15 best steps to start a video production company

Have you ever watched a captivating video and thought, “I could do that”? Starting your own video production company might be easier than you think! Whether you dream of creating wedding films, commercials, or documentaries, this guide breaks down the process into 15 best steps to start a video production company with examples and illustrations to help you along the way.

What is video production?

Video production is like making a movie, but it can be for all sorts of things, not just big movies you see in theaters. It’s the process of creating videos from start to finish, including planning, filming, and editing.

First, you come up with an idea or a story you want to tell in your video. Then, you figure out what you need to make it happen, like where to film, what equipment to use, and who will be in the video.

Next comes the filming part. You use cameras and microphones to capture the scenes and sounds you need. Sometimes you might need to film in different places or do multiple takes to get everything just right.

Once you have all the footage, it’s time to put it together in the editing phase. This is where you cut and arrange the clips; add music, sound effects, and special effects if needed, to create the final video.

in simple terms, video production is the whole process of planning, filming, and editing to make a video that tells a story or conveys a message. It’s like putting together a puzzle, but instead of puzzle pieces, you use video clips, sound, and creativity to make something awesome!

What does a video production company do?

A video production company is like a team of creative wizards who bring ideas to life through videos. They take care of all aspects, starting from the initial idea to the final completed item.  Here’s what they do in simple terms:

1. Idea Generation: They brainstorm ideas for videos based on what their clients want to achieve. It could be anything from a commercial to a wedding video.
2. Planning: Once they have an idea, they figure out how to make it happen. They decide where to film, what equipment to use, and who will be in the video.
3. Filming: This is when they capture all the action on camera. They use cameras, microphones, and lights to make sure everything looks and sounds just right.
4. Editing: After filming, they piece everything together like a jigsaw puzzle. They cut and arrange the footage, add music and special effects, and make sure the video flows smoothly.
5. Delivery: Finally, they deliver the finished video to their clients. It could be a digital file, a DVD, or even a video posted online.

A video production company takes ideas and turns them into awesome videos that tell stories, sell products, or capture special moments. They’re like magicians of the screen, creating magic for everyone to enjoy!

15 best steps to start a video production company

1. Find Your Passionate Niche: It’s essential to figure out what type of videos you love making. Maybe you’re drawn to heartfelt wedding videos, adrenaline-pumping sports highlights, or attention-grabbing commercials. Select a specific area of focus that both greatly interests you and matches your abilities and passions.

Example: Let’s say you have a knack for storytelling and a passion for helping couples capture their special day. You decide to specialize in wedding videography, focusing on creating timeless and emotional films that couples will cherish forever.

2. Research Your Market: Take the time to research the demand for your chosen niche in your area. Look at what other video production companies are offering, who their clients are, and what prices they charge. Understanding your market will help you position yourself effectively and stand out from the competition.

Example: You research local wedding videographers and find that there’s a demand for cinematic, story-driven wedding films. However, you notice that there’s a gap in the market for affordable packages for smaller weddings.

3. Create Your Business Plan: A business plan serves as your roadmap for success. Provide a summary of your objectives, intended audience, range of services, approach to pricing, and strategy for promoting your business. Having a clear plan in place will help you stay focused and organized as you launch your video production company.

Example: In your business plan, you set a goal to book ten weddings in your first year of business. To achieve this, you outline your marketing strategies, such as attending bridal expos, networking with wedding vendors, and leveraging social media to showcase your work.

4. Legalize Your Business: Before you start taking on clients, you’ll need to make your business official. Choose a legal structure for your company, such as a sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation, and register your business with the appropriate government agencies.

Example: You decide to register your wedding videography business as a sole proprietorship since you’ll be the sole owner and operator. You file the necessary paperwork with your state’s business registration office and obtain any required permits or licenses.

5. Set Up Your Studio Space: You don’t need a fancy studio to start a video production company, but having a dedicated workspace will help you stay organized and productive. Set up a space in your home or rent a small studio where you can store your equipment and edit your videos.

Example: You convert a spare bedroom in your home into your video editing studio. You invest in a comfortable desk, a powerful computer with video editing software, and storage solutions for your camera equipment and props.

6. Invest in Quality Equipment: While you don’t need the most expensive gear to get started, having reliable equipment is essential for producing high-quality videos. Invest in a decent camera, microphone, tripod, lighting kit, and editing software that fit within your budget.

Example: You purchase a DSLR camera with excellent video capabilities, a shotgun microphone for capturing clear audio, and a basic lighting kit for illuminating your scenes. As your business expands, you have the opportunity to slowly enhance your equipment in order to fulfill the needs of your customers.

7. Build Your Portfolio: Your portfolio is your most potent marketing tool as a video producer. Start by creating a few sample videos to showcase your skills and style. Offer to film events or projects for friends and family to build up your portfolio.

Example: You film a friend’s wedding for free in exchange for permission to use the footage in your portfolio. You create a highlight reel of the wedding day, showcasing your ability to capture emotional moments, beautiful scenery, and candid interactions.

8. Create Your Brand Identity: Your brand identity sets the tone for your business and helps you stand out in a crowded market. Develop a unique logo, color scheme, and brand voice that reflect your personality and the type of clients you want to attract.

