Hiring a video production company should be exciting! You're about to take an idea, a message, or a story and turn it into something people can actually see, hear, and remember. Pretty awesome, right?
But here's the thing: making a great video takes a whole lot more than showing up with a camera, pressing record, and hoping for the best.
Whether you're hiring someone to create a television commercial, corporate video, marketing video, training video, product launch, explainer video, or animated masterpiece, the process behind the scenes matters just as much as the finished product.
At Savvy Productions, we've spent years developing a process that makes video production feel easy for our clients while delivering videos they're genuinely proud to share. We've also learned a thing or two about what can go wrong when important steps get skipped.
So, if you're considering hiring a video production company, here are some things you should expect. And if a company you're talking to isn't doing these things, you might want to ask a few more questions before signing on the dotted line.
1. They Should Start With a Discovery Meeting, Not a Camera
Here's a question: How can a video production company create the right video if they don't understand why you need one in the first place?
They can't. At least, not very well.
Before we start talking about cameras, scripts, animation, or creative concepts, we want to understand the big picture.
What problem are you trying to solve? Who are you trying to reach? What do you want people to think, feel, or do after watching your video?
That's what our discovery meeting is all about.
We take the time to learn about your business, audience, goals, expectations, and budget. We want to hear your ideas.
Maybe you have a very specific vision. Maybe you know you need a video but aren't quite sure what it should look like. Both are perfectly fine!
Sometimes, during this conversation, we discover that video isn't actually the best solution.
And yes, we've turned down projects and pointed potential clients towards another company because we believed that company offered a better solution for their needs.
Why? Because the goal shouldn't be to sell you a video. It should be to help you solve your problem.
A little red flag: If a video production company is ready to throw a price at you without asking about your goals, audience, budget, or expectations, be careful. You deserve more than a generic quote and a camera operator.
2. They Should Have a Pre-Production Plan
Once we understand what you're trying to accomplish, it's time to start planning how we're going to make it happen.
Welcome to pre-production!
This is where ideas start turning into an actual production plan. The exact process looks different for every project, but it can include:
Developing creative concepts or refining the ideas you already have.
Writing scripts and interview questions.
Creating storyboards and visual references.
Building a filming schedule and production timeline.
Hiring actors, presenters, or voice talent.
Designing and building props.
Scouting filming locations.
Planning camera setups, lighting, and other production details.
For an animation-only project, pre-production might look a little different. We may spend more time developing the visual style, storyboards, illustrations, and animation direction.
The important thing is that someone is thinking through the details before production begins.
Good pre-production saves time, prevents surprises, and helps everyone understand what we're creating. It also gives you an opportunity to review the direction before the cameras start rolling.
Think of it this way: You wouldn't build a house without blueprints. Why would you make a video without a plan?
A little red flag: If your production company wants to skip planning and figure everything out on filming day, that's a recipe for wasted time, unexpected expenses, and a video that might not match what you had in mind.
3. Filming Takes Longer Than You Think (And You Should Be Invited!)
Now comes the fun part: filming!
If your project involves live-action production, this is where all that pre-production planning pays off. The crew arrives, the lights come on, the cameras start rolling, and the movie magic begins.
But there's something many first-time video clients don't realize.
It takes a lot longer to make television than it does to watch television.
A 30-second commercial might take an entire day to film. A corporate interview that appears to last two minutes in the finished video could require hours of setup, lighting, multiple takes, and different camera angles.
Why does it take so long?
Because capturing great footage takes time. We aren't just recording what happens in front of the camera. We're thinking about composition, lighting, sound, camera movement, background details, continuity, and how every shot will fit into the finished video.
The extra time and attention are what help separate a polished marketing video from something that looks like it was filmed in someone's spare bedroom.
And this brings us to something we feel strongly about…
You Should Be Part of the Filming Process
Recently, we were filming a project, and the client was surprised when we asked them to be with us during production.
