Six Things Cheapo Video Production Companies Don’t Want You to Know
Ted asks: Brian, you talk so much about how that article “Six Things Expensive Video Production Companies Don’t Want You to Know” bothers you – why not just write an article called “Six Things Cheapo Video Production Companies Don’t Want You to Know”? this way it would show up in the search engines together and readers will get both sides.
Answer: With editing software and equipment purchased for pennies on the dollar from ebay, a full camera kit (with tripod included) bought at any consumer retail store 
and the free video production articles and training on the internet, any Joe-Schmoe can call themselves a “professional” overnight.
Cheapo videographers want you to think they can create the same content a pro can create- for less. Even though they look and sound professional, using all of the buzzwords and technical jargon to impress you, there are some details and traps being concealed under the sheep costume they’re wearing.
A cheapo videographer sees the potential to make quick cash producing a video for you. They don’t want you to go elsewhere- stooping to levels of offering outrageous discounts and package deals to undercut the professional competition just to get your business.
“Cheap” and “professional video” is all you hear before the venom starts to take it’s toll.
Before you reach into your wallet thinking you’re going to get the best bang for the buck, here are six things the cheapo video production company doesn’t want you to know:
1. They can create a video for you – that’s it.
Professionals not only create a video- they can tell a story. Professionals know the special techniques, the formulas and triggers that will sell a product or a service. Professionals have the experience and knowledge to weave together and create something compelling enough to keep a viewer interested without distractions getting in the way of your message.
2. They are not technical geniuses – pressing play and record on the camera is the extent of their knowledge. How to shoot in low light or no light, creative angles to use and getting excellent audio, to them, is the camera’s responsibility.
Professionals don’t rely on what they see in the camera’s viewfinder. They use a light kit with 3 points of light, light meters tell the temperature of the light source so your subject matter will have the correct skin tones or color. Professional know how to get rid of a shine on a bald spot.
Professionals use a lapel microphone to capture leveled audio and they hide it well – so it doesn’t look like an obnoxious black dot on your chest. They know sound from a microphone’s camera doesn’t cut it.
Professionals know what angles keep your video interesting.
3. Their equipment was bought at a consumer retail store – purchased from the open box aisle with a coupon. Final price: $175 and it included a bag and tripod. No thought was given to the technical details of the lens, lux rating, HD or SD? Unbalanced color temperature? The manuals are nothing more than alien code language and quickly ignored.
Professionals save their money for a camera they know they need. Their equipment perfectly matches the type of video work they do.
The video camera is a delicate tool for the video professional. It gives them the ability to take the creative ideas in their mind and craft a well designed, professional looking video.
Professionals take great care, time and thought in making an equipment selection. The tools they chose are considered an extension of who they are.
Like a successful company interviews dozens of applicants and there is only one person qualified to do the job right, the professional does the same when choosing his/her camera.
Like a woodcarver carefully creating a delicate, exquisite wooden chair – he/she chooses the best tools for the job – the same goes for a video professional.
4. They don’t really know how to edit – He’s over here, now he’s over there! Cut. Cut. Cut. Cut. Cut. Fade to black. Add music. Done. This is all they can do with the free editing software that comes bundled with their computer.
Professionals know when to cut and when to dissolve. They know when to use a closeup and when not to use a closeup. Transitions are used at the right time – not just thrown in because it “looks cool.”
Free editing software limitations are lifted with their use of professional editing software.
Professionals have dozens of editing add-ons and tools at their disposal to add that needed effect to your video.
Editing is an art. Not a bunch of paint splashed on a canvas.
5. This is the first time producing a video they’re actually getting paid for- sure, they did Aunt Elsie’s wedding and Sister Sue’s birthday party- Uncle Joe’s used car lot ad for cable – and now you hired them to do your corporate marketing video campaign targeted at thousands of your loyal customers.
The professional videographer not only produced weddings but moved up to corporate and commercial videos. They volunteered for local TV access stations, produced free videos for smaller businesses and even networked with people to produce more. He/she cooked slowly to perfection and knew it was time to start charging more after years of experience working in the trenches.
6. They have another full time job – most cheapo video production companies are one man bands. He/she is going to be editing your video alone, in their free time – after hours and on weekends. Producing your video is just a sideline job to make ends meet. They’re not really focused or concerned about building a business, buying additional equipment or training to enhance their craft.
When you make a call for changes or to check on progress, expect a quick email or phone call made during their lunch break.
For the professional, your video is top priority.
They can’t wait to get up in the morning to start production – this is their passion. They are driven to complete the video in a timely fashion to your complete satisfaction.
Professionals make followup phone calls to schedule appointments, they want you to be updated on their progress, they want you to be involved in making changes or updates that will lead to a final video you will be happy with.
There are many more reasons why a cheapo videographer wants to withhold information about the video they’re producing for you.
