Top Rated Video Production Agencies

Video production is the process of creating video content, whether that be for promotional use in marketing, documentary work such as at an event, or developing any sort of video-based content. This process includes everything from the initial idea, developing scripts, creating the content itself, and delivering a finished package.

In many cases, marketing and distributing the finished video content is also considered part of the video production process. A video production agency will cover all these aspects and more, with professional teams leading development, providing the necessary equipment and organisation for production, including cameras, lighting and other essentials as well as hiring actors as needed, directing and so on, and finally carrying out all post-production work including skilled editors and graphic artists as well as the equipment they require.

While this all sounds complex, and to an extent it is, creating video content can be as simple or involved as you wish, depending on the project.

The 5 stages of video production are:

This list includes many skills, and for smaller agencies there may be one or two people covering the main aspects of idea development, script progression, direction, shooting and editing footage, or they may bring in more people to cover for larger on location shoots and other additional tasks. Obviously this all adds to the cost, so it is worth ensuring that the scope of the video doesn't expand beyond your needs and budget.

Before you get anywhere near a set, production, or even a script, you must have a solid idea of what you want to achieve, and a plan to get you there. The idea must have substance, as it is the basis of everything that follows, and part of that is knowing who you are aiming your video content at. If you are developing an ad for instance, knowing who the product is for will dictate the style, maybe even the age of actors you use as well as other key elements.

From there, you must develop a central theme for the video.

In short, to plan a video production you will need to follow these steps:

Video production is basically the entire process of creating a video. Whether it's a short film, a full-length movie, business marketing video, television commercial, music video, or other type of film, the process may vary a little with the specifics, but the overall process is basically the same.

This means a team that bring the ideas, pre-production tasks such as casting actors, sourcing locations, writing scripts and building the production schedule. Once production begins, the video production agency will film, direct and manage the entire process to deliver the footage needed to complete the project. Once production is finished, they will also deliver the postproduction services required. This could be simply grading footage to ensure it maintains the highest quality for viewers and of course editing, but in many cases may need other work such as graphics or other effects, depending on the project.

Video production costs can range from $20 an hour for a fresh university graduate, to $250 an hour for a top tier video producer. On average, most video production companies come in at around the $75-$200 an hour mark, which includes shooting, editing and directing.

Other costs include any actors or voice over artists, location hire or set costs, costumes and other support services, but these are very much project specific. If you are making a promotional video about your new restaurant, you won't need to hire Hugh Jackman and the cast of Les Misérables to get your point across.