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When Value is Important
As the barriers to entry in video production are knocked down by mobile phones that supposedly can shoot and edit 4K and social media networks that can reach millions of fans, brands have started hiring internal ?videographers? to capitalize on this magic. Someone who knows to work a DSLR, has a Mac with iMovie and the password to YouTube and Snapchat accounts, and with a little luck can catch the unicorn. Millions of viewers are out there just waiting for your video magic.
While this is true and that can happen, it?s not very likely. A few years ago, almost every conversation I had with prospective clients it was very clear that they wanted a video to go ?viral.? But having the tools necessary to create a viral video is different that having a video go viral.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”5/6″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-1″][vc_column_text]
Owning a typewriter does not make you a Hemingway.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”5/6″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-1″][vc_column_text]In today?s world, where Branded Entertainment is the driving force connecting customers with brands, your story is key. Depending on the size of your company and goals it might not make sense to hire a full-time in-house videographer. Beyond a base salary and finding the right person, you have to support this person with the needed infrastructure to be successful. Here are 7 reasons to fire your videographer and work closely with a creative production company on your next video.
In-House vs Agency
- A ?Videographer? Just Won?t Cut It.
A one man band will have trouble wearing many hats. Creative, planning, directing, lighting, editing, color grading and distributing is a lot to ask for one person. When you?re that close to a project it?s hard to identify the flaws and where and how it can be improved. If you want to create media that is professional and at the level your customers expect, you need to have a fully qualified team. Even if you had a 3 person team, you have to find talents that mesh well and are complementary to one another. Beyond that, you have to push out enough projects to keep these 3 individuals busy and happy.
The word ?videographer? underscores that many people don?t value video or understand it?s potential. It?s not really a word, and it?s definitely not synonymous with photographer. There are so many layers of video it?s hard to be a jack of all trades and produce quality content. - Freelancer Team Can Be Problematic.
Managing a team of freelancers can be a time suck. Unless you?ve done it several times, have the contacts and know who wills each role best, you?re going to be stuck figuring out a lot of logistics on the fly. You?re also managing scheduling of several different people, and freelancers book as much work as possible. You?d hate to have a multi-day shoot only to find out that one person isn?t available for 2 days in the middle of your desired shoot dates.
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- In-House is Expensive.
Finding and growing an internal team is time consuming and expensive. Talent is not a commodity and the field is becoming more competitive. Video production requires a lot of collaboration and personalities that don?t mesh well can be distractive and disastrous. You?ll also be in charge of defining your company?s mission and overarching goals with video. - Buying Video Gear is a Poor Investment.
Video production equipment and cameras are ever changing. Taking advantage of the latest tools that help tell your story are hugely important. The catch is that unless you use it on a regular basis it?s probably going to collect more dust than it?s used. And once you feel good about that investment being worthwhile there is probably a new tool that is better. Plus, if your videographer leaves the company who is going to know what to do with this equipment and how to operate it? - Are you a storyteller?
Do you have the skills and expertise to deliver your brand?s message in this medium? Are you aware of the precise differences from YouTube to Facebook to Instagram or Snapchat? Over the last 12 years, we have defined and iterated on our process to produce the most meaningful work with distribution in mind. Keeping up with what goes on behind the scenes to bring these stories to life is a full-time commitment.
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Watch our commercial for Penny Skateboards, which we produced for Wasserman Creative group.
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- Originality
Over time your internal team or videographer can become stagnant and lack a creative drive. Creatives need to be challenged and have the option to share new ideas in new ways. Tasking an internal employee with repetitive, mundane daily chores can suck the life out him or her. This will ultimate limit your options and sacrifice the outcome of your efforts. - Video is ever changing
Can a single person or small team stay current with trends?
Connecting with your customers is the single most important factor when making a video. The way we tell stories have changed over the years, new techniques trend, new breakthrough technology become ubiquitous. Staying ahead and being an influencer can add an incredible amount of value that impresses your customers, creates lifelong fans and gets more social traction. Partnering with a?professional team of creatives will give you a better option or realizing your goals and succeeding with them.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”5/6″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-1″][vc_column_text]Boutique video production companies are experienced, have a process and team in place that creates a larger impact in conjunction with your current marketing efforts. The are well oil machines that are on top of storytelling trends, have crews that work well together and help ensure your brand is looking great.
They are used to problem-solving and can working around limitations with the right plan in place. They push themselves to always create the best possible product possible. They are effective and can take on projects quickly and efficiently.
Production companies have several advantages over internal “videographers.” The fresh perspective and top talent should be reason enough alone to partner. Please reach out to TAR Productions to create magic for your next campaign.
An argument can be made to have an internal team or videographer but there are many factors to consider to ensure success.
What are your thoughts on having an in-house videographer or working with a production company to execute videos for marketing campaigns?
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Except for the last line, this entire post comes across very condescending. The title in the email: “In-house or Agency? 7 Reasons Why You Should Work with the Pros” suggests that because I’m an in-house guy, I’m not a professional. I disagree. You’re entitled to your opinion, and I get that you are advertising for your company, but this post caused me to re-think reading your content in the future.
Andy, we’re not suggesting that you’re not professional at all. We feel that the best work is made with proper strategy and a dedicated team in place, and we’ve had a lot of success with this model over the years.
I’m in house “videographer.” And yes I wear many hats as your post suggest. I film, set up lights, audio, edit, color grade, and distribute. I’m sure there are some places in industry, that do things the “old school” way of one person/team for filming, another for lighting and another for editing, etc., but “videographers’, especially on a smaller and independent level are wearing many hats. This trend has been happening for quite a few years. And if I decide to leave my company, 95% of the gear I use goes with me. It’s mine. I own it.
I know you are a production company and your goal is to promote your business, but if the goal of this post it to convince people /companies to only hire production companies like yours and shun smaller independent videographers, especially for internal use, then your standing alone against a raging storm. Good Luck.
I agree with the first two contributors and I too am a one man band.
Depending on the client, and the market, it is not always efficient for them to hire the biggest, baddest game in town. An entire team dedicated to a short, focused, small business marketing video is not cost effective, nor is it necessary.
Some of my projects come from agencies as well, and they are still looking for guys like myself to take the reigns on video.
The one merit I do agree on, when the project calls for it, is working with a team to create something not entirely possible on your own.
Sure there are many layers to video. There are many layers to photography as well. The point is, a qualified, experienced videographer should be enough to create a great video within their skill set. If you’re looking for heavy animation, complex compositing or other specialized video effects, you will need to find another professional to work with in that arena regardless, agency or not. Because chances are the agency will do the exact same thing in that situation. Outsource.
I get you’re promoting your business, but just because the word “videographer” isnt in the dictionary YET, doesn’t mean we don’t deserve recognition or respect.
Mobile devices with increased capacity for video are flooding the market, but professional work speaks for itself, and that’s why I get the job. Joe Shmo will have to take his iPhone somewhere else. Maybe the production company needs an intern…
Our position is not attacking any one man band. In fact, we’re leaving any individual out of it altogether. What we’re comparing is from a company’s perspective of hiring an in-house or an agency. It’s pretty hard for a single person to match a team’s output and quality in a lot of industries.