In-House Video Production vs Outsourcing: The Pros and Cons

So, you’ve decided your brand needs some videos. With only 9% of marketers reporting that they don’t use video in 2023, it’s no surprise that you’re looking to up your video marketing game. Not to mention, 92% of marketers report a good ROI from video content. It’s clear that video is an essential part of any marketing strategy and also, in our opinion, the most fun part. 

Whether you’re making your company’s first film or are looking to take your video content to the next level, one crucial decision to make when embarking on a video project is whether to produce it in-house or outsource it to a professional video production agency.

In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of both options so you can make an informed decision for your business. Let’s go.

In-House Video Production

When considering in-house video production, companies often like the idea of maintaining complete control over the creative process and keeping costs down. Building an in-house video production team gives you the advantage of immediate access to your team, ensuring better communication and faster turnarounds. Additionally, an in-house team may have a deeper understanding of your brand and business objectives, allowing them to align the video content with your overall marketing strategy.

Sounds pretty great, right? 

However, there also are several challenges associated with in-house video production. Firstly, assembling an experienced and talented team may require significant time and effort. Hiring skilled professionals proficient in camera operation, editing, animation, and post-production can be a daunting task, not to mention an expensive one. If you’re only planning to shoot a few videos, it’s just not worth it. 

If you decide against hiring a team for video production, your best option is to put together a team with your existing staff. Maybe some people on your marketing team already have some video production know-how…

Investing in high-quality equipment, software, and training can quickly become expensive. Depending on the type of video you want to make, this can be a major investment. For example, quick behind-the-scenes videos of your team at work for the brand TikTok account can get away with being filmed on a mobile phone, but if you want to create any sort of TV advertisement or brand video you’ll need better camera and audio equipment, and of course the camera operators and audio experts who can work it!

Another consideration is the limitation on creativity and fresh perspectives. In-house teams may fall into patterns and become less receptive to new ideas, potentially hindering innovation in your video content. Yes, you know the brand inside out, but that may mean that you struggle to come up with new concepts for videos and your content stagnates.

Outsourcing to a Video Production Agency

Outsourcing your video production to a reputable agency offers numerous advantages that can outweigh the benefits of in-house production. A professional agency brings expertise, experience, and a specialised skill set to the table. They understand the nuances of storytelling, visual aesthetics, and effective communication, enabling them to craft compelling videos tailored to your brand.

By collaborating with a video production company, you gain access to a dedicated team of experts who are passionate about producing high-quality videos. They have honed their craft through years of experience, working on diverse projects for various clients across industries. This wealth of knowledge and creativity can be invaluable in elevating your brand’s image and driving engagement with your target audience.

Cost savings can also be realised through outsourcing. While it may seem counterintuitive, working with a video production agency can be more cost-effective in the long run. The agency is equipped with professional-grade equipment, eliminating the need for substantial upfront investments. Additionally, their established network of freelancers and industry connections can help streamline the production process and reduce expenses. Production runs smoothly with an experienced video production company, meaning that you won’t need to waste time and money reshooting or solving problems on the day.

Outsourcing even grants you the flexibility to scale your video production efforts based on your needs. Whether you require a single film or an ongoing content strategy, an agency can adapt to your requirements and deliver consistent results. This scalability is particularly advantageous if you need to produce video content for different platforms and channels, such as social media, where specific formats and styles are essential for maximum impact.

Stay in-house or outsource: Which video production option is best for you?

In deciding whether to stay in-house or outsource your video production, it ultimately comes down to your specific needs, resources, and priorities. Keeping video production in-house provides you with control, flexibility, and alignment with your brand’s vision. With an in-house team, you have direct access to the creative process and can ensure seamless collaboration. However, building and maintaining an in-house team requires expertise, time, and financial investment.

On the other hand, outsourcing to a professional video production agency offers access to specialised expertise, diverse skill sets, and cost savings. Agencies bring their experience, industry knowledge, and state-of-the-art equipment to the table, providing scalability and high-quality video production services.

When choosing whether to outsource or keep production in-house, we recommend asking yourself the following questions:

  • What are my goals for this video production? 
  • Do I have the necessary expertise and resources in-house to execute the project effectively?
  • What is my budget for video production?
  • Am I looking for fresh perspectives and innovative ideas in my video content?
  • Can I afford the upfront investment in equipment, software licences, and training for an in-house team?
  • Can I find the right external agency to effectively communicate and align with my brand’s values and objectives?

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision between in-house video production and outsourcing depends on your specific circumstances and priorities. If you can handle production in-house, why not give it a go? However, if you want video production with expert know-how and fresh creative input, a video production company might be the way to go. 

That’s where we come in. Hi, we’re Perspective Pictures, an East London-based video production company. We work with businesses to produce mind-blowing films that capture the essence of your brand, ranging from branded content to social media videos and animations to explainer videos. Whatever type of video content you need, we can help plan, shoot, and edit the perfect film for you. Working closely with your team, we get to know your brand inside out, responding to your creative brief with our expert ideas for attention-grabbing content. Then, we collaborate on planning, production, and post-production of the films until you’re 100% happy with the result.

Want to find out what Perspective Pictures can do for you? Get in touch today.

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Perspective Pictures Team

About Us

Perspective Pictures is a digital-first video production company, based in East London.

We make videos for brands to post to the internet and see ourselves as a digital studio, producing everything from long-form content to digital ads, all created by our in-house team of digital natives.

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