Question 1

How much does a video production cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing depends on scope, crew size, locations, and post-production needs. As a general guide for the DC and NYC markets: interview and testimonial videos typically range $3,500–$8,000, brand films $12,000–$35,000, and multi-day conference coverage $8,000–$25,000+. We provide a detailed line-item quote after a discovery call so there are no surprises.

Question 2

Do you offer packages or is everything custom-quoted?

Accepted Answer

Every project is custom-quoted. Packages tend to either over-deliver on things you don't need or under-deliver on things you do. We scope to your actual goals — number of videos, runtime, deliverable formats, and usage rights.

Question 3

What's included in the quote, and what costs extra?

Accepted Answer

Quotes include pre-production, crew, gear, post-production, two rounds of revisions, licensed music, and final delivery in the formats you specify. Add-ons typically include additional shoot days, additional revision rounds, talent or voiceover casting, translation/captioning beyond English, and extended music or stock licensing.

Question 4

What are your payment terms?

Accepted Answer

A 50% deposit secures the production dates and kicks off pre-production. The remaining 50% is due on final delivery. For larger productions we can structure milestone payments tied to pre-production, principal photography, and delivery.

Question 5

How long does a typical project take?

Accepted Answer

From kickoff to final delivery: interview-driven videos run 4–6 weeks, brand films 8–12 weeks, and documentary projects 3–6 months. Rush timelines are possible for an additional fee when calendars allow.

Question 6

What does your production process look like?

Accepted Answer

Three phases. Pre-production (2–4 weeks): discovery, creative concept, scripting, location scouting, scheduling. Production: filming with full crew, lighting, and audio. Post-production (3–6 weeks): editing, color, sound design, motion graphics, and delivery.

Question 7

How many revisions are included?

Accepted Answer

Two rounds of client revisions are standard, with a third round available if needed. Clear feedback consolidated from all stakeholders in each round produces the strongest result.

Question 8

How involved does our team need to be?

Accepted Answer

Most clients spend a few hours on the discovery call, script review, on-camera interviews if applicable, and cut reviews. We handle everything else — logistics, crew, gear, locations, permits, and post.

Question 9

Do you write the script and creative concept?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most projects start with us developing the concept, narrative arc, and script based on your goals, audience, and brand. If you have a script in hand, we'll review it for production feasibility and refine it with you.

Question 10

Can you help us figure out what kind of video we actually need?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. A lot of our discovery calls are spent helping clients translate a business objective into the right format — brand film vs. testimonial vs. explainer vs. social cutdowns. The right format depends on where the video will live and what it needs to accomplish.

Question 11

How do you make sure the video matches our brand?

Accepted Answer

We work from your existing brand guidelines, reference reels, and tone of voice. For organizations without a defined visual identity, we develop a treatment document that locks in look, pacing, music direction, and graphics style before production starts.

Question 12

Is the crew in-house or freelance?

Accepted Answer

Our core team is in-house. For larger productions we bring in trusted freelance specialists — additional camera ops, gaffers, sound mixers, drone pilots — from our regular DC and NYC network. You always work with the same producer and director from kickoff to delivery.

Question 13

What cameras and gear do you shoot on?

Accepted Answer

We shoot primarily on Sony cinema cameras (FX6, FX3) and RED. Full professional lighting, audio, lenses, and support gear come standard. See our Gear page for the full kit.

Question 14

Do you handle permits, locations, and releases?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pre-production includes location scouting, permit applications (DC, NPS, NYC, and surrounding jurisdictions), insurance certificates, and all talent and location releases.

Question 15

Can you travel for productions?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we regularly travel for clients nationwide and internationally. Travel days, transportation, and per diem are billed at cost.

Question 16

Are you insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We carry general liability and equipment coverage and provide Certificates of Insurance for any venue or facility that requires one.

Question 17

Can you film in federal buildings or secure facilities?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have extensive experience producing in federal facilities, military installations, and contractor sites that require advance clearance, escorts, and equipment review.

Question 18

Do you fly drones in DC?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with the necessary FAA Part 107 certification and the additional authorizations required for DC's Special Flight Rules Area and Flight Restricted Zone. Aerial work outside restricted airspace is more straightforward and we coordinate the right approvals for every shoot.

Question 19

What formats do we receive?

Accepted Answer

Final deliverables include high-resolution master files (typically ProRes or H.264) plus web-optimized versions. Social cutdowns can be delivered in 16:9, 9:16, and 1:1 with burned-in captions. All formats and aspect ratios are agreed on during pre-production.

Question 20

Who owns the final video and the raw footage?

Accepted Answer

You own the final delivered video and have full usage rights in perpetuity across all platforms. Raw footage ownership and archival are spelled out in the contract — most clients license usage of the final cut rather than acquire raw camera files, but raw delivery is available.

Question 21

Is the music licensed for ads and all platforms?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We license music for the use case you specify — including paid social, broadcast, and in-perpetuity web use. The license scope is documented in your final delivery.

Question 22

Can you deliver captions and accessibility-compliant versions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We deliver SRT caption files, burned-in caption versions, and Section 508-compliant deliverables for government and federal clients on request.

Question 23

Can we see work similar to ours?

Accepted Answer

Yes — share what you're working on during the discovery call and we'll point you to the most relevant pieces from our portfolio, including projects we can show privately if they're not yet public.

Question 24

Who is our day-to-day contact?

Accepted Answer

You work directly with the producer and director on your project from the first call through final delivery. No account managers, no handoffs.

Question 25

What if we're not happy with the first cut?

Accepted Answer

First cuts are a starting point, not a final answer. Consolidated, specific feedback in each revision round is how we get to a result you're proud of. We don't consider a project complete until you sign off on the final.

Frequently Asked Questions

Budget & Pricing

Process & Timeline

Creative & Strategy

Crew, Gear & Logistics

Deliverables & Usage

Working With Us

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