Let’s say you know you need to film a video next month. First of all, that’s great! Video offers countless benefits through the entire marketing funnel, so committing to your video strategy is a no-brainer. But what happens next? How do you know what kind of support you need, where to find it, and what to expect throughout the process?

The short answer is that you have options. Depending on what you need, you may be able to work with a videographer directly. But in many cases, you’ll want to hire a professional video production company to manage more of the process.

Explore the differences and learn which option is best for your next video below! 

Key Differences Between a Videographer and a Production Company

Let’s get some definitions out of the way first. A videographer is the person on set who operates the camera. Naturally, videographers play a crucial role in the production process. Their expertise helps you capture the right shots, ensure high-quality footage, and generally bring your vision to life. 

So, what’s a video production company? Production companies manage the full scope of your video project, typically from the initial ideation through the final edit. 

By working with a video production company, you’ll also get to work with the specific professionals that will be needed at every stage of your project. That will almost always include a videographer, but it may also include a producer, a creative director, a scriptwriter, a director, a gaffer, an editor, and any other niche talent that your video may require.

As you can see, the main difference between a videographer and a production company is how much of your project they’ll be involved with. A videographer has one sole purpose: capturing the footage that will go into your final video. A production company has a broader scope, helping develop the video’s strategy, hone the creative direction, capture the footage, and edit the final clips.

Benefits of Hiring a Videographer

Despite their limited scope, videographers are a great choice for some types of video projects. Here are a few of the reasons you may choose to hire a videographer for your next shoot.

Availability

Because videographers just shoot the content itself, they may be available on shorter notice than a production company. Their intake process is likely to be simpler, and because there are fewer details to coordinate, they may be able to show up for last-minute projects. If you need to film something tomorrow, you’re much more likely to be able to secure a videographer than a production company. 

Affordability

Videographers will also typically be cheaper to hire than a production company. However, remember that you’re also getting a more advanced deliverable—and more day-to-day support—from the production company. Much of the cost difference can be explained by the fact that videographers perform a more limited service than production companies. 

Regardless, if you’re on a budget and you’re trying to be scrappy with your resources, a videographer may be your best option. 

Benefits of Hiring a Production Company

So, what are the benefits of hiring a professional production company? We’re so glad you asked. Here’s what you’ll gain from working with an entire team of production professionals. 

Strategic Guidance 

While video content is especially effective at driving business goals, not all video is created equal. Some types of content are better suited toward specific goals than others, which is why creating a thoughtful video strategy is so important. 

If you’re not immersed in the video world, you might not know how to get the best results from your video content. That’s where a production company comes in. They’ll offer a level of strategic expertise that a videographer doesn’t. Unless you already have a crystal-clear brief for your video content (and you’re confident it’s the right approach for your desired outcome), this guidance is invaluable.

Full-Service Support

Similarly, working with a production company ensures that you’ll have support through the entire process. When you work with a videographer, they’ll deliver the raw video footage, and your engagement with them will end. From that point forward, it’s up to you to figure out how to turn the clips into high-quality, effective videos.

Production companies are different. They’ll start by creating the video’s brief alongside you, incorporating the strategic expertise that we touched on above. Then, they’ll secure the location, talent, props, and any other materials you’ll need throughout your shoot. They’ll also schedule the necessary crew members to capture the best footage on set—including a videographer. And finally, they’ll edit that footage into a beautifully finished video.

When they’re finished, instead of receiving raw footage, you’ll receive a completed video file that’s ready to upload or distribute. 

Access to Talent Network

Last but not least, a video production company is likely to have a robust talent network to tap into. If your project needs an experienced set dresser, they’ll know where to find one. If you need a voiceover artist with a specific accent, they’ll know who to call. If you need an editor who’s skilled at 3D animation, they’ll likely have one on staff. 

Every professional in their network is a resource that you don’t have to research and secure yourself, which makes your project much easier to complete. Win, win! 

Work With Lemonlight

Convinced that a video production company is the way to go? We’d love to work with you! At Lemonlight, we offer our clients all the benefits we outlined above—and then some. Schedule a call below to discuss your video goals with an Executive Producer.