Collaborating with a video editor or production company

Here are some important collaboration tips to help ensure your video is what you envisioned:
Be proactive – Ask and answer questions promptly and communicate often throughout the process. Also called the rough cut, viewing this will help give you some ideas and suggestions that will make the final product exactly what you want.
Start from the beginning – Ask for a sample, or a first draft at the beginning of the editing process to avoid problems later. It’s much easier to fix things early on than to have the entire video done wrong and have to start all over again.
Give feedback – Don’t be afraid to give an honest opinion on how you feel about what you see, so everyone is on the same page. Jot down your suggestions and questions, and then submit them in one document or a single email communication. Write them in a clear, concise manner to help the editor make the changes easier and faster.
Find out about formatting – Ask about formatting and find out what you’ll need for your purposes when it comes time to distribute your video. Make sure your editor or production company completes the video in several compression formats, so you can use them in multiple places. A professional editor or video production company will be happy to answer your questions completely and promptly.

Ideas in motion

Motion graphics are graphics that use video footage and/or animation technology to create the illusion of motion or rotation, graphics are usually combined with audio for use in multimedia projects. To see examples of motion graphics, visit our video gallery.
Consistency – The most important thing to know about motion graphics is that you need to make sure they are consistent throughout your video. This means that the colors, look and feel of the motion graphics should all look the same. An example of this would be if you had one full screen graphic that used the font Arial in the color blue, then the next graphic used the font Times New Roman in purple, this is not what you consider ‘consistency’ amongst your motion graphics. Keep your graphics simple, clean, consistent and your viewers will thank you.
Match your brand The design of your motion graphics is extremely important. Too many times, we see videos where the motion graphics simply do not match the colors or the logo of the intended brand. For example, if your website colors are blue and white, and your logo is red, we recommend using those same colors throughout your motion graphics. Plus if you have some design elements on your website, i.e. circles or arrows, its recommended to use those in the motion graphics design as well. Especially if the video will be living on your website.

A few words about video editing techniques

Mentioned in the section above, editing and formatting is an important part of the final stage of the video production process, so here’s what you need to know:
Terminology knowledge helps – While discussing video compression formatting with your editor or video production company, words, like, “compression,” and “codec” come up often. Compression is the process of making a video file smaller. Codec, the combination of the two words, compression and decompression, refers to specific software or hardware that shrinks or expands video data into a certain video format.
Size counts – Video compression formatting is simply the process of making a video into a usable size, depending on where you plan to distribute it. For maximum usability, ask to have your video produced in three sizes: small, which is 640×360 pixels – a standard size for YouTube; medium, which is 854×480 or 960×540; and large, which is normally 1280×720.
Compression types matter – The two types of video compression is lossy and lossless. Both have distinct advantages and disadvantages. To keep it simple, lossy compression involves losing some of the original data, however, it helps to make files much smaller, and it usually takes a serious amount of data loss to see an effect on the quality. Lossless compression will give you high quality results, but the file will be larger and not suitable for all platforms.

Don’t forget the audio

Some people get so involved in the images in a video; they forget to pay attention to the audio, which is an important component of the video production process.
Safe and sound – The editor usually edits the sounds, music and dialogue separately, and then applies them to the video to enhance the footage. The purpose of sound design is to help the images flow smoothly from beginning to end.
The latest and greatest – Make sure that your video editor or production company uses the latest, professional audio equipment and the audio software. Since improvements and innovations are constantly emerging, do your homework to find out what the best video editors are currently using and then make sure your editor has similar equipment. They don’t need equipment or programs that came out yesterday, but they should be relatively up to date.
Give it a listen – Ask to hear the soundtrack early in the editing process and try to work closely with your editor along the way. Provide your ideas on what you’d like to see during the video. This will avoid having to start all over when the video is completed and you realize it doesn’t reflect your vision.

Once everything is completed, you have your final cut. If you’ve been proactive during the entire process, you’ll end up with an engaging video that creates the results you want.

Also make sure to read the other articles in this series: The First Stage of the Video Production Process: Pre-Production and The Second Stage of the Video Production Process: Production

We provide high end, affordable video production services in San Diego, Los Angeles and all over the U.S.A. To see examples of our work, please visit our Video Gallery.

