In the case of new businesses and startups, explainer videos offer a succinct yet engaging way to share their message. These videos can be used to explain a new offering, a service, or even a complicated concept. Not only do explainer videos enhance engagement and improve conversion, they also help differentiate brands from their competitors.
When thinking of making an explainer video the first thing that comes to mind is: is it better to hire a video production company or a freelancer?
In the paragraphs that follow, we outline the different advantages and disadvantages of both in hope of making a more informed decision based on project requirements.
- Experience and Expertise
Explainer Video Production Company
In most cases, a production company will have a team of professionals that specialize in each detail of the production process. They can handle scripting, storyboarding, animation, and even voiceovers and sound design. With their myriad of animated video production services, they can also offer solutions to complex problems and take on larger projects. Be it a 2D animation, 3D rendering, or a live action video; they can do each professionally.
Freelancers:
Freelancers might have specialized skills in scripting or animation, but they often lack the breadth of expertise required for each stage of the production process, having to resort to multiple single-service freelancers to get the work done. This approach often results in a lack of uniformity in style, quality, and execution.
Verdict:
Freelancers appear to be the best option if the videos for the learner are basic and the budget is constrained. On the contrary, for polished high-quality work, explainer video production companies will be the preferable alternative.
- Cost
Explainer Video Production Company
The more specialized a production company is, the more they will charge, in light of the greater developed explainer infrastructure and production team they have on hand. Depending on video complexity, length, and type of animation or production style, prices can be hundreds to thousands of dollars. But, the result is a highly regarded synergy provided with the utmost attention to detail to each product.Freelancers
Freelancers generally charge lower fees than production companies because they do not incur the supervisory expenses of an office or a large team. For smaller to medium sized projects, a freelancer is often a cheaper and more flexible option. Regardless, the total cost can vary due to the freelancer's level of skill, the amount of work to be done, and the project duration.
Verdict:
For a limited budget, engaging the services of a freelancer will be likely less costly. Be mindful though, that the lower price option is not always indicative of lower quality.
- Turnaround Time
Explainer Video Production Company
With a production company, they typically have a team in place, which means they can divide the work and tackle different parts of the project at the same time. This can benefit the turnaround time, particularly for complex videos. For larger or more intricate videos, these will typically have a faster turnaround time. Some production companies, however, have a reputation for longer lead times depending on overall workload and complexity of the video, particularly if the project is custom or requires significant pre-production work.
Freelancers
Freelancers generally operate solo; thus, the entire video process—scripting, filming, and editing—is consolidated into a single workflow. This “one person band” approach can decelerate progress, but flexibility and quicker turnaround times are often absolute for straightforward videos. Unlike more complex orders, stringent deadlines are more flexible and can adapt to a freelancer's schedule.
Verdict:
Freelancers work best under time constraints as they tend to overload themselves with a multitude of orders. Juggling multiple deadlines, as the workload scales and complexity dives, can be less predictable and more chaotic. Divorcing the need for simpler, more structured timelines, professional agencies can create more streamlined schedules.
- Quality Control & Communication
Explainer Video Production Company
Working with a production company is often more streamlined and structured. The communication process is more orderly—a project manager or an account manager is assigned to work with the customer to communicate directly with them, thus creating a single point of contact. This reduces the likelihood of miscommunication and, fogging the production company more powerful and structured, enables smoother processes for revisions, feedback, quality assurance, and thus a more polished final product.
Freelancers
Freelancers may be easier to work with on a personal level, but there may be issues with communication. The chances of miscommunication increase significantly if you don’t know exactly what you want and the freelancer is directing the entire project. Since it’s a single individual doing the work, it’s likely that the feedback and the changes will take longer to be processed.
Verdict:
If maintaining effective communication and exercising quality control are the priorities of the project, a production company will suffice better as they tend to work with less streamline systems.
- Explainer Video Production Company: Creative Freedom and Personalization
Freelancers Video production companies may frequently apply workflows and procedures, making it harder to get flexibility. With this sort of structure, however, the production will be less likely to be problematic as all necessary industry benchmarks will have been met. For very creative projects, companies may provide numerous creative solutions, however, they may also take the more conservative, “safer” route if it is deemed better for the project objectives.
Freelancers
Freelancers usually provide more creative latitude. If you need something different, they are usually more creative and willing to try new things. As you progress with the work, it is simple to collaborate and refine the vision together as the final product better matches your preferences. The downside is that you may have to adjust your ideal vision to some degree due to lack of expertise to the required elements of some specialized skills.
Verdict:
In case you need highly creative and tailored work to your preferences, a freelancer is ideal. If you need a more polished and systematic work, a production company can provide that blend.
- Scalability & Ongoing Projects
Explainer Video Production Company
With ongoing video production requirements, a production company would be more helpful because of their better scalability. They have the ability to take on several projects at the same time, making it easier to handle large scale campaigns with a unified brand image. For businesses that want to scale and have many videos produced over time, a production company will be better suited to provide that level of service.
Freelancers
Because of a freelancer's limited resources, they may be better suited to small, one-off videos. They may be able to handle recurring projects, but a freelancer is unlikely to be able to scale up, maintain a consistent style across multiple videos over time, or meet growing demands.
Verdict:
For businesses anticipating a larger marketing campaign, production companies are better suited as they are able to provide a longer-term, scalable solution.
Conclusion: What's Better For You?
Your budget, timeline, and scope of work determine whether an explainer video production company or a freelancer is better suited to your needs.
Select a production company if you need a high-quality, well-executed video within a fast turnaround time, need structured communication, and have large or ongoing projects.
Select a freelancer if you are working with a limited budget, are undertaking a small-scope project, or seek a more creative, hands-on, and flexible partnership.
Whichever fence you sit on, make sure to communicate your expectations, goals, and vision to ensure your objectives are met.
No comments:
Post a Comment