Answers

What should I ask a video production company before hiring one?

Before hiring a video production company, ask who will film and edit your project, what the process and timeline look like, how many revisions are included, exactly what you will receive and how pricing is structured. Ask to see work similar to yours. A production company with its own studio and a clear process should answer each of these questions directly and in writing.

By Anton Iakovenko, IAVA Productions · Last updated

Which questions matter most?

  1. Can I see work similar to what I need, and who made it?
  2. Who will be on set and who will edit the video?
  3. Do you have your own studio and equipment, or do you rent them?
  4. What are the steps from first call to final delivery, and how long does each take?
  5. How many revision rounds are included, and what happens after that?
  6. What exactly do I receive: file formats, social cuts, subtitles, raw footage?
  7. How do we review cuts, and who gives the notes?
  8. How is pricing structured, and is it itemized?
  9. What do you need from me before the shoot?

What are good signs in the answers?

  • They ask about your goal and audience before they talk about cameras or price.
  • Their timeline and revision policy are clear and written down.
  • Their quote lists each part of the project.
  • They can explain what is included and what is not, such as raw footage.

Examples from our work

  • RAVL. An About Us video designed to build instant credibility with new visitors who need to understand the brand quickly.

    See the project

How IAVA Productions does it

Here is how we answer those questions at IAVA Productions. We are a Toronto production company with our own studio in Kensington Market and our own equipment. Standard edits are delivered within 7 business days after the shoot, and two revision rounds are included. You receive high-resolution MP4 files plus cuts for social and the web. Raw footage is not included unless agreed. We review cuts with you on Frame.io, and quotes are in CAD with every line item listed.

Bring your questions to the first call. We are happy to answer all of them.

Talk to IAVA Productions →

Frequently asked questions

Should I compare several production companies?
Yes. Compare the work, the process and what is included, not only the number at the bottom of the quote.
Should a quote be itemized?
We think so. Each line item shows what you are paying for. Pricing depends on scope and production level.
Do I get the raw footage?
Not unless agreed. Ask this early, because it changes the scope.
Where is your studio?
IAVA Studio is at 250 Augusta Ave, Unit 204B, in Kensington Market, Toronto.

Related