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Sometimes the costs for video production can catch companies off guard. Videos seem so simple and effortless (which is a huge part of their appeal) but a lot of hard work and serious consideration goes into every well-produced spot. Here are five cost-saving video production tips that can help your team get a great product at a lower cost.
1) Write your own script. No one knows your product and services better than your team. When you hire a production company to write a script, you are paying for them to do the extra research on your products and services, evaluate what is most important to communicate and ask questions before creating a first draft. Since a script writer is approaching the project from a different point of view, there are often multiple re-writes that must be reviewed before the final script is approved. Save time in the initial stages by writing (at least the first draft) and getting it approved by your team before sending it to the production company for refining. Not sure how to get started? Our script writing tips article will help you stay on the right track.
2) Secure the location. Many of our clients have saved money by using their office, houses and community connections to provide great locations for their videos. Luckily, Frozen Fire is based in Dallas, a very production friendly city, but arranging for that perfect location can be expensive and many places will be much more interested in the personal favor approach than hearing from an official production company.
3) Opt for a natural background. In the age of digital magic, it can often be tempting to go straight for a green screen or white background and not worry about the production locations look. But you may be able to secure significant savings by planning for a natural background instead. Generally green screen and matte background shoots require more complex lighting setups and/or extra steps in post production. In the video world, the longer the task takes, the more it costs. So the extra time spent preparing the footage can have a surprising effect on the rate.
4) Reduce the Pizzazz. The 3D graphics that you see in coke commercials may have a “wow” factor, but that look can also be attached to some serious dollar signs. 3D graphics can be great assets, but make sure that your concept and messaging calls for that style before committing your dollars. Keep in mind that sometimes “flashy” graphics can distract your viewer from the message. They may be thinking “wow…they spent a lot of money on this video” instead of “yeah…I could really use this service”.
5) Keep it short. Every production company would rather have too much coverage than not enough, but there is such a thing as over-shooting. If you are aiming for a one minute video, then keep your production interviews closer to twenty or thirty minutes. Prep your interviewees so they can answer your questions confidently in short soundbites. If you’re covering an event, but you know you only want a small portion in the video, offer to provide your video team with timecode notes on the bites you want included. Your video company may be able to reduce your rate if they can ensure they won’t need to review hours of footage to find the right quote.
These video production tips are all items that production companies can take care of for you, and many times it’s worth it for you to go ahead and ask the experts to handle it. But budgets are often tight, and Frozen Fire aims to think of creative ways to get our clients a great video for a great price.
Contact us for a bid customized for your video needs.
By Liz LeGrande
Frozen Fire is a Dallas internet marketing and video production company that helps companies harness the most powerful aspect of modern marketing—the internet—to engage customers in memorable and meaningful ways. Ways that ignite sales and business growth. Contact us to learn how we can help your business.
Want to know more about video pricing. Check out our article here.