5 Questions to Ask Boston Filmmakers Before Hiring

Hiring a filmmakers or production company to work on a film project can be a real challenge. Boston filmmakers realize the competition is fierce in the City, so they’re likely to put their best foot forward when you contact them. Make sure you’re prepared with a set of questions to ask before you contact any filmmaker, and please be sure you know what you want! You can’t possibly hire a production crew if you’re not sure what you’re producing! 

Keep in mind, cheaper isn’t always “better” in film. In fact, cheaper can often equate to substantially more expensive in the long-run, if you’re not careful. If you’re on a tight budget, be open and honest about it upfront with each of the Boston filmmakers you contact.

It’s best to get the numbers out of the way first, rather than waste everyone’s time (yours and theirs) discussing something that you cannot afford. 

Ask the following questions to help you get an idea of whether or not the Boston filmmakers on your list are right for your project.

1. What Kinds of Video or Film Projects Do You Specialize In?

This isn’t a deal breaker if they say they specialize in something other than what you need. In fact, a specialization in something else could be perfectly fine — it just kind of depends on what they say and on what you need.

IF you’re aiming for broadcast-quality commercial production that will air on television, and they say they specialize in whiteboard animation – RUN!

However, if they specialize in corporate video production, and you’re looking to create a short social media commercial, the fit should be just fine.

2. Do You Have Experience with (insert your industry/project here)? 

Again, filmmakers don’t necessarily have to have experience with your industry, but they need to be able to understand quickly what is most important for your film and how to connect with the intended audience – and experience in the industry can help.

The best film production crew for your video will likely have working knowledge of your industry. They should at least have an idea of how your business operates, what your target audience is, and how to deliver your story.

3. Do You Have the Equipment Required for the Production?

If you’re filming a simple shoot that requires only basic, essential filmmaking equipment, this shouldn’t be a big deal. However, many Boston filmmakers may not have extensive lighting or specialty equipment for things like moviemaking.

So, this is where it becomes important to ask about equipment upfront.

While NOT having the equipment isn’t a deal breaker (it can always be rented), it’s important for you to keep in mind that filmmakers that must rent equipment will tack those surcharges onto your production costs, so be prepared.

4. What is the Turnaround Time for a Project Like This?

If you spoke about budget and timeline upfront, the answer that you receive here should be acceptable, but it’s still important to ask. Know that some projects will simply take more time than others — and that’s okay!

What’s most important here is that when you ask each of the filmmakers about the turnaround time, they provide a timeline that is acceptable to you and that it makes sense for the project — a turnaround time that is excessive, or extremely under what it should be, is a red flag.

5. How Do You Handle Revision Requests & Final Cuts?

Asking the Boston filmmakers about the way they will handle the project, specifically related to revision requests, is important because this will give you insight into their project management. Most filmmakers will provide you with 3 revisions before incurring additional costs.

It’s important for you to know how those revisions are to be handled – ask about the turnaround time for edits, and how quickly you are expected to respond with feedback so that you know whether the expectations are something that you can work with for your own needs.

Ready to hire Boston filmmakers that can produce quality videos for your business? Give Beverly Boy Productions a call at 617-314-9267!