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New York’s connection with the video production industry is over a century old. Multiple factors helped make the city a hub for such a sector.
This starts from–
- Deep-rooted history
- Cultural diversity
- Talent pool
- Magnificent mountains
- Lively parks
- Incredible skyscrapers
- Dramatic skyline
- Radiant sunsets
- Historic spots
These are rich resources NYC video producers use to create content for businesses. They have access to almost all the elements needed to shape a video.
Experience, expertise, knowledge about demographics, tools, techs, and whatnot. This makes them different from freelancers and DIY. Then again, you need to consider some factors before picking one.
- Considering choosing a video production company in New York? LocalEyes is your answer.
Why Does Choosing the Right Video Production Company in NYC Matter?
Significance Of Right Video Production Company
Boosted Brand Awareness
Videos help a lot in making people aware of your presence.
The US has millions of users and 85% of them watch online video content. [Source: Statista]
So, you can reach them through videos.
Then again, why would they interact with yours?
That’s where you need a video production company. The team makes sure to add effective elements like—
- Relatable stories
- Clear message
- Powerful call to action
That way, the brand video reaches people and makes them remember you.
Enhanced Engagement
You have the right team, you have compelling content. When the project is in the right hand, you’ll have brand videos that can boost engagement.
Good videos can turn heads through different factors. Two are prominent–
- Powerful storytelling
- Vibrant visuals
New Yorkers would love a video more they can relate to. The right video production company in New York knows the demographics properly. So, they produce content that audiences will react to.
Climb In Conversion
Good content will always end in something positive. Selecting a video production company in NYC can help you to have that. They’ll work to design videos with things like—
- Proper information
- Clear message
- Efficient CTAs
On top of that, there will be eye-catching visuals, compelling storytelling, and energetic audio. All these can persuade your audience to do something like–
- Buying your product
- Taking your service
- Signing in to your loyalty program
WebFX mentions that
Businesses that market videos experience 34% higher conversion rates than those that do not.
Why Is NYC A Hub For Video Production?
History
New York City is a big center for video production. There’s a creative history behind it.
In the 1960s, Madison Avenue in New York got popular for advertising.
It’s because companies started to focus more on these for their ads—
- Brand Messaging
- Storytelling
- Visuals
- Emotional Narratives
Such a way of advertising helped shape to modern video market. That’s why we call that the Golden Age of Advertising.
Today, brands like Apple and Coca-Cola draw inspiration from this legacy. They often collaborate with New York-based creative teams.
Diversity
You’ll find NYC one of the most diverse cities in the US.
There’s—
- 31.2% White
- 20.5% Hispanic
- 21% Black, and
- 14.4% Asian
Plus, it’s home to over 800 languages. It doesn’t end there.
New York has some significant cultural movements like expressionism, stand-up comedy, jazz, and the Beat Generation.
This shows how diverse the city can be.
You’ll often find brands highlighting such diversity in their videos to make them more relatable to local people.
This also works for viewers.
Aesthetic Spots
The state owns several iconic landmarks and locations.
This can catch the eyes and attention of any viewers.
Some of the most prominent spots are—
- Times Square
- Brooklyn Bridge
- The Statue of Liberty
- Grand Central Terminal
- Bronx Zoo
- Coney Island
- The High Line
- City Beauty
- Central Park
- The Oculus
Some hook you with beauty whereas some through history.
Many video production companies use these spots to their advantage. It allows for more creative and dynamic content.
How To Select a Video Production Company in NYC?
- Assess the Company’s Portfolio and Past Projects
Review Different Styles and Genres
Make sure to check their portfolio.
It should be diverse, meaning they should work on various projects. Check whether they’ve done—
- Explainer
- Animation
- Testimonials
- Promotional
- Product demo
- Production launch
If not all, then they should at least be an expert in industries or content types that match your requirements.
For instance–
You may want a NYC-based video production that understands fashion if that’s your brand niche.
Evaluate Quality of Work
Check the production values.
Ask–
- Are the shots clean?
- Do they edit the video properly?
- Is the cinematography captivating?
Competition is fierce in NYC.
Hence, get a house that values high production quality.
The best video production company in New York produces and delivers videos that ensure–
- Sharp visuals
- Compelling sound
- Clear message
- Smooth editing
- Check for Client Testimonials and Reviews
Online Reviews and Ratings
Words coming out of customers matter.
They give you a genuine insight into how the video production house works.
