We all know how important using video content is as a part of your wider marketing and communication strategy. The benefits of it are well and truly documented! Often the first place people will go to when they're looking to outsource their video content creation is Google. Do you search for "videographer" or "video production company"?

Perhaps the more important question is... what's the difference?

Videographers and Video Production companies have the same goal in mind: to produce engaging video content that will achieve your communication goals. But the process they use and often the end results can be very different.

Quick side note here: Obviously we're a Video Production company. I know what you're thinking - we're going to absolutely discourage you from using Videographers and detail the endless list of amazing reasons why Video Production companies are the only way to go.

Well, spoiler alert, we're not!

Perhaps a Video Production company isn't always right for your project.

Perhaps a Videographer is exactly what you need.

This blog will give you a fair and objective look at the pros and cons of using both. So let's dive in.

Why is it important to know the difference?

Knowing the difference between a Videographer and a Video Production company means you can make an educated decision on which will best meet your needs. And if you hire one expecting it to have the traits of the other that can often lead to major disappointment. So being clear before making your decision will put you in a great position and set you up for success.

What is a Videographer?

A Videographer is usually a one-person camera, lighting, sound and editing freelancer. They usually work on an hourly, half-day or full day rate for their filming and editing. Often they'll be the sole person in charge of filming your project and then editing it. They usually have a small but effective amount of gear to achieve your desired look.

Most Videographers are freelancers who then expand and start offering other highly sought-after services (a.k.a they eventually become a Video Production Company). Often this means Videographers are in the early stage of their careers and might be cheaper than full-service agencies.

What is a Video Production company?

A Video Production company offers end-to-end services that take your project from idea through to final file delivery.

You'll get access to a whole team of creatives who work together across the entire pre-production, production and post-production process to produce your content. From creative producers, directors, cinematographers, stylists, videographers, editors, to SFX artists, a Video Production company assigns the right team of specialists to your unique project.

One of the most important people to have on this journey is a producer. This person is responsible for all the nitty-gritty details like location sourcing, casting, script writing, scheduling, interviewing, and anything else your project needs to actually...happen. Having a dedicated and experienced producer means your internal team aren't responsible for managing all of these moving parts.

The other thing you get with a Video Production company? Ideas. Creative concepts are what makes your content cut through the noise and speak to your target audience while championing your brand's message. Whether you come to your Video Production company with a fully-fledged idea or aren't even sure where to start, they'll be able to collaborate with you and create a killer concept that speaks to your audience.

When should you hire a Videographer?

A Videographer is perfect when you don't need help with any of the other production steps and just need someone to capture the footage you need. If you know exactly what you want and have a producer or someone in your team managing the production internally who can clearly communicate this to a Videographer, then a Videographer could be all you need.

Another side note: We would like to take a second here to say that it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking your project is "super simple!" or "won't take long at all!" or "just needs this one quick shot!" especially if you haven't worked with professional video services before. It's the old ' you don't know what you don't know' trap. Videographers are great if you're experienced and don't need additional resources or guidance throughout the production process.

Videographers also tend to be able to mobilise quite quickly due to their small (or even solo!) teams. If you need someone to film an event this Friday, a Videographer is more likely to be available than a Video Production company who manages projects over longer, more structured timelines.

When should you use a Video Production Company?

When you need more than just filming and editing!

If you don't have time to manage the ins and outs of producing video content, a Video Production company is an invaluable resource to have in your corner. We believe that your Video Production company should feel like an extension of your team. They should be across your company's values, mission, and messaging, and provide your team with expertise you can rely on to create content at the scale you need.

If you have multiple video content projects in the pipeline that vary in scale, scope, platform, audience, use, tone, and style, then a Video Production company will have the resources to service multiple projects with unique requirements across different timelines.

Should you hire a Videographer or a Video Production company?

We believe that the secret to great content is a great relationship. So at the end of the day it should come down to whoever you can develop a trusting, reliable and enjoyable working relationship with.

If you're unsure who you need, we recommend getting quotes from both solo freelance videographers and full-scale Video Production agencies and see what fits your brand and project best. This will take a bit of time and resources, but it's the only way to start a project with a solid foundation and find a provider that truly meets your needs.

If you'd like to get a quote from us so you can meet our team and see if we're a good fit for you, get a free quote here. We hope it's the beginning of a great relationship and making great content with you.