We weren't asking them to carry equipment, hold a light, or fetch snacks (although we're not opposed to good snacks). We wanted them there because their input matters!
You know your business better than we do. You know your products, your people, your customers, and the little details that someone outside your organization might overlook.
Having you or a designated decision-maker available during filming gives us the opportunity to collaborate in real time.
Maybe you notice something in the background that doesn't represent your brand. Maybe you have an idea for another shot. Maybe an interview answer sparks a great follow-up question we hadn't considered. Those little moments can make a big difference in the finished video.
It also gives us a chance to catch potential problems before they become expensive problems.
Once the crew packs up and leaves, going back to film something again can mean bringing everyone back together, rehiring talent, reserving locations, and rebuilding sets. That can get expensive fast!
We want you to be excited about what we're capturing, not surprised by what you see weeks later.
You don't need to direct the production. That's our job! But having your voice in the room can make the final video even better.
A little red flag: If your production company doesn't want your input or can't explain how you'll be involved in the filming process, ask why. Your knowledge and perspective are valuable, and a good production partner should welcome them.
4. Post-Production Is Where the Movie Magic Happens
The cameras have stopped rolling. The equipment is packed away. Now what?
It's time for post-production!
This is where we take the vision developed during pre-production and all the footage captured during filming and turn it into a finished video.
At Savvy Productions, this is where our awesome team gets to put on its wizard hats.
Post-production can include several different creative disciplines, depending on the project.
Video Editing
Editing is about much more than putting clips in the right order. It's about storytelling.
We select the best takes, build the story, find the right pacing, create transitions, and make sure every moment serves a purpose.
A great edit keeps people watching and helps the message connect.
Animation and Motion Graphics
Sometimes a camera simply can't capture what you need to communicate. That's where animation and motion graphics come in.
We create animated visuals, diagrams, titles, charts, product demonstrations, and other graphics that help explain complicated ideas or make a video more engaging.
Whether it's a subtle animated logo or a full-blown animated explainer video, these elements can make a big difference.
Audio Sweetening and Sound Design
Ever watched a video with terrible audio? It doesn't matter how beautiful the footage is. Bad sound can make the entire production feel unprofessional.
Audio sweetening includes cleaning up dialogue, balancing audio levels, reducing unwanted noise, adding music, and incorporating sound effects.
Sound design can also help create an atmosphere, build excitement, and make visuals feel more immersive.
Color Grading
Color grading gives a video its final visual polish. We adjust color, contrast, brightness, and overall appearance to create a consistent look and feel.
It can help make a video feel cinematic, warm, energetic, dramatic, or whatever best supports the story.
Visual Effects (VFX)
Visual effects allow us to create things that would be difficult, expensive, or sometimes impossible to capture in real life.
From removing unwanted objects to creating entirely new environments, VFX can take a project somewhere pretty extraordinary.
The key is making all these elements work together. Editing, animation, sound, color, and visual effects shouldn't feel like separate pieces. They should come together to create one cohesive experience.
You Should Be Invited Into the Edit
Here's another thing we believe: post-production should be collaborative.
At Savvy Productions, we have a dedicated edit bay, and our clients are always welcome to be part of the editing process.
You might have an idea for a better opening, notice a detail we overlooked, or suggest a different way to communicate something. Some of our best ideas come from our clients!
We know our craft, but you know your business. Combining those two perspectives is how we create something truly awesome.
You should also have a clear opportunity to review the video and provide feedback before it's finalized. Make sure you understand how many rounds of revisions are included in your agreement so everyone knows what to expect
A little red flag: If a production company disappears after filming and you have little opportunity to review or contribute to the edit, you may end up with a video that looks great but doesn't quite accomplish what you wanted.
5. They Should Have a Real Team Behind the Camera
This is a big one, and it's something worth looking into before hiring a video production company.
Many video production companies are essentially one-person operations. That isn't automatically a bad thing. There are some very talented independent filmmakers out there!
But you should understand who is actually doing the work.