The Star of the Show: Your Director

This may surprise you, but this person is by far the star of the show. The production stage begins with your director and ends with your director, so make sure you have the best you can find and afford. Everyone needs to listen to the director carefully. The director also manages the shooting schedule, so all participants must double check with them, so they know when to appear on the set. Your director tells the actors what to do and say, and is the one who coordinates the entire production process from start to finish.

Behind the Scenes Superstars: Your Crew

The crew handles everything to do with the set. They are the ones who make sure all the equipment is set up, tested to make sure it works, and safely secured with tape and sandbags. They also break everything down at the end of the shoot. In addition, they evaluate the shooting area and check the audio. They also place all of the props and signage for the shoot and make sure all security precautions are in order.

Front and Center: Your Actors/ Talent

The talent must be aware of their schedules, so they show up when the director needs them there for the shooting. In addition, all of the talent must be familiar and comfortable with the environment, so they don’t look awkward and out of place. They also are responsible for their general appearance and must arrive well rested and ready to shoot. Your talent should be professionals who follow the director’s cues closely.

Making Everyone Look Fabulous: Your Makeup Artist

Not every shoot requires a Makeup Artist, but when necessary, it is the makeup artist’s sole responsibility to ensure your talent looks their very best. They should have the expertise to take lighting conditions, environmental factors and various skin types into consideration. They aren’t just responsible for make-up; they can also check hairstyles, wardrobes and the general appearance of your talent, too.

All of these key players contribute to the success of your video production. Each one of them is important, but all of them must communicate and cooperate as a team in order for things to go smoothly. Everyone needs to understand their role in the production, as well as the schedule and location. For these reasons, if you take your time to hire professionals with skills and experience, the production will be a success, and you can move on to the third and final stage, post-production.

Also make sure to read: How to Modularize Your Video

We provide high end, affordable video production services in San Diego, Los Angeles and all over the U.S.A. To see examples of our work, please visit our Video Gallery.

Pick a dish

Spend some time thinking about what you want your video to do for you. Determine exactly who your target audience is, and what message you want the video to convey to them. You’ll want to use that information to create the right style and pace using music, speech and visual cues. The content of your video should be interesting and easy for your viewers to relate to, so it will engage them. If you plan to produce a marketing video, for example, you’ll want to use your video to show your potential customers why they should employ your services, instead of going somewhere else.

Hire the kitchen crew

This is where you should make the important decision on whether to employ the help of an experienced video production company or to go it alone. There are many video production companies, with a range of experience and costs, so shop around. Go to their websites, watch examples of their videos and talk to them. Find a video production company that aligns with the level of participation that you require to produce your video, which depends on your level of video production knowledge, as well as your budget. A good video production company will work behind the scenes to help you find the best crew, actors, and locations. They can also take care of the legal aspects, such as copyright laws and permissions.

Find the perfect recipe

Start by creating a basic outline that includes the main points you want to make to your viewers. Use that outline to complete a script, or hire a professional scriptwriter to do that for you. The script should include the text of anything spoken in your video, for narration to voice overs. Divide the script visually into two columns in a logical sequence. The left column should cover all of the narration and music. The right column should include a detailed description of each scene. Add important information, such as locations and suggested times of each shot to help the director. Everything needs to be included in the script, and then everyone involved should agree on the final version before the actual shoot.

Assemble your ingredients

When you’ve finished the script, it’s time to put together the shot list, which is also called a storyboard. The storyboard resembles a comic strip that details each scene, such as dialogue and appearance. It helps ensure a smooth, logical flow to the video and helps you see what the final product will look like. Add explicit details and annotations to guide the person who will be directing the actual shoot. Make sure to meet with the director or video production company to work on the storyboard, to ask questions and to fill in all the blanks well before the day of filming. Even if someone else does the storyboard for you, you’ll still want to meet with them to look it over and ask questions.

By following these steps, you can proceed with confidence and peace of mind, with a solid idea of how your video will sound and look to your intended audience. Now that you have taken the time to find a great recipe and assembled all the important ingredients, you are ready for the production stage.

Also make sure to read: How to Modularize Your Video

1. Compare and brainstorm

Look at several videos of other businesses that relate to yours and take some notes on them. Write down main aspects of those videos that you want to incorporate into your own and those you would rather omit. Next, do some intense brainstorming and then jot down some specific notes regarding the type of message you want to provide to your viewers. Consider how you want to produce a marketing video using your own personal business style. Think about what specific goals you want to obtain with your marketing video. Finally, determine the things you can add to your script that will make your marketing video stand out from all the rest.

