When searching for corporate video production, selecting the right team is crucial to delivering high-quality content that meets your business goals. Whether you’re producing a case study, a brand overview, or a training video, choosing the right production partner will ensure your project succeeds both creatively and financially.

This article will cover:

• The key production team options and their benefits
• Common corporate video types and what you need to consider when briefing them
• An overview of the video production process
• How to select the right approach for your needs

By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of corporate video production and how to make the best decision for your next project.

Choosing the Right Production Team

One of the most important steps in corporate video production is selecting the right team. Each option comes with different costs, benefits, and risks. Knowing the strengths and limitations of each will help you choose the best option.

The One-Man Band: A Budget-Friendly Option

Hiring a one-man band videographer can be ideal for small budgets or simpler projects. These videographers handle everything—camera work, lighting, audio, and sometimes editing. However, the client assumes the producer’s role, which means managing logistics like scheduling and location coordination.

This approach is best suited for low-budget projects, such as talking-head interviews or internal communications where the production value isn’t as critical. However, the risks include limited creative options and potential mistakes, such as missed shots or poor lighting, as one person is responsible for multiple roles.

Production Companies: Full Service, Less Stress

If your project is more complex or requires higher production value, working with a production company offers more comprehensive services. Companies like Story Machine provide a full team, including producers, directors, camera operators, and editors. The benefit of a production company is its ability to manage everything from creative development to final delivery, providing quality assurance throughout.

A production company manages logistics, scheduling, and creative development, ensuring everything is handled professionally. While it might seem more expensive upfront, a production company can actually reduce risks and delays, saving money over time. This option is ideal for complex projects, such as case studies, company overviews, or brand storytelling.

Videographers: Flexibility for Clients with In-House Resources

If your company has in-house editing resources or prefers to handle post-production internally, hiring a videographer solely for the shoot can be a cost-effective solution. In this scenario, the client becomes both the producer and the editor, overseeing logistics and the final edit.

This approach works best for short-term projects with limited complexity, where you can manage post-production internally. However, if the videographer lacks editing experience, the footage may not be optimal for the edit, increasing costs or leading to subpar results.

Common Corporate Video Types and What to Consider

The type of corporate video you’re producing will heavily influence your choice of production team. Below are some common corporate video formats and what to consider when briefing them.

Case Studies

Case studies show real-world examples of your product or service in action, making them effective for B2B marketing. These projects often involve multiple interviews or locations, which require smooth coordination. Production companies are best suited for case studies as they manage the logistics efficiently and produce high-quality results.

Company Overview Videos

These videos are used for pitching your business or featuring it on your homepage. They need strong narratives and professional production to present your company well. A production company is usually the best choice, as they can guide you through the creative process and ensure a professional outcome.

Client Testimonials

Client testimonial videos can vary from simple one-camera setups to more polished productions. A one-man band might work for simpler testimonials, but for a more polished finish, consider a production company.

Training Videos

Training videos need to be clear and structured, often requiring a mix of on-camera interviews and screen recordings. A production company can ensure that all necessary elements are captured efficiently. For simpler projects, a freelance videographer may suffice, but more complex projects require a production company’s full-service approach.

If you’d like more cost information, we have put together examples for a range of projects in our article on video production costs Australia linked here.

Understanding the Corporate Video Production Process

Corporate video production generally follows three key stages: Pre-Production, Production, and Post-Production.

In Pre-Production, the project’s foundation is laid. This stage includes activities like scripting, storyboarding, and developing the creative vision. It also involves logistical planning, such as scheduling, securing locations, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. Thorough pre-production ensures a smooth shoot and keeps the project on budget.

Production is where your vision becomes reality. Footage is captured, whether for interviews, product demonstrations, or brand storytelling. While a solo videographer can handle small shoots, larger productions often require a full crew to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Finally, Post-Production brings everything together. Editors sift through the footage, adding visual effects, colour grading, and sound design to create a cohesive final product. After editing, the video is formatted for distribution across your chosen platforms.

Making the Right Decision for Your Corporate Video

Ultimately, your decision depends on the project’s complexity, your budget, and the quality you’re aiming for. For simple, low-budget projects, a one-man band might be sufficient. However, if you need polished, high-quality content, a production company like Story Machine is the way to go.

Whatever your needs, it’s important to request itemised quotes so you can compare the costs and benefits of working with freelancers, videographers, or production companies. This ensures you get the most out of your budget while minimising risks. If you’d like to speak to one of our expert Producers, you can contact us by clicking here.