Are you hiring a full-service production company with an established team, or are you hiring one person who will bring in a collection of freelancers for every project? There's a difference.
At Savvy Productions, we have our own custom-built production studio in South Jordan, Utah, and a full-time team of creative professionals. Our team includes the people responsible for producing, directing, cinematography, editing, and motion graphics.
That means you're working with the same creative team that produced the videos in our portfolio.
We aren't showing you a collection of amazing videos created by people you'll never meet. You're getting access to the people who actually make the movie magic happen.
Why Does a Full-Service Video Production Company Matter?
A full-service video production company can offer some pretty significant advantages:
One team from start to finish. Your project doesn't have to bounce between unrelated companies or contractors. The people planning the video understand how it will be filmed, edited, and finished.
Better communication. There's a consistent team working toward the same goal. That makes it easier to keep everyone on the same page.
A more cohesive creative vision. When production, editing, animation, and motion graphics work together, the finished video feels more connected.
More capabilities under one roof. Need live-action filming, animation, visual effects, or a combination of everything? A full-service company can bring those pieces together without requiring you to coordinate multiple vendors.
Accountability. You know who's responsible for the work, and you have an established team to turn to throughout the project.
This doesn't mean freelancers are bad. We work with talented freelance professionals when a project calls for additional expertise. The important thing is knowing who is responsible for your project and whether the team has the experience and resources to deliver.
A little red flag: If you can't get a straight answer about who will actually be working on your video, or if the company can't explain how its production and post-production capabilities fit together, ask more questions.
6. Communication Should Be a Priority, Not an Afterthought
Let's talk about something that can make or break a video project: communication.
You can have the best cinematographer, the coolest camera equipment, and the most creative editor in the world. But if nobody understands what the client wants, things can go sideways pretty quickly.
Misunderstanding the vision during pre-production can be especially costly. Imagine spending an entire day filming something only to discover that the client had a completely different idea in mind.
That's why communication needs to happen throughout the entire process.
You should know what's happening, what's coming next, what decisions need to be made, and when your input is needed. Your production company should be approachable, responsive, and willing to answer questions.
At Savvy Productions, we take communication seriously. It's one of the reasons we're so proud of our overwhelming number of five-star Google reviews.
Our clients consistently talk about how easy we are to work with, how organized our process is, and how much they appreciate our communication.
We don't want you wondering what's happening with your project or chasing us down for an update. We want you to feel confident, informed, and excited about what's coming next.
A little red flag: If communication is difficult before you've even hired the company, don't expect it to magically improve once they have your deposit.
7. They Should Take Your Deadlines Seriously
Creative people have a reputation for being a little... unpredictable when it comes to deadlines.
We've all heard the stories. The project is almost done. The editor needs one more day. Then another. Then one more little adjustment.
Suddenly, your big presentation, product launch, conference, or advertising campaign is right around the corner, and your video still isn't finished.
That's not a fun place to be…
At Savvy Productions, we've never missed a deadline. And when we say never, we mean never.
We've even had to build a Super Bowl television commercial just three days before the big game. Yes, three days. Talk about a gnarly turnaround!
Deadlines matter because your video usually has a job to do. It might need to be ready for a trade show, an important presentation, a television campaign, a product launch, or a major company announcement.
A great video delivered after the moment has passed isn't nearly as useful as a great video delivered on time.
Ask your potential production company how it manages schedules, what its typical turnaround times look like, and how it handles unexpected challenges.
Also, remember that your own feedback and approvals affect the timeline. A good production company should communicate those milestones clearly so everyone knows what's needed to keep the project moving.
A little red flag: If a company makes big promises about turnaround times but can't explain how it plans to meet them, proceed carefully.
8. Look Beyond the Sales Pitch: Evaluate Their Portfolio, Reviews, and Awards
There are a lot of video production companies out there, and just about every one of them claims to be the best.
So how do you figure out who's actually good? Look at the work!
Review Their Portfolio
Don't just look at a company's website and watch the first video that appears. Spend some time exploring its portfolio.
