| You know what you want, but where do you find it? | | | | on-location in another country. |
| The hunt for a production company requires the | | | | The production company will provide the crew for |
| knowledge of where to look; however, the hunt for | | | | your video. The crew for a simple video will include a |
| a great production company involves much more | | | | producer, camera operator and a sound technician. |
| consideration. | | | | For small projects, the producer can double as |
| Disregard your phonebook and go straight to the | | | | director; for the simplest projects, the producer may |
| World Wide Web. Through the continual growth of | | | | be a single cameraman. Including on-camera talent |
| online resources, you might be able to conduct your | | | | includes a larger crew consisting of a production |
| entire search at a desk. All reputable production | | | | assistant, lighting directors, make-up artists, wardrobe |
| companies have homepages with easily accessible | | | | assistants and more. |
| information and demo material. | | | | A turnkey production company, which offers all |
| Reputation is an important track to follow. A | | | | pre-production to post-production services in-house, is |
| first-hand client testimonial can tell you a lot about | | | | often the most cost-effective option for video |
| general rapport, professionalism, the overall process | | | | projects. Production companies typically own the |
| and the final outcome. You may discover that a | | | | necessary production resources and do not need to |
| famed production company really does not provide | | | | hire or rent from other vendors. |
| the quality of a smaller, lesser known one. | | | | When choosing between companies, compare each |
| While personal referrals are often the most helpful, | | | | based on their answers to the following questions: |
| keep in mind how knowledgeable your source is. Use | | | | What type of productions do you specialize in? |
| the opportunity to inquire about the experience and | | | | Do you have experience in the type of product I'm |
| view the final product. If any element of the video | | | | planning to create? |
| appeals to you, find out the origins behind it. The | | | | What will I need to contribute to the project? |
| animation might be unusually impressive, the | | | | Also, view a variety of their sample reels. Often |
| soundtrack undeniably gripping or the editing | | | | these can be located on the company's website as |
| seamlessly suspenseful, so ask for names. | | | | well as on DVD. |
| Has the production company been recognized and | | | | The production company may need to schedule and |
| acclaimed by fellow filmmakers? Websites usually | | | | coordinate different phases of the project with you |
| devote a space to brandish any honors. Regional and | | | | or someone else from your company. Share your |
| national awards showcase superior work. Prominent | | | | vision with the production company during your initial |
| competitions include the Emmys, the Accolades, The | | | | meeting. Good producers are experts in the technical |
| Videographer awards, the New York Festivals, the | | | | aspects of production, but great producers are also |
| International Film and Video Festivals and the Telly | | | | passionate about the projects. |
| Awards. While all awards are noteworthy, some | | | | Film and video are ever-present in our culture, |
| signify more than others. Be aware of how each | | | | breeding sophisticated audiences with high |
| award is determined. For example, an Emmy honors | | | | expectations. In the end, your audience must focus |
| work that excels beyond all other competition, while | | | | on your message rather than on the method in which |
| a Telly is awarded to any work that meets set | | | | it is communicated; its purpose cannot be lost in or |
| standards. | | | | distracted by its form. The current price of video |
| Depending on your budget, location may or may not | | | | production tools allows almost anyone to produce, |
| be a factor in who you choose to hire. Travel fees, | | | | edit and broadcast, so be meticulous in your decision. |
| including gasoline and lodging fees, will ultimately be | | | | A professional production company has the expertise |
| charged back to your account. The convenience of a | | | | to convey your message through media, not in spite |
| production company down the street will hardly | | | | of it. |
| matter if your project requires them to shoot | | | | |