Video Production Agency vs Freelance Videographer

Creating video content for your brand can be a creative and challenging experience.

You are often left with two choices: hire a video production company or hire a freelance videographer. 

This might seem like a simple choice but not when you factor in that the final video deliverable is the most important part of the video process. 

In this article we will discuss the difference between hiring a video production company vs a freelance videographer. We will examine what each one is, the benefits and downsides, and pricing differences.

What is a Video Production Agency?

A Video Production Agency is a business that focuses on creating video content for B2B, B2C or agencies. 

A video agency will have the capability of focusing on multiple aspects related to video production.

They have usually been in business for a multitude of years and have a proven track record for quality work. 

Benefits of Hiring a Video Production Agency?

There are 5 benefits to hiring a Video Production Agency. They are:

1. Reliable and Accountable 
   • Video Agencies are brick and mortar businesses that survive because of their ability to be reliable and accountable for their work. They are businesses that cannot function if their output or reception is poor. 
2. Produce High Quality Results
   • To be able to grow, a business needs to deliver quality results consistently. 
3. Experts 
   • Expertise is one of the factors that separates freelancers from video agencies.
4. Versatile
   • Video Production Agencies will be able to bring on the necessary crew members to be able to create the clients vision. 
5. Provide Good Experiences
   • Creating a good video is also about creating a good experience for the client. At Lapse Productions we want to develop a long-term collaborative relationship with our clients so we prioritize good experiences in our work. 

Downsides of Hiring a Video Production Agency?

There are 2 downsides of hiring a Video Production Agency. They are:

1. Higher costs
   • Video Production Agencies that are established will charge a high rate to create video content. Bigger businesses that have higher overhead will need to reflect overhead costs in their pricing models. 
2. Some may offer subpar quality 
   • Being in business for a long time or having a long list of clients does not always mean that a business is innovating or keeping up with modern advancements. The same can be said for video production companies. 
   • Prospective clients will need to do due diligence to find the best video production agency for their needs. 

Average Price of a Video Production Agency

Video Production Agencies in Toronto come in all pricing ranges. From $1,000 to $10,000 you will be able to find a company that is competitively priced for your video project. 

For example, at Lapse Productions our pricing packages start at $1,500 and average in the $3,500 to $5,000 range. 

What is a Freelance Videographer?

A freelance videographer is an independent contractor that works as a one-man-band filmmaker. 

Freelance videographers are often individuals who have just entered the video industry (1-5 years). They often leave the industry within the 5 year mark or they begin their own companies, go work at other companies, or remain independent. 

Videographers wear many different hats. They are primarily videographers, which means that they are cinematographers, but they may also be producers, and editors. On set they may also have novice experience with audio gear and directing. 

Videographers are often hired by video production companies, marketing, ad agencies, or businesses (usually small to medium sized B2B or B2C).  

Many owners of video production companies started out as freelancer videographers before they expanded their business. 

Benefits of Hiring A Freelance Videographer?

There are two benefits to hiring a freelance videographer: 1) They will be able to work on small budget projects and 2) they might also be talented giving you great value for money. 

However, this comes with a big disclaimer. 

Downside of hiring a Freelance Videographer?

There are 3 major downsides to hiring a freelancer videographer:

1. Lack of quality control
   • With knowledge of the video production industry you will not be able to determine their skill level. Even if their reels or videos might seem good or even great, there may be red flags that you are not noticing in the work because you are not a video producer. Also, portfolio pieces do not mean that they will be able to produce your specific type of video properly. 
2. Lack of reliability and accountability
   • Freelance videographers are not a brick and mortar business. Some might not even have a website. If they do a poor job on your project they can easily move on to other projects without ramifications to their business. 
   • Since they have not been in business for a long time then they will not be as reliable as a video production company because of their limited track record. 
   • Freelancers that begin to generate a lot of freelance gigs will begin to neglect other clients due to lack of time. This results in poor communication and experience. 
3. Limited skill set
   • As we mentioned before, videographers wear many hats but just because they are able to do many different jobs does not mean they will be good at each one. 
   • Piling on too many separate jobs onto one person will also result in incorrect work in some areas due to too many roles being placed on one person. For example, if the videographer needs to set up the lights, camera, audio gear, then also direct the interviewee and ask them questions, it will be hard for him or her to monitor the audio levels or camera focus. 
   • Some videographers may be great cinematographers but they may not be good directors, which will result in a poor experience and poor communication while on set. Some might also not be good editors which will result in a poor quality video. 