Do the videos look professional? Is the storytelling engaging? Does the company demonstrate different styles and capabilities? Can it produce the type of video you need?
If you're hiring someone to create a corporate video, look for examples of corporate storytelling. If you need animation, watch their animation work. If you're producing a television commercial, see what their commercials look like.
Most importantly, ask yourself this:
Would I be proud to share a video like this with my customers, employees, or audience?
…That's a pretty good test.
Read Their Reviews
Reviews can tell you a lot about what it's actually like to work with a company.
Look beyond the star rating. Read what clients say about communication, professionalism, creativity, reliability, and the overall experience.
A company might have beautiful videos, but if its clients consistently complain about missed deadlines, poor communication, or a difficult process, that's worth paying attention to.
At Savvy Productions, we're incredibly proud of our large number of five-star Google reviews. They're validation that the experience matters just as much as the finished video.
Look at Their Awards
Awards can be another useful way to evaluate a production company, but not all awards are created equal.
Find out what awards they've won and who gives them out.
Have they received recognition from established organizations?
Are they winning awards for actual video production, editing, cinematography, animation, or storytelling?
For example, an Emmy Award is a widely recognized honor in television and video production. Other respected industry awards, such as Telly Awards and American Advertising Federation awards, can also help demonstrate the quality of a company's work.
At Savvy Productions, we've been fortunate to receive recognition through Emmy Awards, nominations, Telly Awards, AAF awards, and other industry honors.
We're proud of those awards, but we also know that the most important award is a happy client who loves the finished video.
9. Understand the Advantage of Hiring a Full-Service Video Production Company
Before you make your final decision, think about the bigger picture.
A video project can involve strategy, creative development, scripting, filming, editing, animation, sound design, color grading, visual effects, and delivery.
When you hire a full-service video production company, you have one creative partner coordinating those pieces.
That can make a huge difference.
Instead of hiring one company to write your script, another to film it, another to animate it, and someone else to edit everything together, you have one team overseeing the entire process.
The benefits go beyond convenience.
Your creative team can make decisions with the finished video in mind from the very beginning. The person developing the concept understands what can realistically be filmed. The cinematographer understands what the editor will need. The editor can collaborate with the motion graphics artist. And everyone is working toward the same vision.
It also gives you one point of contact and one company responsible for bringing the project together.
At Savvy Productions, we love projects that combine live-action video, animation, motion graphics, and visual effects. Having those capabilities under one roof lets us think bigger and find creative ways to tell stories.
It's all about making the process easier for you and making the finished video even better.
So, Who Should You Trust With Your Next Video?
Hiring a video production company is an investment. You deserve a team that understands your goals, plans carefully, communicates clearly, welcomes your ideas, and delivers work you can't wait to share.
Before choosing a company, ask yourself:
Did they take the time to understand what I'm trying to accomplish?
Do they have a clear pre-production process?
Will I have opportunities to contribute during filming and editing?
Do they have the people and resources to complete the entire project?
Are they easy to communicate with?
Can I trust them to meet my deadline?
Does their portfolio demonstrate the quality and style I'm looking for?
Do their reviews and industry recognition support what they're promising?
And here's one more question worth asking…
Will this company make me look like a rock star?
Because that's what a great video production partner should do.
At Savvy Productions, we believe the entire experience should be awesome, from the first discovery meeting to the moment you see the finished video. We want you to feel confident sharing your project with the world, knowing it represents your business exactly how you want it to.
We're an Emmy Award-winning, full-service Utah video production company with a dedicated studio, a full-time creative team, and a passion for bringing great stories to life.
We've spent years making movie magic for businesses and organizations throughout Utah and across the country. And we love every minute of it.
There are plenty of companies that can make a video. We're here to make the experience easy, the process collaborative, and the finished product something you're proud to share.
Savvy Productions — Making Video Production Feel Easy.
Ready to make something awesome? Let's talk about your next project!
