If you’re seeing this page it’s probably because you reached out to us about an upcoming video project (or you’re just
snooping around the site). Either way, welcome!
What excites us most is storytelling and getting creative, BUT first we have to understand the parameters around the project. Where is the edge of the sandbox? This list of foundational questions helps us get oriented to what you’re trying to achieve and what resources we have to work with so we can get you an accurate proposal and align on expectations.
Of course, it’s a conversation, not an interrogation. And, every one is different. Depending on what you’re looking for, we may ask more, we may ask less and of course we’ll discuss our storytelling process and intro our talented team. So, here goes.
1. What’s the high-level overview?
In a few sentences, tell us the overview of what you are trying to achieve so we can get properly oriented. We don’t need to get into the details quite yet. The more concise the better at this early stage.
2. What’s the goal of your video/(s) and project?
3. Who is the audience?
Telling a story to industry insiders is a much different video than telling one to the general public. Is it for philanthropists, hospital COOs, parents of young people with disabilities, seniors about to retire, truly for the general public? The more direction here the better. Knowing the audience is crucial to help our team frame scripts, plan interviews and brainstorm the creative.
4. Do you have a concept in mind?
Okay, we can get a little creative on this first call. Our creative team is second to none, award-winning, eager to tell some stories and give strong opinions on how to execute. But what’s your vision? Are you thinking docu-style (interviews & broll), a highly conceptual commercial, a funny idea, an animation style? Is there voice-over or actors with dialogue, someone talking directly to the camera? Do you have a link to a video/(s) that inspire you?
If you want to leave it up to us, we’re great with that. But we’ll happily take any clues about what is important or interesting to you. Leave us some bread crumbs!
5. How many videos and what length?
It’s okay if you’re not sure, we can talk it through. A very popular request is a main 2:00 video with a :60 and :30 cut-down version. Of course, it varies greatly from 10 seconds to 1 hour or more. TV ads need to be of certain lengths, but most online ads don’t. Going back to your goals might help inform this answer. An emotional documentary at a gala can be longer because there’s a captive audience. A commercial at the top of the sales funnel needs to be quick.
6. When do you need the final video/(s) in hand?
How long does it take to produce video? It simply depends on what the production requires. A large-scale commercial might be 2-6 months. A 2:00 testimonial video using interviews and broll and a couple shorter versions generally takes 2-4 weeks from start to finish. Some factors include everyone’s schedules, how many locations are required, whether there are any fancy animated elements/visual effects, and how smooth the revisions process goes. We are generally pretty flexible with tighter turnarounds or special requests, but we’ll let you know if it’s not possible.
One thing to also consider is who needs to sign off on the final version. Sometimes we’ll produce the film very quick with lower-level approval only to experience a bottleneck from an unexpected committee or busy executive later on.
7. Do you have a budget range in mind?
That’s the bulk of what we’re hoping to learn from the initial call! If you haven’t already reached out about your next video project, get in touch. We’re looking forward to chatting more.