The work many of these cheapo videographers get are later cleaned up by professionals AFTER you realize it wasn’t the best bang for your buck.
The moral of the story?
Comment below.
People, as a professional, this article is right on the money.
Having a full time job and working the video on the side can be a determining factor to the “amateur”, but there is the exception, and may be the only way to develop the craft while supporting teh family. A full time job can also help you with the ins and outs. As a teacher, I use the video skills in the classroom, teaching the basics to middle school students. Writing is the basis of my job, and is also the crux of a good video story. I learned the video biz 15 years ago, shooting weddings on the weekend, and became a teacher. Now I incorporate those skills everyday and pass this knowledge to the kids, and sparking their interest, hopefully as more than the “youtube” craze. I am one of the “weekend and evening” videographers, but have some big projects under my belt. Moving to a “full-timer” could be a seriously risky jump, as my family would need to eat, and camera equipment doesn’t taste yummy. I enjoy both sides and it is something that can be done.
You don’t need to be a professional to shoot in ‘no light’ you need to be a wizard.
Hello Brian & company,
After reading your “Six Things” article I must say that I am guilty of all six of those statements. Having admitting that I can also add that I made the decision about three years ago not to do any videography work for anyone until I get myself educated in what I love doing. It makes perfect sense and when I feel I have achieved that level of confidence and know how, then will be the time for me to reenter the field. I want to be taken seriously as a videographer so I now study and practice. When that time comes, look out world!
I think is ok what this videographers are doing this is the way a started doing videos but only time and experience will make you better. is not about the purchase of cameras or software is about having skills.
Darren
Send me your email address for a complimentary membership to our Elite Videographer website.
This will give you a better perspective on the delicate balance between the business and creative side of this industry.
A few thoughts I get when reading the “doing odd video jobs here and there for peanuts” part of your post:
1. Higher paying clients would be the bigger shovel you need to dig your way out of debt. Why work for 5 clients paying you $200 when you can work for one that could pay you $2800 for the same amount of work?
2. Skills come first, equipment second. Know about the equipment you have first and master it.
As a retired wedding and event video professional, I have seen plenty of poorly shot and ineptly edited “Uncle Charly” videos, but what I have observed as the most outstanding feature of ALL (no exceptions) amateur video productions is stunningly poor audio… when there is any. A professional will pay as much attention to audio as s/he will to the visuals. Such a notion as “how does it sound?” doesn’t seem to enter the mind of an amateur.
Hi there. Im relatively new to the DV show website, and after this am left feeling kinda confused about who you are here for. Im not sure what is more offensive, the other article you are talking about or this one.
Im one of those people you say are stuck in the trenches. I HAVE to work full time to pay for a loan I took out of a year ago to pay for the expensive computer I bought with Final Cut Pro Software in order to try and step up my game. 19 years after picking up my first camera, im still in the trenches, doing odd video jobs here and there for peanuts, which so far still havent made much a dent on that loan i took because the bank is charging me 16% interest. I would love to do this stuff full time, and earn a decent pay, but I dont even own my own camera since that broke, so I rely on borrowing one that was bought a retail store online. I dont even own any lights. i have a half decent mike, but where does one start investing in the better stuff, when the money isnt coming in to pay for it?
Sometimes I want to give up, thinking its not worth it, but i carry on because I enjoy making videos, but sometimes I wonder if it will be always like this. What is your advice for us non pros struggling up the ladder, wanting to climb further?
Regards
Darren
Don Pham is an exception, Jeff.
97% of the time you’re going to find a videographer who falls under #6
Hi guys. I’m a teacher in UPB (Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana) in Medellin, Colombia. I follow your site some time ago and I’m so thankful with you ’cause it helps me a lot in my classes and in my professional activities. Well, I’m writing you to ask if you let me attach, or refer, some of your articles in the Blog of my class, I think it will help all my students too. If you wanna check it this is the address (and sorry, we’re starting up just one day ago) http://www.moduloimagenenmovimiento.wordpress.com
I hope to hear from you soon, waiting to share this great experiences, linking your site or some articles to this blog and growing up in this activity, every day. Sorry if some of my solicitude is attempting to your interests or rights, really is not my intension, just to share the knowledge, thats all.
Thanks for your attention.
Hello Brian,
I’ve been enjoying your podcast for years and I’m so glad that I payed for membership long ago! I agree with most of what you post – BUT, I have to disagree with your last point in this article. I doubt very highly that you would find fault in the work that Don Pham and Take 1 Productions produce.
Don Pham is a full time employee with General Motors. He also has a studio for Wedding and Event video. EventDV.net ran an article on him and his work. It can be found here- http://www.eventdv.net/Articles/Department/Studio-Time-/Studio-Time-Take-1-Productions-49327.htm and his website here- http://www.capturingthemoments.com/
Keep up the good work.
Jeff Wilcox
Lake Stevens, WA
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