Make sure to check different reviews and client testimonials. Don’t forget comments too.
Although the company site may have a review section, better to scour different platforms. Check sites like Google, Trustpilot, Clutch, and Yelp.
You may find honest feedback and ratings from the customers who hired the company. Assess how previous clients felt about their experience.
Go with the one that has the most positive reviews. At 5 good against 1 bad will work.
Look for the ones that have ongoing relationships with long-term clients. This showcases their reliability and service.
Client Case Studies
A lot of video production companies in NYC design case studies.
There, the team talks about how they dealt with specific challenges when working with the client. Such content can give you an inside peep into their creative process.
Focus more on how they solve different issues.
These things can show you how well they handle projects– be they small or big.
- Consider the Team’s Expertise and Technical Skills
Production Team Background
They are as important as the final output.
NYC is home to a world-class talent pool.
You’ll get some fine—
- Producer or production manager for pre-production.
- Directors and cinematographers for production.
- Editors, sound designers, and VFX supervisors for post-production.
So when choosing a video production company in NYC, check almost everything. Credentials, experience, expertise, creative skills, etc.
Ask–
- Have they worked on high-profile projects before?
- Do they have the “IT” factor?
Also, make sure the team understands your sectors and has experience in similar projects.
This can be industries like– tech, fashion, food, lifestyle, healthcare, or retail.
Technical Capabilities
The team must have all the necessary tools. They should be advanced and the latest of the bunch gear.
This includes–
Gear | Purpose |
Professional-grade cameras | High-resolution shots |
Sturdy tripods, monopods, and gimbals | Stable footage |
Microphone | Capture clear audio |
Lighting Kits | Clarity of footage |
Drones | Aerial Shots |
Latest Editing Software like Adobe and Final Cut Pro | Premium video editing |
Not just having them is enough. The team must know how to use them properly.
They should know how to bring out creativity through technology.
That’s how they can ensure the best result.
- Request Detailed Proposals and Cost Estimates
Transparency in Pricing
New York can be a pricy state even if it’s video production.
So, make sure to get detailed proposals and cost estimates. Ask them upfront regarding it.
Look for transparency and request or a clear breakdown of costs–
- Pre-production
- Production
- Post-production
Usually, the team may charge $1000 to $200,000 to produce a brand video. It depends on the–
- Video production company
- Video type
- Length
- Complexity
- Scope
- Use of tools
- Logistics
Make sure there are no hidden costs. Tell them to include everything in the proposals– location fees, permits for filming, and post-production editing.
Avoid companies that seem suspicious.
- The catch is an extremely low charge.
Chances are high they’ll strike you with hidden fees.
Compare With Multiple Quotes
A wise thing to do.
Get quotes from the best Video production companies in New York. At least from 5 to 10.
Compare them. This can help you get the best balance between price and quality.
For instance–
- LocalEyes offers the most relatable video content to capture the audience with storytelling within a reasonable price range. It’s around $20,000.
- Sandwich can provide you with vibrant visuals but their fees go up to $200,000.
However, don’t fall into the trap of too-low quotes and suspicious companies.
- Look For Creative Vision and Flexibility
Collaboration on Ideas
Get yourself a team that listens to you– and your vision.
If you’re blank, then they should help contribute creative input.
The best is to collaborate here.
Try to provide a comprehensive brief of your ideas on the brand video to the production house. Outline your goals more clearly.
Also, listen to their suggestions and visions.
It’s the planning and outlining that guides you and the team to effective video-making.
So, make sure everything is meticulously planned and organized.
Plus, the production company should have a creative vision. Be it capturing the hustle of Manhattan or the laid-back vibes of Brooklyn.
They should know how to infuse the local culture into their work— your video.
Flexibility In Execution
NYC has a fast-paced nature. It means things can change quickly.
So, opt for a company that can adapt to changes mid-project.
There can be some—
- Last-minute location change
- New creative direction
- Delays due to environmental factors
They should be flexible enough to handle the challenges and make sure everything is under control.
- Evaluate Their Communication and Project Management Skills
Timely Communication
Hire a company that ensures efficient communication.
Make sure that they respond to your inquiries promptly. The quality of customer service matters too.
You can wait for at least 24 hours for them to respond. If they take longer, this can be a bad point.
Then again, if it’s a good company and it happens once, you can give them another shot.
Once you hire one, make sure to have a dedicated point of contact.
They should be in charge of your project. This can help simplify the communication. Plus, it makes sure that someone is always there to provide updates.
