Got Your Own Internal Video Production Department? Congratulations!
This article looks at why, when and how it pays to occasionally collaborate with an external film production company, even if you’ve already got one in-house.
Brands are ever hungrier for video - not only for advertising but for social media, internal comms and almost every other marketing purpose. So, it’s not surprising that increasing numbers have set up their in-house video production departments and that these teams contain many excellent film makers.
You might think that Kontent would resent this competition. But far from sobbing in our edit bays, we like collaboration with internal teams, and it’s something we do more and more. So why do companies who have set up their own resource still sometimes turn to us?
1. Overflow
Your team might be working well, but occasional bursts of activity can overload even the hardest working teams. Rather than taking on unnecessary headcount, bringing in an outside crew on a temporary basis can ease pressure.
2. A new creative angle
Your internal team is often working across the same brands and product cycles. Even the most creative minds can slip into a routine. Sometimes an outside gaze can inject new passion into your process.
3. A different discipline
Perhaps you animate a lot of your explainer videos, or perhaps you use a similar graphical style on each project. A one-off change, using a team with different creative disciplines can create a welcome surprise to your communications.
4. Experimentation
Would it be better to bring in a creative director (or not to have one?) Should you be using different crews, more or less equipment? Are edits taking too long, or is not enough time being allowed? An external team can allow you to test assumptions without causing internal ructions.
5. Cost
A lot of the rationale for using internal teams is that they are often cheaper than employing third parties. But this isn’t always so. It’s worth testing out value frequently. Using an external production house can keep costs keen.
So, if you have your own department, what should you look for in a complementary outside production house?
1. Discretion
It’s crucial that if you’re bringing in an external crew, they understand that they are working with and for your permanent people. It’s important that they are respectful and discreet.
2. Flexibility
You’ll have established procedures and structures. Third parties need to be able to work easily within your organizational parameters.
3. Quick learners
If they are coming in as a result of time pressure, or on any temporary engagement, the external production house needs to be able to understand your creative challenge, as well as your brand and tone of voice - fast!
4. Faithfulness to Your Creative Vision
Of course, an external creative viewpoint can be refreshing. Maybe that’s why you’ve brought one in. But they must be true to your overall creative vision. No big egos!
5. Trustworthy
If you’re coping with overflow, you need to make sure that your external agency can be trusted to deliver on time and on budget, else you’re swapping one set of problems for another!
With or without your internal team, Kontent has been trusted by brands for 20 years to produce award winning video.
Call or email Marc Heal now on 6692780109 / marc@kontentfilms.com to discuss your project