Average Price of a Freelance Videographer?

Freelancer videographers on average range from $300 to $1,250 depending on their skill level, equipment list, and time. Videographers on the low end of that pricing range will be novices that have just entered the video industry. Whereas videographers on the higher end will be those that have been in the industry for over 5 years and have built up a good portfolio along with a roster of clients that send them work frequently. 

Pricing Difference Between Video Production Agency and Freelance Videographer?

There is not a vast pricing difference between a Video Production Agency and a Freelance Videographer because once you factor in that you will need to essentially take on the role of a video producer and hire all the freelancers needed (videographer, editor, animator, make up, etc), you will actually be very close to the same pricing point of a regular video production company. At least with regards to pricing. Quality-wise you will still be off by a lot.

Why Lapse Productions is Your Go-To Choice for Corporate Video Production in Toronto

Nestled in the heart of Toronto, Lapse Productions is a cadre of seasoned creatives and technicians embodying the blend of experience, technical prowess, and distinctive style crucial for concocting compelling corporate videos.

• Local Expertise: Our deep-rooted understanding of the Toronto market, allied with our acumen of local filming locales, empowers us to craft videos that strike a chord with local audiences. Our Toronto lineage imbues our productions with an authentic local essence, embodying the essence of video production Toronto.
• Communication and Professionalism: Transparency in communication and a well-charted process are the hallmarks of Lapse Productions, ensuring a frictionless voyage from the drawing board to the big screen. Our professionalism mirrors in our punctuality, crystal-clear budget deliberations, and unwavering adherence to timelines.
• Creative Excellence: Our portfolio is a window to our creative sagacity and distinct style. We take pride in our ability to infuse a breath of fresh innovation into corporate video production, helping your brand emerge from the crowd.
• Technical Proficiency: Armed with cutting-edge equipment and a discerning eye for contemporary video production techniques, we pledge that every venture we embark on is delivered to the pinnacle of technical standards.

Opting for Lapse Productions for your corporate video requisites is synonymous with choosing a partner devoted to showcasing your brand in the most illustrious light possible. We cordially invite you to peruse our portfolio and reach out to discuss how we can translate your vision into a visual masterpiece.

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If you’re looking for top-notch quality, industry expertise, dependability, and competitive pricing, don’t wait any longer. Contact us now for a quote and let’s get started on your project.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much will it cost to produce my video?

Our pricing packages start at: Simple – $3,250, Standard – $6,250, and Premium – $8,000. We offer add-ons for different project needs so make sure to contact us for a more custom quote.

How does LAPSE’s rate compare to other video production companies in Toronto?

We are one of the most competitively priced video production companies in Toronto. We try to maximize any budget and do more with less.

What type of videos do you create?

We have worked on videos of all different shapes and sizes. Chances are slim that we are not able to create your video. Even so we can refer you to one of our connections that can.

I need video footage without editing?

Yes. We can shoot the video footage and hand over the unedited files to you.

I have video footage that needs editing?

Yes. We can edit your existing video footage.

What type of video do I need?

If you are unsure of the type of video you need we will go over your micro and macro business goals to see what type of video(s) would best suit your marketing and sales goals for your business.

Do I own the rights to my video?

All rights to the video(s) are passed on to you as stipulated by our contracts.

How long does it take to create a video?

On average a video takes 1-2 weeks to complete but if you have a different timeline get in touch with us and we can make it work.

I’m on a tight deadline, can you complete my video project faster?

Yes! We offer Rush Orders on all our projects.