As a business, you may not always have a lot of money to spend, and when starting to think about creating video content, a low-cost freelancer can seem promising if you are trying to work under a budget. Before you go down that road however, it’s important to consider a few things.
To execute a truly presentable, high quality video production requires professional equipment, skilled personnel, and numerous resources. Freelancers may look impressive and tempting due to the typically low costs. However, they are sometimes unable to provide the necessary skills and tools that a solid video production requires.
The importance of video quality
Your advertising and video content essentially acts as the face of your brand. It is the very first thing many of your prospective customers will see, and it will serve as the first impression you make on the public.
Research from WyzOwl shows that 72% of people prefer watching videos to learn about a product instead of print advertising. However, a survey conducted by Verizon Digital Media Services found that the average time spent viewing video fell by a massive 77% when the video quality was poor. More than 85% of those surveyed said that they “expect a TV-like quality experience for every video they see on the internet.”
Furthermore, video quality has the potential to change the perception viewers have of your brand. According to research by Brightcove Inc., 62% will hold a negative view of your brand if you publish a poor quality video and 60% won’t further engage with your brand. It isn’t about what you’re selling, but how you sell it. High-quality video content translates into being trustworthy, high-end, and confident.
It is therefore massively important to take into account every aspect of quality, efficiency, effectiveness, and bang for your buck, and leave it to the professionals to get the job done.
Video production takes a team
While freelancers may be extremely skilled at any number of facets of the video creation process, the term “jack of all trades, master of none” can certainly apply here. A production company employs many experienced, professional people who specialize in one of the numerous areas of production – (lighting, direction, camera operation, production management, script writing, etc.) The freelancer, on the other hand, must have their toes dipped into all of these areas, by themselves. This is why you see the credits for Hollywood movies include hundreds of names. This ensures everyone has a specific job to do that they can execute skillfully, with all their energy directed toward making sure their job is done perfectly. Otherwise, you may end up with a video that has an excellent script, but poor camera work, or looks beautiful but has bad audio quality.
When it comes to video production, there are often many, many moving parts, making smooth and effective project management absolutely necessary. This will become one of the most noticeable differences in working with a professional crew versus a freelancer. A freelancer will most likely be operating by themselves or with an assistant or two. Whereas a production company will have meticulous, organized systems in place involving multiple people on multiple organizational jobs to ensure a smooth and successful shoot. From concept, to scripting, story boarding, shoot days and editing, the company you hire will typically take care of it all for you.
Video production requires professional video equipment
A freelancer may have the money to spend on one or two high end pieces of equipment, whereas a production company will be fully equipped with everything you could need for any type of shoot. This typically includes top of the line audio, lighting, cameras, teleprompters, microphones, editing software and more.
Freelancers can be extremely talented and oftentimes affordable options. There is nothing inherently wrong whatsoever with choosing to work with a freelance video creator, especially when working with smaller budgets. However, if you want to maximize efficiency, quality and effectiveness, contact a professional video production company to make you and your brand communicate, feel, and look as good as it possibly can.