2. Swap “We” for “You”

Start out sentences with the word, “you,” not the word, “we.” Consider what is important to your customers, from their viewpoint. Remember, as most people watch your marketing video, they tend to wonder, “What’s in it for me?” Write a script that answers their questions and shows your audience what your business can do for them. By providing what they’re looking for, you’ll be able to effectively connect with and engage your audience with your video.

3. Catch them, hook, line and sinker

Take some advice from avid anglers: Use the best hook in your fishing box. Do this by thinking of the best way to engage your audience within the first ten seconds of the video. This will keep them watching your entire video, so they won’t be the catch that got away. To do this, create a hook in the script early on by determining the most important message to convey to a viewer who has just ten seconds to watch your video. You can present a pressing problem that most of your customers have to deal with and then let them know that if they keep watching, you’ll have an interesting, effective solution for them. However, avoid starting your video with a sales pitch, which will only send them searching frantically for the exit button.

4. Share your story

Everyone appreciates a good story, so use your marketing video script to tell your personal experiences regarding your business in a short, concise story. For example, you could talk about why you wanted to start your business, why you love doing what you do and what you can offer to your loyal customers. Be human – this will help your audience connect with you. Talking about a few of the challenges you’ve faced in running your business builds a trust base that compels people to want to use your services.

5. Tailor to your target audience

Write your script with a friendly, conversational tone by omitting any inside industry jargon your audience may not understand. Keep your content informative, yet engaging. Try injecting a little bit of humor into the script, so it’s warm and friendly, not stoic and stodgy. You want your viewers to be able to relate easily to your content, so they feel engaged and motivated to act on your final call to action, whether it be to sign up for your newsletter, to watch the next video in the series, to contact you for more information, or to fill out a survey or form.

6. Keep it short and sweet

As long as you can get your message across and then present a call to action, keep the video as short as possible. Attention spans are short on the web, so try to make it no longer than two minutes, with the goal of making it between 60 to 90 seconds in length. You’ll need approximately 180 words to fill 60 seconds of time, and 270 words to fill 90 seconds of time. You can easily check the word count in programs like MSWord and Google Docs using their review settings. For those who aren’t sure where to find the word count, both programs have extensive help menus to guide you through the process easily. Keep editing until you have honed your script down as much as possible.

It’s obvious that most businesses benefit greatly from using marketing videos, however, some are clearly much more effective than others. By taking the time to think about the script you want for your video and then using tools to support your main focus will help you create a highly effective marketing video with the payoff potential to help your business for a very long time.

We provide high end, affordable video production services in San Diego, Los Angeles and all over the U.S.A. To see examples of our work, please visit our Video Gallery.

Include metadata

Tag your video with a clear, concise description that contains appropriate keywords. Your metadata lets search engines know what is included in your video, so they can index it correctly. Since search engines can’t watch your video, you need to provide the information necessary to help them categorize it. In the metadata, be sure to include the URL leading back to your website. Most video sharing websites have help areas that show you exactly how to do this, including YouTube.

Submit a video sitemap

Be sure to include a video sitemap in your website, so you can submit it to search engines. This will ensure that they will index your video as they crawl around the Internet. Google Webmaster Tools covers how to create and submit a sitemap in small steps, but if you need further assistance, enlist the help of a website professional.

Start with your own website

The first place to post your video is on your own website. By doing so, Google and other search engines will index your site. You can increase views by adding links to your video on other pages of your site. Some people prefer to embed or add their video right to their websites, while others add a direct link to their YouTube or other video sharing site to their websites.

Use multiple video sharing websites

When thinking about video sharing websites, the first that comes to mind is YouTube, but remember the smaller sites many people use, such as Vimeo, Metacafe, StumbleUpon and Flickr. When you upload your video to most video sharing sites, they usually provide a code for you to copy and paste into other sites or blogs.

Take advantage of RSS feeds

By simply attaching an RSS feed to your video, you can create a video podcast, which is exploding in popularity for millions of viewers. Podcasting makes your video accessible on a variety of portable devices, such as iPads, smart phones and tablets. Most blogging software has built-in RSS feed capability, which is a simple way to distribute your video to millions on the Internet.

