your expertise, and just because the answer is obvious to the business owner, it doesn't mean it is obvious to the customer.
So, we put together a list of the things we frequently hear from customers, that we wish we wouldn't.
How much does a video cost?
This is probably the thing we hear the most, specifically from new clients. Whilst it is perfectly understandable that you would like to know costs before going too far in to a discussion with your Video Production Company, there are a number of reasons as to why you won't get an answer.
Video production costs are based on a number of factors; how long will it take to film and edit? When is your deadline? How long will the finished film be? Are there any special elements you need to consider, such as hiring a location or actors? Do you need stock footage, animation, music or voice over?
All of these things can effect the cost of your production, and unless you have answers to all of them at hand, you are unlikely to be given a cost on the spot.
The best way to approach a Video Production company is with a brief, detailing how long the film will be and all the services you want to be included, such as script writing or casting. It is also super helpful if you can provide some examples of other videos you like. If you have a budget in mind, say so. With all of this information your chosen production company should be able to provide you with a detailed project proposal, including a schedule and cost breakdown.
I've no budget, but it will be great exposure.
There are a lot of videographers and freelancers out there that will probably take you up on the offer, but it is neither good for you or good for the person you are working with.
Let's start with the first part; Budget. If you want a quality video you will need a highly trained and professional videographer, who will likely have spent years honing their skills and in some cases retraining completely to keep up with changes to software and kit. Beyond the obvious expertise you get when hiring a professional, there are a number of things that a videographer need to provide that cost them money.
You videographer will need kit that can have cost them upward of £5000.
If you require filming, they will need to travel to the location.
Editing and animation software can be a quite expensive monthly cost.
All that kit and software comes with a hefty insurance cost - not just for the kit itself, but Public Liability insurance to even be able to leave the house with a camera.
Other overheads - electric for charging camera batteries, accountancy fees etc; if they're running a business, it is costing them money.
So, as you can see, when a Videographer does something for 'free' they're technically paying to do your video for you. Even if you don't have much of a budget, a small payment to cover the most basic expenses would always be appreciated.
Then there is the second part of the sentence - Exposure.
Exposure is great, but do you really have the social clout to back up such an offer? You might have a lot of followers or website visitors, but if they're not the same target market as the video production company, then there isn't really any exposure to be had.
If you can give me a good price now, there will be lots more work.
We, as with other videographers, are usually more than happy to work out a deal based on a bulk order of work, this is common across most industries. However, the key here is being able to determine how much more work there will be.
Unfortunately not everyone out their requesting services are as honest and trustworthy as you are. It's ok to want a good deal, but don't over promise the amount of work you need. If you have a budget in mind, let your video company know and they should work with you to make it happen.
Did you get any shots of that thing I didn't ask for?
Before any filming takes place your videographer should have a conversation with you about what you want to be filmed, and often they will create a shot list to follow on the day.
A good videographer will always keep their eyes open for any additional shots that they think might aid the edit, but if there are any specific shots that you need covered, let them know before hand. There are some things that go without say; if you hire a wedding videographer you should expect good footage of the vows, the ring exchanges, arriving at the receptions etc, but if you also want some footage of guests calling for a taxi home, it's best that you specifically request it.
Can you just fix it in the edit?
The 'You can fix that in the edit' statement it a bit of an in-joke in the video industry; some clients seem to thing anything is possible in post production. We've had requests including 'can you change the colour of my shirt', to 'is there anything you can do about the clouds'.
A lot can be achieved in editing, but all of it takes time and money. Additionally, for a lot of the effects used in big movies, the scenes are shot in a specific way to allow for the visual effects.
Your video production team will spend time planning your production so that they can get the most out of the shoot. If there is something you feel you will be unhappy with later, say so at the time, reshoots cost more.
What should you say?
So now you know what not to say, let's look at 3 things your video production company love to hear.
What do you think?
You video production company don't just offer expertise in the technical side of filmmaking, they will also be experienced in telling stories. Your video production company should be more than happy to help you work out the best way to share your messages, and can offer insight in to your marketing that you may not have considered.
Can you share my video?
Your video production company, like you, need online content, and we love nothing more than being able to publicly share a video we have created.
Most companies turn copyright over to the client when the project payment is received (though you can, and should check this) and so they shouldn't share your video without your permission. If you are happy with your clients knowing who produced your video, ask them to share it; it will increase the reach of your video and open up your video to a whole new network.
Can I spread the cost?
We can't speak for all video production companies with this one, but we love it when clients ask this question.
A lot of smaller businesses miss out on the huge advantages of video marketing because they can't afford a single large production cost. We think that all businesses should be able to afford to market their businesses using the most shareable type of content online, and have create specific packages allowing them to pay for their video content over 6 or 12 months.
For example, our 12 month Ice Cream model video campaigns start at just £150/month, and includes content for your website and social media.