Frame by Frame
The Art and Science of Stellar Storytelling
By Jason Schuler on December 1, 2024
Video has become a powerful tool for businesses and brands of all sizes to communicate their message effectively. Whether creating promotional videos, HR recruiting videos, serious corporate training videos, fun corporate films, or engaging corporate communications content, high-quality corporate videos can capture the attention of your target audience and leave a lasting impression.
However, not every digital marketing agency or video production company has the chops needed to serve the corporate client. Choosing the best corporate video production services for your growing business can be challenging. With so many options available, making an informed decision that aligns with your goals and budget is paramount.
Read on to learn more about the essential factors to consider when selecting corporate video production services in New Jersey that will take your business to new heights.
Choosing the right video production company isn’t just about flashy equipment or dramatic drone shots. It’s about finding a creative partner who understands your business, your audience, and what you’re actually trying to say. Whether you’re producing a corporate video, a commercial, or a branded social media campaign, the goal is the same: make something real that resonates.
Look beyond the highlight reel. Ask who they’ve worked with, what problems they helped solve, and how those videos performed. A great production company will guide you through the process from start to finish, offering more than just technical services. They’ll bring creative strategy, thoughtful storytelling, and post-production that supports your goals. You don’t need another pretty video. You need one that actually works.
Before embarking on the journey of hiring the best corporate video production services, you should consider the following:
By clarifying your goals & KPI’s, you will be armed with information that can help narrow your search and find a corporate video company specializing in your specific requirements.
One of the most effective ways to assess the quality and style of a corporate video agency is by evaluating their past work and portfolio. Take the time to watch their previous corporate videos and see if they resonate with your brand. Look for coherence in storytelling, visual aesthetics, and production value. Pay attention to the level of professionalism and attention to detail in their work. Read testimonials from previous corporate clients and beware of companies that pay for fake reviews. If possible, reach out to their previous clients to get firsthand feedback on the experience of working with the production company.
A crucial aspect to consider when choosing corporate video production services is the expertise and composition of the production team. Many video companies in NJ have contracted since the pandemic, and chose to never re-hire any full time staff. Others purport to have a large team, even showcasing a dozen or more headshots on their website, but in actuality, do not employ anyone. Instead, they hire cheap freelancers and college students to fulfill roles on their productions. A skilled and experienced full time team will have a deep understanding of corporate video services, such as;
The right team will be able to bring your vision to life and create a visually captivating and engaging video. Look for corporate video production services that have a diverse team of full-time professionals, including directors, cinematographers, scriptwriters, and editors. A team with a broad range of expertise will ensure that every aspect of your video production is handled with the utmost care and attention to detail.
In an industry full of options, verifying the legitimacy and reputation of the corporate video agency you are considering is essential. Start by checking their online presence, including their website, social media profiles, and client testimonials. Look for reviews and ratings on reputable platforms like Google, Yelp, or industry-specific directories. A production company with a solid reputation will have positive feedback from satisfied clients and a track record of delivering high-quality videos. Ask them how many of their staff are full time and whether you will work with the same people who are selling you their services. Additionally, ensure that the production company is insured, as many corporate buildings in New Jersey will not allow production crews with gear on the premises without a specific COI naming the building management.
When investing in corporate video production services, consider the return on investment (ROI). A reputable production company should understand the importance of creating videos that not only look great but also deliver tangible results for your business. During the selection process, do the following:
A well-executed video starts long before the cameras roll. To get results, you need a clear understanding of how the video production process works. Most projects follow three stages: pre-production, production, and post-production. Knowing what happens in each phase helps you stay on track, avoid surprises, and keep the final product aligned with your goals.
Pre-production is where the real work begins. This is the planning phase: developing the concept, writing the script, creating a shot list, and locking in locations, talent, and schedules.