Project Management Tools
Check if they use advanced project management tools to track–
- Progress
- Timelines
- Deliverables
Video production companies’ projects often involve tight deadlines. A good tool can ensure everything stays on track.
This can be–
- Trello
- Asana
- Basecamp
- Slack
These software are common in video production.
- Check For Specialization In Specific Video Types
Animation and Motion Graphics
If your project involves this niche, the company should excel in that area.
There isn’t much real-life shooting here. Instead, the people who play a key role in such projects are–
- Animators
- Motion graphic designers
- VFX artists
- Stop motion animators
- Rigging artists
NYC has many agencies that specialize in popping visual effects and graphics.
Go through the animation projects they worked on. Choose one that impresses you right away.
Live Action Vs. Studio Work
If it involves real-life shooting, choose the company accordingly.
Make sure the team excels in the techniques required to bring out the best in the footage.
The team must know how to use–
- Natural lighting for outdoor, live-action production
- Lighting kits for indoor, studio-based production
For instance,
You’re shooting a fashion ad in the Meatpacking District. For this, you need someone who shines in on-location shoots.
For a product video, you need someone with good studio facilities.
No matter what you pick, remember–
The companies that specialize in producing intriguing branded content that resonates with audiences are your people.
- Ask About Turnaround Time and Project Deadlines
Average Production Timeline
Don’t forget to ask for a realistic production timeline.
Some projects can take a few days whereas some can take months.
For instance—
- A simple, graphics-based video is quicker to produce. They are rather more reasonable.
- A video that needs professional actors, high-quality animations, complex graphics, or elaborate sets costs more and takes longer.
So, choose one that ensures on-time delivery.
However, sometimes, you may need to quick turnaround. If your project has a tighter deadline, make sure the team has experience in that.
Experience as in the ability to deliver rush projects without affecting the quality.
You can check their potential on rush projects through reviews and feedback.
Commitment To Deadlines
Check their track record for meeting deadlines.
Make sure the company finishes the project on time.
Then again, they shouldn’t rush to just deliver the project. Half-done or bad editing content is a big red flag.
A good company always guarantees—
- The content reaches you timely and it’s perfectly ready to reach your audiences.
- Ensure They Understand Your Brand and Audience
Alignment with Brand Values
Your video should have the essence of your brand–
- Values
- Identity
- Beliefs
- Culture
New York City’s video production companies are mostly experts in handling different businesses given the history and hub.
Your team should take time to understand what your brand stands for and produce content accordingly.
Audience Insights
NYC has diverse people with different ethnicities.
So, make sure the company crafts content that viewers can relate to. It should have powerful storytelling and capture the unique personalities of New Yorkers.
Also, the team should understand the age, gender, profession, and generation of your target group.
Whether it’s Gen Z or a corporate client, the house should make one based on the people.
Also, opt for companies that customize their services to fit your brand needs. Avoid the ones that take a “One-Size-Fits-All approach”
- Post-Production Services and Support
Editing and Color Grading
Because of the talent pool and technology, NYC surely has access to high-quality editing software and editors.
So, opt for the team that offers advanced services. This includes–
- Color grading
- Sound design
- Special effects
Colors and graphic elements can catch your people’s attention. Meanwhile, sound design can keep them hooked with its upbeat energy.
The personality of New Yorkers is similar– Vibrant and lively. So, if editors can use these elements, the audience will react to the content and love it.
Revision and Edits
Ask about their policy on revisions. Know how many rounds of edits they include in the contract.
It’s better if they are open to making adjustments to meet your needs.
Ongoing Support
Finally, check if the company offers continuous support after delivering your brand video.
This includes–
- Optimizing the video
- Tracking progress
- Making adjustments based on results
FAQs
What is the average cost of hiring a video production company in NYC?
Expect it between $1,000 to $200,00 more or less.
The video production company in NYC quotes the cost based on different factors–
- Complexity
- Scope
- Video type and length
How do I know if a video production company is a good fit for my brand?
Key indicators of the right video production company are–
- Diverse portfolio
- Positive reviews
- Professional team
- Experts
- On-time delivery
How long does it take to produce a professional video?
Days to months. Producing a professional video can take time based on–
- Complexity
- Video Type
- Video Length
Should I prioritize local NYC-based production companies?
If your target audience is New Yorkers, then you can consider choosing local NYC-based companies like LocalEyes.
Most teams from this city are experts in video production.