Beyond Dawlish

Video isn’t just content anymore — it’s your first impression, your brand voice, your sales pitch, and often, your most powerful marketing tool. Whether you’re launching a product, explaining a service, or telling your brand’s story, the right video can transform how people see your business.

But hiring a video production company isn’t just about finding someone with a camera. It’s about choosing a creative partner who understands your goals, audience, and message.

Before you commit, here’s what you really need to ask — questions that go beyond budget and deadlines, and help ensure your project actually delivers value.

1. What Is the Real Purpose of the Video — and Do You Get It?

Most businesses jump into video production with an idea, but not always a purpose. A great production team will ask you the tough questions first:

• Who is this video for?

• What action do you want the viewer to take?

• How will success be measured?

If they jump into storyboards without asking about your strategy, that’s a red flag.

Pro tip: The right team helps you define success before they press "record".

2. Can You Show Me Videos That Solved a Similar Problem?

Anyone can show a flashy showreel — but can they show results?

Ask to see examples where they helped:

• Increase conversions on a product landing page
   

• Drive traffic to a campaign
   

• Simplify a complex idea through motion graphics
   

Look for proof they understand business challenges — not just cinematic flair.

3. How Will You Make This Video Feel Like Us?

Your video should feel uniquely yours. It should reflect your values, your tone, and the trust you’ve built with your audience.

Ask:

• How do you capture brand personality?
   

• Will you work with our existing brand assets or create something fresh?
   

• How do you ensure consistency with our other marketing materials?
   

Remember: a great video doesn’t just tell a story — it tells your story.

4. What Kind of Team Will We Be Working With?

Production quality depends not only on equipment, but on the people behind it.

Clarify:

• Will you be working with a dedicated producer?
   

• Do they bring in freelance crew, or is it an in-house team?
   

• Will the same people handle planning, filming and editing?
   

Why it matters: Miscommunication happens when your project is passed between departments or freelancers with no context.

5. What Are the Hidden Timelines I Should Know About?

A 2-minute video might only take a day to shoot — but the full production timeline could span weeks.

Ask about:

• Pre-production time (scripting, approvals)
   

• Post-production time (edits, voiceovers, reviews)
   

• How long revisions typically take
   

Understanding the full timeline prevents disappointment or missed deadlines, especially if you're aligning with a product launch or campaign.

6. What Happens After the Video Is Delivered?

Videos don’t market themselves. Yet many companies hand over a final file and disappear.

Ask:

• Do you offer video SEO or platform optimisation?
   

• Can you provide resized versions for social media?
   

• Do you offer performance tracking or split-testing support?
   

Videos are assets. Make sure you’re getting the support to use them effectively.

7. Will I Own the Final Video — and the Raw Footage?

Ownership is often overlooked until it’s too late.

Be sure to clarify:

• Do you get full usage rights — online, offline, paid ads?
   

• Are music and voiceovers royalty-free or limited?
   

• Can you access raw files in case you want to repurpose content later?

Protect your investment by getting this in writing.

Final Thought: Ask Like a Partner, Not Just a Client

You’re not just hiring someone to make a video — you’re choosing a partner to help you communicate your message, elevate your brand, and drive meaningful results.

The right video production services team won’t just answer these questions — they’ll ask you smart ones in return. That’s how you know you’ve found a team that’s genuinely invested in your success.