Sometimes receiving quotes from production companies can be like comparing apples with oranges. Monsters with Bears, if you will.
There can literally be thousands and thousands of dollars in difference between what one production company may quote you, compared to another.
Why is this? Surely, if the brief is the same then the price points can’t vary all that much, can they?
Monster & Bear, a leading film & video production company based in Melbourne, Australia have outlined five key considerations to take into account when briefing a production company.
STEP 1. Remember, Production Is Scalable…
High production value is often achieved with large, efficient crews, highly specialised in each of their departments. This allows for every element within a frame to be nurtured and leaves no stone unturned. Sometimes it is possible to strategically cut this crew formation down in order to save cost, but it is often at the cost of something else.
As an example, if there isn’t the budget for a Lighting Assistant, this will then put more pressure on the Gaffer (head of lighting) to do setups on their own. By not paying for this component, it may cost valuable time on set, and could come at the expense of the loss of a shot or two. For any given situation, quotes from production companies should be based on their facility and the estimated cost they think what will achieve the best result, and not simply the lowest price they can complete a project for. Knowing where and why production costs are being allocated will allow you to know the difference between a production company that is investing in your production versus simply pocketing profit margins just because they can. Remember, after a quote is received you can always discuss ways to scale the project back from there if necessary.
It’s worth taking this information into account when receiving a quote that might be a little higher than you were expecting. Every cost included in a film or video production quote should be an investment in the quality of your content.
STEP 2. Supply Visual References
Almost always, it’s possible to draw inspiration from other works in order to create a mood board. Below are some creative choices to think about when putting together a list of visual references that are invaluably helpful to any film and video production company:
Camera Movement:
You like the way the camera movement helps to tell a story, or you might even be able to reference the camera angles used in an interview setting, for instance in a corporate video production that you have seen before.
Edit Structure:
You like the way another piece might be cut together as a montage, the amount of breathing room and space between dialogue or pace of the general action.
Music:
You can supply references that have music or a general tone to it, similar to what you require.
Sound:
Do you like the way the sound of another piece ignites the senses? Is it relevant to your film in some way perhaps?
Colour/Grade:
Do you like the kind of “filter” or look of the footage you’ve seen elsewhere? Getting a sense for your tastes can help a film or video production company down the line when it comes to the colour grading process.
STEP 3. Know Your Locations
Knowing where you want to film, or at least the kind of location/s you would like to feature, can impact the logistics of a shoot quite dramatically. It’s also important for a video or film production company to know whether locations and access can be supplied, or whether this will require further location scouting and management on the production company’s end.
STEP 4. Talent vs. Non-Talent
Talent is, hands down, the hardest component for a film or video production company to quote out on a project. There is no rulebook or chart on how much talent can or should cost. It is important for the production company to know whether you will be supplying the talent, or whether the shoot will require casting of any kind (voiceover artists included).
STEP 5. Be As Specific As Possible
And lastly, here’s one final fill-in-the-blanks checklist to consider upon briefing any potential film or video production team, and will apply to the majority of corporate video production, web video production, animation video production:
We do / do not require audio.
We do / do not require a second or third camera (if you’re not sure most video production companies can advise you on this)
The number of expected filming locations are…
The number of setups within each location include…
The video will be guided by voiceover / speaker-to-camera / graphics / other
All of the required outputs include (Eg. 1 x 30 sec edit, 1 x 15 sec edit)
The deadline for the final deliverables is…
By working through this information, we hope that we’ve given you some food for thought when it comes to your next production.
Company location and details can be found at Monster & Bear Video Production Melbourne
Media Contact
Company Name: Monster and Bear Film and Video Production Melbourne
Contact Person: Christopher Lichti
Email: Send Email
Phone: +61385903052
Address:13-19 Leslie St
City: Brunswick
State: VIC
Country: Australia
Website: https://monsterandbear.com.au/