When to Shoot Video In-House and When to Hire a Professional
In today's digital landscape, video content has become a pivotal tool for creative businesses to engage with their audiences. At Hanna Creative Co., we guide clients on when to shoot video in-house or hire a professional. Whether art directing high-level brand and website videos or producing content for our monthly social media management clients, the demand for video content as a method of storytelling for creative businesses is ever-increasing.
When prioritizing your marketing budget, deciding to shoot video in-house or hire a professional can be critical. This decision impacts not only the quality of the content but also the efficiency of production, return on investment, and overall brand image. How do you know when to pick up the camera yourself and when to call in the pros? Let's explore.
The Case for Shooting In-House
Budget Constraints: Shooting video in-house can be cost-effective for startups and small creative businesses with limited budgets. Investing in basic equipment like DSLR cameras, tripods, and microphones can provide the essentials needed to produce decent-quality content while keeping your marketing budget in check.
Quick Turnaround: In-house videos allow for greater flexibility and faster turnaround times. When a project requires immediate attention or frequent updates, having an in-house team capable of shooting and editing video on demand can be invaluable.
Authenticity and Control: The final product aligns with the brand’s vision and values by maintaining creative control over the production process. In-house teams intimately understand the brand identity and can tailor content accordingly, resulting in authentic storytelling that resonates with the audience.
Types of videos to shoot in-house:
Social media videos that show behind-the-scenes process
Product highlight videos for social media
Educational videos for clients
Internal communications
When to Hire a Professional
Complex Projects: Professional videographers are best suited to handle projects requiring intricate cinematography, advanced editing techniques, or specialized equipment, whether a high-profile campaign or a cinematic brand film. Collaborating with experts ensures a polished final product that meets professional standards and will undoubtedly elevate your company’s brand.
Technical Expertise: Professional videographers bring years of experience and technical expertise to the table. From lighting setup to sound mixing, they possess the knowledge and skills to overcome challenges and deliver exceptional results, even in demanding shooting conditions.
Scalability: As businesses grow and expand their video content strategy, the demand for high-quality production may exceed the capabilities of an in-house team. Hiring professionals allows scalability, accommodates larger projects, and maintains consistency across multiple campaigns.
Time Efficiency: While in-house production offers flexibility, outsourcing to professionals can save time and streamline production. With experienced editors focused solely on the project, businesses can ensure efficient execution and timely delivery without requiring your internal team.
Types of Videos to Call in the Pros:
Website videos
Advertisement videos
Elevated social media videos to announce campaigns, collections, projects, or press.
Whether to shoot video in-house or hire a professional ultimately depends on various factors, including budget, project complexity, and desired quality. While in-house production offers advantages such as cost-effectiveness and creative control, professional videographers bring expertise, technical proficiency, and scalability. Striking the right balance between the two is key to maximizing the impact of video content and effectively engaging with audiences.
At Hanna Creative Co., we carefully evaluate each project’s needs and leverage the strengths of both approaches. We lead clients through this process while staying true to their brand identity and vision.