Example: You design a logo for your wedding videography business featuring elegant typography and a subtle camera icon. You choose a soft color palette of pastel hues to convey a romantic and timeless aesthetic that appeals to couples planning their weddings.

9. Market Your Services: Once you have your portfolio and brand in place, it’s time to start promoting your video production services. Use a mix of online and offline marketing tactics to reach potential clients, such as creating a website, leveraging social media, attending networking events, and running targeted ads.

Example: You create a website for your wedding videography business showcasing your portfolio, pricing packages, and client testimonials. You also set up profiles on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to share behind-the-scenes peeks, client testimonials, and sneak peeks of your latest projects.

10. Set Your Prices: Pricing your services can be challenging, but it’s essential to find a balance between covering your costs and remaining competitive in the market. Research what other videographers in your area are charging and set your prices accordingly.

Example: You decide to offer three wedding videography packages: Basic, Standard, and Premium. The Basic package includes coverage of the ceremony and reception, while the Premium package includes additional services like drone footage and a same-day edit. You price your packages based on the amount of time and effort required to deliver each level of service.

11. Provide Exceptional Customer Service: Building strong relationships with your clients is key to the success of your video production company. Offer exceptional customer service by attentively understanding your patrons’ requirements, articulating proficiently, and providing superior quality output that surpasses their anticipations.

Example: You schedule a consultation with each couple before their wedding day to discuss their vision, preferences, and any special requests. You maintain open lines of communication throughout the planning process, keeping the couple informed and addressing any concerns promptly.

12. Expand Your Network: Networking is essential for growing your video production business. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with other creative’s in your community. Building relationships with fellow professionals can lead to referrals and collaborations.

Example: You attend a bridal expo in your area to showcase your wedding videography services and connect with potential clients and vendors. You also join a local wedding professionals networking group where you meet photographers, DJs, and wedding planners who can refer clients to you.

13. Keep Learning and Growing: The field of video production is constantly evolving, so it’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, techniques, and technology. Take advantage of online courses, workshops, and conferences to continue honing your skills and expanding your knowledge.

Example: You enroll in a filmmaking workshop focused on storytelling techniques to enhance your ability to craft compelling wedding films. You also follow industry blogs and YouTube channels to stay informed about new camera gear, editing software updates, and creative inspiration.

14. Manage Your Finances Wisely: As a business owner, it’s crucial to keep track of your income, expenses, and profits. Invest in accounting software or hire a professional accountant to help you manage your finances efficiently and ensure that your business remains profitable.

Example: You use accounting software to track your business expenses, such as equipment purchases, software subscriptions, and marketing costs. You set aside a portion of your revenue for taxes and other business expenses, ensuring that you have enough cash flow to cover your overhead and invest in the growth of your business.

15. Stay Persistent and Patient: Building a successful video production company takes time, effort, and patience. Stay persistent in pursuing your goals, even when faced with challenges or setbacks. Keep refining your craft, learning from your experiences, and adapting to changes in the market.

Example: Despite facing initial challenges in booking clients, you stay focused on your long-term vision of building a thriving wedding videography business. You continue to refine your marketing strategies, improve your skills, and deliver exceptional service to your clients. Over time, your persistence pays off as you start to book more weddings and establish a reputation for excellence in your community.

Starting a video production company may seem daunting at first, but by following these 15 steps and staying committed to your passion, you can turn your dream into a reality. Remember to take it one step at a time, celebrate your successes along the way, and never stop learning and growing as a video producer. With dedication and determination, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful video production company that brings your creative vision to life.

What are the resources needed for a beginner to start a video production company?

Starting a video production company doesn’t need to be complicated. Here’s a simple breakdown of the basic things you’ll need:

1. Camera: This is the most important tool. You can start with a decent DSLR or even a Smartphone with a good camera.
2. Microphone: Clear audio is crucial. A shotgun microphone that attaches to your camera or a separate audio recorder can help capture sound effectively.
3. Lighting: Good lighting can make a big difference in how your videos look. Start with basic lighting kits or use natural light from windows.
4. Editing Software: You’ll need software to edit your videos. There are free options like iMovie or DaVinci Resolve for beginners, or you can invest in more advanced software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.
5. Computer: A reliable computer with enough processing power and storage to handle video editing software is essential.
6. Tripod: To keep your shots stable, especially for interviews or stationary scenes, a tripod is handy.
7. Storage: You’ll need plenty of storage space for your video files. Invest in external hard drives or cloud storage to keep your files safe.
8. Basic Accessories: This includes things like extra batteries, memory cards, cables, and lens cleaning kits.
9. Workspace: Set up a dedicated space where you can edit your videos comfortably, preferably with a desk, chair, and good lighting
10. Internet Connection: A reliable internet connection is useful for research, communication with clients, and uploading or sharing your finished videos.

These are the essentials to get started. As your business grows, you can invest in more equipment and resources to expand your capabilities. But remember, it’s not just about having the best gear – creativity and storytelling are just as important!

To get affordable accessories to start up your video production company click HERE