Get help from video distribution platforms

Sites such as TubeMogul allow you to upload your video once, and then choose from a list of other websites to post it, as well. This saves you much time and effort. Some are free; others are subscription-based, so shop around to find the one that suits you best.

Make social media your best friend

Add your video to any of the social media sites you belong to, such as Facebook, for example. With Facebook, your viewers can either “Like” or “Share” your video in their own newsfeeds. This is a fast and easy way to get your video watched by a wider audience.

Look for niche sites

Does your video include a specific topic, such as pet care or gardening, for example? Look for websites that relate to the subject matter in your video and post the video, or a link to it there. That way you can easily target your audience more effectively.

Add your video to Google+

Create a Google+ account and post your video there. Although not a known fact, common sense dictates that this major search engine will eventually tweak their search algorithm to give priority to content placed on its own social network. Google provides lots of helpful information on sharing on their help pages.

Also make sure to read: How to Get the Most from Your Online Marketing Video

However, before you start, jot down a few notes that outline your specific needs and what you expect to accomplish from your video. By sharing your expectations when you contact them, video production companies will be able to provide clearer, more precise answers for you. And, remember, if they don’t seem willing to answer your questions completely, they are not a good choice.

Are you unsure what questions to ask? Fear no more – here are twelve questions that everyone should ask before hiring a video production company:

1. What is your company’s core area of expertise?

Find out what kind of videos the video production company specializes in producing. You want a company that is familiar with creating videos for your type of business or service. For example, if you need a marketing video, you wouldn’t hire a company that primarily does weddings.

2. What makes your company different from other video production companies?

Not all video production companies are the same, so ask them what makes them stand out from all the rest. They may have received special recognition or awards or perhaps they produced a video that has gone viral – whatever it is, the answer to this question will help you make the best choice.

3. Can you provide a detailed proposal and then stick to it closely?

Yes, most video production companies are going to say “Yes,” to this question, but what you want to do is listen to their response. A reputable company will also provide more information as to exactly how they create and stick to a proposal.

4. What basic procedures do you usually follow throughout the stages of the video production process?

The way video production companies work can vary greatly and the more experienced ones follow the same tried but true procedure for most of their videos. By finding out exactly how they proceed, you can tell if they are a good fit for you.

5. How do you handle unexpected problems, such as requests for changes halfway through the project?

Listen carefully to the response to this one. You want specifics here. A video production company that handles unexpected snags calmly and with confidence is going to ensure the process goes smoothly and stress free for you.

6. What would you recommend as the best approach to a video for my particular needs?

Here’s where they should be willing to listen to what you want and then give you a basic idea of what they recommend for you. They may not be able to give complete specifics at this point; however, they should be able to give you a few solid recommendations.

7. What is the format you use to produce videos?

You want to make sure your video is delivered in a format you can use in multiple places, not simply a DVD that you have to figure out how to reformat to suit your needs. One of the main purposes of a video production company is to make the process easier for you.

8. Can you help me distribute and market my video?

The most experienced video production companies understand the best ways to distribute and market all kinds of videos and can provide you with suggestions and help.

9. What are the projected costs of similar videos?

Although you can’t expect a specific price at this point, they should be willing to give you a price range, so you’ll have an idea of what to expect. A video production company with lots of experience will have a good idea of what your type of project will cost to produce.

10. How long do videos like mine normally take to complete?

After you have explained a bit about what you want in your video, the video production company will be able to give you a rough estimate of how long it should take them to produce your video. Barring any unexpected problems, the production process usually takes a set amount of time that is relatively easy to predict.

11. Will I have the power to approve any script rewrites or other changes throughout the process?

You want to make certain that the video production company you hire will work as a partner with you to create a video that meets your expectations. In order to do so, they will be willing to consult with you every step of the way, just as if they were your very own video company. Always ask this question.

12. Can I retain the copyright to my completed video?

Even though this question is the last one on the list, it is probably the most important one of all. Some video production companies retain ownerships of their videos, so if you want the copyright, make sure to ask about it beforehand. You need to be aware of your rights to ownership, so don’t neglect to include this question.

Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need before you hire a video production company. You want a company that will work as a partner with you, so that you’ll be able to create a long-standing relationship with them for future video projects. The time you take now to choose a video production company will pay off in the long run, because you’ll end up with an effective video that you’ll be excited to share with the world.

We provide high end, affordable video production services in San Diego, Los Angeles and all over the U.S.A. To see examples of our work, please visit our Video Gallery.

