Frequently asked questions.
Process & timeline
How long does it take to produce a corporate or promotional video?
Most videos go from brief to final cut in 4–6 weeks. Simple one‑day shoots (think testimonials or short social edits) can be turned around in 2–4 weeks, while multi‑location or scripted projects with multiple deliverables may need 6+ weeks. The more we plan up front—schedules, locations, approvals—the quicker we can move.
What’s your typical process from idea to delivery?
Every project starts with a discovery call. We’ll talk goals, audience and success metrics. From there I’ll:
Write a concise brief and propose creative directions.
Finalise the concept, logistics and crew.
Prep scripts, shot lists and schedules.
Direct the shoot on the day.
Edit, mix sound and add music, subtitles and graphics.
Deliver the video in formats suitable for YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram and more.
I include three rounds of revisions by default: you review a first cut, we tweak, then polish. Need more? No problem—we’ll agree a fair fee for extra rounds.
What’s your lead time?
Most bookings are made 4–8 weeks in advance. If you have a firm launch date, please tell me early so I can block time for pre‑production and filming. I sometimes take rush jobs if schedules allow—just ask.
Costs & rights
What does video production cost, and what’s included?
Ballpark ranges help: £2,500–£5,000 covers a single‑day shoot for testimonials or social clips; £6,000–£12,000 fits multi‑video campaigns or branded stories; £15,000+ covers animation‑heavy projects or complex multi‑format campaigns. Costs typically include planning, crew, equipment, editing, music licensing, subtitles and cut‑downs for social. Tell me your budget and we’ll shape a creative approach that delivers.
Do I own the footage and can I repurpose it?
Yes. You get a perpetual licence to use the final videos anywhere your business needs. If you want raw footage or to create future edits, we can supply that too. I handle music and stock licensing so you’re clear to publish on social media, your website or events.
How do deposits, cancellations and payments work?
Typically, I take a 50 % deposit when we sign, with the balance due on delivery. If you need to postpone, we can roll your deposit to a new date within six months. Cancellations made within two weeks of the shoot are subject to crew and location costs already incurred.
Concept & creativity
How do you help us define our message?
Most clients don’t arrive with a perfect script—that’s fine. We’ll clarify your goals (“What should this video achieve?”), your audience (“Who are they, and what do they care about?”) and your tone of voice. From there I’ll structure your story and write or refine the script with your input. Whether it’s a brand film or documentary‑style interviews, the result is content that sounds like you, not generic corporate fluff.
Do I need a script, or can you write it for me?
Either works. If you’ve got a draft, we’ll polish it. If not, I’ll write a first draft based on our discovery call and refine it together. Scriptwriting is included in my fee unless we agree otherwise.
We’re camera‑shy—do we have to be on screen?
No. People connect with real faces, but there are many ways to tell a story. I can coach you on the day to help you feel relaxed, film off‑camera interviews with voice‑over and supporting visuals, or use animation, stock footage or actors. The goal is to create authentic content without forcing anyone outside their comfort zone.
Types, delivery & success
What kinds of videos do you specialise in?
Brand films, campaign videos, social cut‑downs, explainer and training videos, podcast/voice‑over‑led content and motion‑graphics pieces. I’ll recommend the right format and bring in trusted crew, animators or voice‑over artists when needed.
How will the video be delivered?
I usually deliver via secure Vimeo links so you can stream and download in full resolution. For other needs, I can use WeTransfer, Google Drive or Dropbox. You’ll receive edits in various aspect ratios—16:9 for websites and YouTube, 4:5 for LinkedIn and Facebook, 9:16 for Instagram Stories or TikTok—plus SRT caption files and thumbnails on request.
Can we create multiple videos from one shoot?
Absolutely. We’ll plan to extract short social snippets, behind‑the‑scenes pieces, B‑roll libraries, or audio‑only clips for podcasts from the same footage. It’s the best way to stretch your budget and maximise your message.
Do you offer training so our team can shoot content in‑house?
Yes. If you want to produce regular content without hiring a crew every time, I can train your team to film professionally with smartphones or DSLRs, cover lighting and framing, record clean sound and stay on brand. We can combine training with editing support so your footage is polished and ready to publish.
How do you measure the success of a video project?
We define success up front—more leads, better social engagement, stakeholder buy‑in or a story you’re proud to share. I look beyond vanity metrics like views; watch‑through rate, shares, click‑throughs or internal adoption are more telling. I also offer check‑ins three to six months post‑launch to see what’s working and to repurpose footage into new edits.
What’s the ideal length for a video?
It depends on where it lives. Social teasers may be 15–30 seconds; LinkedIn explainers can run 1–2 minutes; YouTube tutorials or case studies perform well at 3–5 minutes. For live events or campaigns, longer narrative films (5–7 minutes) can work if the story is strong.
Choosing & working with a producer
How do I choose the right video production company?
Look at relevant experience—have they worked with organisations like yours? Check style and tone—does their work feel like something you’d be proud to share? And listen for strategic thinking—do they ask smart questions about your goals, not just your deadline? I tick all three: over a decade in corporate, charity and campaign work, a portfolio spanning social edits to brand stories, and a process that starts with strategy, not a gear list.
What should I look for in a video production portfolio?
Strong storytelling (does it hold your attention?), solid production craft (clean sound, smooth edits, visuals that support the message), a mix of formats and styles, and an explanation of why the video was made and what it achieved. When you view my work, feel free to ask about the results.
What questions should I ask before hiring a video producer?
Ask about similar projects and their outcomes, who will be on your project and can you meet them, how many shoot and edit days are included, what’s covered in post‑production, how many revision rounds you get, whether footage can be repurposed later, whether they’re insured and how they handle feedback and deadlines. These questions help you spot the difference between a trusted partner and someone who just turns up and presses record.
What’s the difference between hiring a freelancer, a full production company and someone like you?
Solo freelancers are affordable but limited; big production companies have big capabilities but higher overheads and less flexibility. I sit in the middle: I lead the creative and pull in a trusted team of camera ops, editors and animators tailored to your project. You get the expertise of a production company without paying for a crew that isn’t needed.
Logistics & travel
Where are you based and do you travel?
I’m based in Birmingham, West Midlands, but I film across the UK—from London and Manchester to Loughborough, Leicester, Nottingham and beyond. Travel costs are agreed in advance and I often work with local crew to keep things efficient.
Are you insured?
Yes. I carry public liability and equipment insurance. Risk assessments and safety protocols are standard on every shoot.
How can I get started?
f you’ve read this far, you probably have a project in mind. Let’s talk. Drop me a line through my contact page or book a discovery call. We’ll clarify your goals, find the right format and turn your story into something that works hard for you.