CHOOSING THE RIGHT PRODUCTION COMPANY

You’re a small business in Calgary and you’ve decided to make a video. Great call — video is one of the most powerful ways to tell your brand’s story, capture attention, and maybe even go viral (but let’s not put that in the project brief, okay?). Now comes the hard part: choosing a video production company that won’t make you regret every life decision that led to this point.

Here’s how to do it — with your budget, your sanity, and your reputation intact.

1. Don’t Let Cost Be the Only Factor

Yes, we get it. Budgets are real, and CFOs don’t accept “creative vision” as legal tender. But when it comes to video, going with the cheapest option is like hiring a dentist off Kijiji. Sure, they’re affordable, but do you really want to find out how they’re keeping the lights on?

High-quality video takes time, talent, gear, and post-production wizardry. If someone says they can shoot your company promo for the cost of a large pizza, you’ll probably get… a large pizza. Or worse — a cheesy, awkward mess that could damage your brand more than help it.

Aim for value, not rock-bottom pricing. A good production partner will help you get the most impact for your budget — without cutting critical corners.

2. Evaluate the People

Slick reels are nice. But videos don’t make themselves — people do. And you’ll be spending a decent amount of time with these people in planning meetings, on set, and during feedback rounds. So, ask yourself:

• Do they listen?

• Do they seem competent?

• Do they understand your brand?

Experience matters, but personality and communication skills matter more than you’d think. You want a partner that’s creative, flexible, and maybe even fun to be around. Life is too short for awkward Zoom calls and tense feedback loops.

3. Look for Integrity

A video production company can have the fanciest gear, the most charming producers, and an Instagram full of sunsets and drone shots — but none of that matters if you can’t trust them.

Do they deliver when they say they will? Do they overpromise and underdeliver, or vice versa? Have they ghosted clients faster than a bad Tinder date?

Ask for references. Look at testimonials. Have a candid conversation about timelines, revisions, and expectations. A company with real integrity won’t be afraid to talk openly about the boring but important stuff — because they care about the relationship as much as the reel.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a video production company is part art, part science, and part gut feeling. Look beyond the price tag, get to know the team, and find people who treat your project like it matters — because it does.

After all, this video might be the first impression your audience gets of your business. And as Will Rogers said, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”.