Also make sure to read What to Look for in a Video Production Company.

Arm yourself with information

Do some reading up on video production tools and techniques, so you have a good basic understanding of the process. Pay attention to video production terminology, so you’ll understand what to ask about and you won’t feel confused when you talk to video production companies. By understanding the process, you’ll have a better idea of what to look for when you shop for a video production company.

Consider and compare

Search for videos that companies similar to yours are currently using for their online marketing campaigns. This will help give you an idea of what you want in a video. Sending this video to your potential video production company will also give them a better idea of what level of quality you’d like to produce. It’s also a good idea to ask your colleagues or your local business groups for their recommendations of good video production companies.

Check video galleries

A professional video production company will include a gallery of videos they have produced, so you can see the type of work they do and what it looks like. Always look for a full gallery of videos instead of a page that only shows the highlights of videos they have chosen themselves. You want to see completed videos, not what they have handpicked from their best stock footage. Look for quality in both the audio and visual presentation, but don’t stop there. Consider how the videos made you feel after you viewed them. They should leave you feeling positive about the subject matter.

Review customer testimonials

Always look for a company that provides many customer testimonials to review. While reviewing them, pay attention to what people report, such as how much the video company cares about customer concerns, without rushing through, or taking too long to complete a job.

Ask for references

Once you’ve found a video production company that looks good to you, contact them for a list of client references. Ask about repeat clients, which is always a strong indication of an effective video production company. This is a good way to learn how the company interacts with their clients throughout the video production process. Try to get honest opinions on how the company was to work with on a day-to-day basis, as well as how they handle situations such as requested changes during the production phase.

Get an estimate

Go to the video production company to discuss your budget and then ask them for an estimate. Make sure there are no hidden expenses. They should be willing to lay everything out on the table for you. If they make it difficult for you to find this information, they are not a good fit. A professional video company will be upfront about costs. Make sure they are willing and available to talk to you before you start the project with them.

Inquire about equipment and technology

Be certain to find out what the video production company uses for equipment. An expert video production company stays on top of and uses state of the art equipment. This is the time to get specifics, such as whether they shoot in high definition, how many cameras they use and how long it will take to produce your video. They should be willing to explain all aspects of the project with you.

Consider the big picture

While looking for a video production company, look for one that focuses on the total package instead of just the video itself. Ask them for ideas, such as how to market your video and if they recommend using social media to distribute your video. Make sure they have experience creating videos you can use in a variety of platforms and in multiple formats. You want a video production company that can help you get the most from your video, so choose one willing to take time to understand your goals.

Expect accessibility

The video production company you choose should be a partner with you. Find out how accessible they are on a daily basis. Make sure they are willing to work closely with you and communicate often to ensure your video comes out exactly the way you pictured it. When you contact video production companies, pay attention to how quickly they return your call. They should feel as if they are your own, in-house production company.

Remember, size doesn’t always matter

Don’t choose a video production company solely by their size. Although most of the larger ones offer a great product, or else they wouldn’t be where they are, their higher overheads can often mean bigger production costs. Look for quality and a strong commitment to producing an excellent finished product. A small production company will have less expensive overhead costs and a strong desire to deliver personal attention to your video.

Not sure if you should produce a marketing video for your company? Read the next article, Eight Reasons Why You Should Use Marketing Videos.

Contact us to learn more about producing a video for your organization, or visit our Video Gallery to see examples of our work.

Time and money saver

Modularizing your video is not only much easier than it sounds; it’s cost-effective, because you can mix and match the segments of video, tailoring it for each specific purpose. It also allows you to break up your video into multiple videos, thus reaching a larger audience. For example, if your business offers several products or services, you can arrange your videos according to your customer’s wants or needs, instead of making several full videos for each one. You can also save time when the products or services you offer changes, because you only have to update one section, instead of having to make an entirely new video.

Before you begin

If you choose to modularize, you’ll need to keep that in mind from the very beginning. While writing the script, you should separate the video into logical sections, each with a beginning, middle and end. Be sure to think about audio, too – If one section has a song that plays into the next section and then through it, you won’t be able to break up those sections later without it being noticeable to your viewers. Therefore, the song should finish in the first section before the next section begins. Remember, you want to be able to use your sections like building blocks, shuffling them around as necessary.