Once everything is mapped out, production is where the vision comes to life. Crews capture everything that was planned during pre-production: interviews, b-roll (aka visuals), product shots, scripted scenes, and more. A well-prepared shoot runs on time and allows the client and crew to stay focused on the creative work, rather than putting out fires.
After filming, post-production is where the raw footage gets shaped into a finished story. Editors select the best takes, cut them into a clear narrative, add music and sound design, and bring in graphics or animation if the project calls for it. Color correction gives the final polish. This is also the phase where client feedback and revisions take place. The clearer the vision and communication upfront, the smoother this process will be.
A strong production company will walk you through each step and make the entire process feel like a collaboration, not a guessing game.
The gear a video production company uses can tell you a lot about the level of quality and care they bring to a project. There’s a big difference between a mirrorless camera with auto settings and a true cinema camera with internal ND filters, matched lenses, and balanced XLR audio. Professional tools don’t just look better. They save time, improve consistency, and deliver results that hold up on any platform.
Multi-camera shoots are another sign of a professional setup. Shooting with two or three angles during interviews or corporate events gives editors flexibility and creates a more polished final product. It also speeds up production because you can get more coverage in less time. Lighting should be thoughtfully planned, too. A strong crew will match lighting color temperatures to the office environment—so your subject doesn’t end up with a green cast under bad fluorescents or blown out next to a sunny window.
It’s not just about what they bring. It’s about how they use it. A full-sized teleprompter with an operator makes on-camera delivery smooth and natural. The iPad-on-a-stand version can be clunky and distracting. And smart use of AI and tools like TubeBuddy can help optimize your video content for search, without turning it into something generic. The right team will know when to lean into tech and when to trust human instinct. It’s not about trends. It’s about making smart, intentional choices that support your message.
Below is an example of an NJ Corporate Overview Video that our company produced for a New Jersey based business called Diamond Consultants:
Another factor to consider when choosing a video production company is to look into the types of video they deliver and the types of businesses the company has served in the past. While some production companies specialize in specific industries, others have a broader range of expertise.
Before hiring a video production company, take a close look at the kind of work they actually produce. Not just the flashy reel, but the real variety. Are they focused on brand storytelling? Do they create short-form content for social? Are they delivering corporate communications that actually land? The tone, pacing, and clarity of their past work will give you a sense of whether they can deliver what you need.
Next, consider whether the production company has experience working with businesses similar to yours in terms of size, industry, or target audience. A production company that understands your unique challenges and requirements can provide valuable insights and create videos that resonate with your target market.
Hiring a good video production company for your growing business is a critical decision that can have a significant impact on your brand’s success. You can make an informed decision by understanding your business needs, evaluating past work, considering expertise and team composition, focusing on ROI, verifying legitimacy, and considering the types of businesses served.
Furthermore, creating a corporate video doesn’t have to be a one-time-use endeavor. Choosing the right company to create the right aesthetic and prioritizing quality will allow you to leverage this video content in new and exciting ways such as social media, HR recruitment posts, LinkedIn…etc. Maximizing your investment will ensure that your corporate videos resonate not only with your target audience, but they drive meaningful results for your business.
At Awakened Films, we have found that some of our corporate video clients also require commercial video work too. Having a full service studio centrally located in North Jersey makes it easy for our clients to create corporate films and commercials without schlepping into the city. No matter what your video productions needs are, we’ve got you covered!
Your audience is waiting for that next thumb-stopping moment, and together, we can create it. Shoot Awakened Films a message, and let’s make some digital waves together.
Do you want to explore info about corporate video production & business marketing? Here are a few link:
https://awakenedfilms.com/your-guide-to-b2b-video-marketing/
https://awakenedfilms.com/12-ways-to-maximize-your-corporate-video-production/
https://awakenedfilms.com/small-business-and-video-marketing-what-you-need-to-know/
https://awakenedfilms.com/why-work-with-a-corporate-video-agency/
https://awakenedfilms.com/the-undeniable-benefits-of-corporate-video-production-for-your-business/