Separating your sections

So now that you understand there should be multiple sections within your video, each with its own distinct message, how do you separate them? First, consider what your business offers, as well as the public image you wish to project to your customers. There are many ways to do this, but the most common ways to organize modularized videos are by topic, time or process. A law firm that has a section for each type of legal service they offer is a good example of organizing by topic. For time, tell the story of the progression of your business from its inception to present day. Another simple way is by process; if you run a company that makes high-precision tools, you may want to create a series of sections within your video showing each manufacturing step, from design to finished product.

Use editing techniques

During the video production process, use various editing techniques to separate your sections. Add titles, music and use fade to black techniques at the end of each section. Just remember, you should be able to rearrange your sections later without letting your viewers know that you have done so. Use carefully executed video editing to create a smooth transition that is undetectable to your potential customers. The modularization of your videos should aid your marketing efforts and pay off later by saving you time and money.

Look to the future

Modularization saves the space and resources that larger videos take up. Therefore, your videos load faster and easier for your customers, making them play better on today’s electronic devices, such as smart phones, tablets, netbooks and other such devices. According to PCWorld Magazine, “More than 1.6 billion devices, including mobile devices, PCs and gaming consoles, were used to access the Internet this year, and that number could top 2.7 billion by 2013.” You want your potential customers to have access to your videos no matter what they use to get onto the World Wide Web – this gives you an advantage over the competition for the long haul.

Now that you understand how to modularize your video and why it is advantageous to your business, you are ready to produce a series of videos that will both improve the image of your business and help spread the word about what you have to offer your potential customers. Although modularization may sound easy, it’s not for everyone, so if you still feel unsure about how to proceed, consider consulting with a reputable video production company.

For examples of modularization, check out a few of our testimonial videos.

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PCWorld Magazine

A well-constructed, professionally polished video encourages your website visitors to stay longer, return more often and encourages them to share the news about your business. The best outcome possible, one that is easily attainable with an effective online marketing video, is when people feel compelled to not only become your customer, but to continue being a customer for many years to come.

Once you have made the decision to produce an online marketing video, the next step is to choose how to accomplish it. Although modern advancements in technology, such as inexpensive video cameras and editing software have made it simpler to make your own video, the process is not as easy as it appears. Self-produced marketing videos are best suited for personal blogs, not for your business. Here are some important reasons why you should consider hiring a video production company:

Professional Expertise

It is crucial to create a professional looking video with the perfect mixture of quality audio, music, properly directed camera footage, motion graphics, and professional editing. This marketing video is one of the things your potential customers will use to decide whether or not they want to do business with you. When it comes to video, even the tiniest mistake seems magnified, which drives people away. Video production is a combination of art and science, and video production professionals spend a large amount of time studying and perfecting their skills. Most professional video companies have the experience to know what works online and does not, because they create videos day in and day out.

Positive Public Image

Why spend your time and money on an online marketing video that is going to detract from your business image? Shaky footage, poor audio and inconsistent storylines all make your business look unprofessional and may even turn potential customers away. It is worth investing the money to post a video on your website that makes people want to use your business. You have a limited amount of opportunities to project a positive public image, so why waste that on an amateurish video that makes people want to hit the exit button?

Post Production

A good video production company understands post production and uses it to take your marketing video to the next level. They take the time during post production to color correct the video footage, adjust sound and music, remove unneeded frames and much more. They can also make certain that your video is clear and concise, flowing logically from beginning to end. Another important benefit is that a good video production company understands the latest marketing and advertising concepts, such as branding and viewer engagement, and utilizes them throughout the process.

Quality Equipment and Manpower

Professional video production companies utilize the latest state-of-the-art cameras, computers and software to ensure you receive the highest quality online marketing video possible. Professional video producers have years of study, practice and experience and have developed an eye and ear in order to produce an effective video that will make your business stand out above the rest. Video production equipment and technologies are constantly changing, and only the best video production companies keep up with the changes of consumer tastes and video viewing habits. It is the job of the professionals to create engaging videos while you grow your business.

Save Time and Stress

By leaving the specifics to a professional video production company, you are free to do what you need to do: manage your company. They have the staff and expertise to take your video from concept to completion. This spares you a huge amount of time and worry, because the production company will find and hire actors, musicians, lighting technicians, video editors, advertising experts and music crews for you; however, they confer with you along the way, so you have a certain measure of creative control.

Save Money

Although it seems like a large expense to hire a video production company, consider the money saved by not having to purchase all of the expensive video equipment and software needed to make your video. In addition, you’ll save the expense of hiring and paying the manpower necessary to work both in front of, and behind the camera to help create your online marketing video. The video production company works with the same basic crew and each professional understands their role in the process, so they can produce your video quicker and more efficiently than if you put together your own crew. Time is money – and it takes time for a newly formed crew to learn how to communicate and cooperate with each other.

Video Production is a Partnership

You can consider the video production company that you hire as a partner to your business success. They work with you from beginning to end, creating a script for the video and then they hone it to reflect your voice and company vision. The video production company experts will help you develop a concept, create storyboards and scripts, plan the entire production and then create a set that results in a video that is professional and polished, improving the public image of your business exponentially.

Professional video creators study, train, produce and practice to develop the knowledge and expertise needed to create compelling and engaging videos that tell your story in the most effective and impactful manner. In other words, they are highly skilled at converting web visitors to loyal customers who will spread the word about your business to many others.

Video Builders handles high end, affordable corporate video production in San Diego, Los Angeles and Temecula. To see examples, visit the Video Gallery.

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1. Make lots of room

Multimedia uses a large amount of bandwidth and space, so keep that in mind when you initially create your website. Check with your web hosting provider to make certain you have enough bandwidth for your multimedia plans. To avoid space and bandwidth issues, consider posting your videos on a video-sharing website such as YouTube, Vimeo or Blip and embedding them into your own webpages. Another advantage to using such sites is that your video production will be more easily accessible to a larger number of people.

2. Do your homework

Brainstorm and research to come up with a basic concept for the message you want to convey to your online audience. Take some time to think about exactly what you want the content of your multimedia to do for your business. Multimedia is a great way to show potential customers the most positive aspects of your business and to create an atmosphere of credibility and professionalism. If you need some ideas, visit websites of similar businesses to see what types of multimedia they use. You can do a search on video-sharing websites like YouTube, Vimeo and Metacafe for examples, too.

3. Content, content, content

Develop your multimedia around your content, not the other way around. Give it your own voice and never copy – you want fresh, original content, not a boring sales pitch. For example, if you sell flowers, you’ll want to highlight your flower design skills or offer some basic advice, such as how to choose the best flower arrangement for specific occasions. During your production, you’ll want to let your potential customers know how and when to reach you, too.

4. Know your limitations

If you have no idea what to create and how to add it to your website, look for the services of a reputable multimedia production company. The cost of a talented production company will reap valuable rewards when you find yourself with lots of new and returning clients or customers. Help the production company help you by jotting down some basic ideas for your multimedia. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy as long as it presents your vision in a clear, concise fashion.

5. Think of all the possibilities

Check your multimedia to be certain people can access it via as many operating systems and browsers as possible. Create your material for MAC, Windows and don’t forget Linux/Unix. You’ll also want to check your multimedia to see how it looks on all the widely used Internet browsers, like Firefox, Chrome and Internet Explorer, for example. Don’t forget to think about how your multimedia presentation looks when viewed on netbooks, smart phones and tablets, too. Avoid using something that forces people to add or install a plug in or program to access – this may just chase them away.

6. Be considerate

Create your multimedia so it will be accessible to everyone who wants to use it. Online readers and other assistive devices used by those who are hearing or vision-impaired perform better with smaller files. Avoid Flash animation or offer an alternative. Caption your multimedia, and create transcripts for all your audio and video files. Keep your multimedia presentations short in length, providing just enough information necessary. You can always produce a series of shorter presentations rather than an immense single file.

7. Give visitors a choice

Avoid allowing your multimedia to play automatically. Called splash pages, they don’t give visitors to your website a chance to decide if they want to play your multimedia or not. Visitors to your website may have their volume turned up from the last time they played the hottest new music video or they may be sitting in a quiet place, such as a restaurant, library or office. In addition, splash pages don’t always play nice with search engines, so just don’t use them.

By keeping the needs of your potential website visitors in the front of your mind, you can include engaging, interesting multimedia content on your website that will both appeal to and be accessible to the majority of Internet users. There is no need to limit your creativity; however, by using these seven simple tips, you’ll get the most out of any multimedia you implement on your own site.

We provide high end, affordable video production services in San Diego, Los Angeles and all over the U.S.A. To see examples of our work, please visit our Video Gallery.

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