Introduction:
Choosing a video production company is a big decision – the partner you pick will help shape your brand’s story on screen. Video content has become indispensable for businesses (around 89% of companies use video as a marketing tool), so selecting the right production team is more important than ever. Wichita has a thriving business community with unique local culture and opportunities, and the good news is there are several quality video production vendors in our area. But how do you vet them and find the perfect fit for your project?
Whether you’re a small local business or a large company in Kansas, here are 10 essential tips (updated for 2025) to guide your decision. These tips will help you identify a Wichita video production company that not only delivers a polished video, but also understands your vision, audience, and what makes our region special. Let’s dive in!
1. Define Your Video Goals and Audience
Jot down a simple creative brief before reaching out – even just a few lines about the video’s purpose, key message, and intended viewers. This will help you articulate your vision when you start conversations with production teams, and it ensures everyone is on the same page from the start.
2. Look for Local Expertise and Wichita Market Knowledge
One major advantage of choosing a Wichita-based video team is their local know-how. Working with a company that knows the Wichita area, culture, and business landscape can significantly smooth the production process (and improve the final product’s relevance). Local experts will be familiar with great shoot locations around town – from the Keeper of the Plains to the historic Old Town district – to give your video authentic Wichita flavor. They’ll also understand any permitting or logistical nuances of filming in Kansas. (For example, while Wichita itself doesn’t generally require city film permits, a professional local team will handle any needed permits or location access for special scenarios and navigate things like weather or scheduling around events like Riverfest.) In short, they know the lay of the land.
Beyond logistics, a Wichita video production company brings a regional storytelling flair. They understand the local audience – what resonates with people here in south-central Kansas – and can infuse that into your video. As one production agency put it, when you hire video professionals in Wichita, you’re getting “experienced professionals who truly understand the local scene”. They might incorporate subtle hometown touches or regional pride that an out-of-town firm could miss. If your brand’s customers are primarily local, this insight is invaluable.
Lastly, working with a nearby team is just practical. It’s easier to meet in person for planning sessions, easier to schedule shoots (since the crew doesn’t have to travel far), and you’re supporting a local business in the process. You’ll likely find that Wichita’s video production community is tight-knit and collaborative – the good companies often partner with local creatives, know local vendors, and can rally resources quickly for your project. That network can save you time and headaches.
3. Review Their Portfolio Thoroughly
A production company’s portfolio is like their resume – it showcases what they can do, so examine it carefully. Most video producers host demo reels or case studies on their website. When browsing these samples, evaluate both the quality and the style: Do the videos look professionally shot and edited (good lighting, clear audio, smooth editing)? Are they engaging to watch? Also, consider if their creative style aligns with your brand. Some companies excel at slick, corporate visuals; others might have a more narrative, documentary feel. You’ll want a partner whose previous work feels like the kind of video you envision.
Look for variety and consistency. If all their samples are the exact same style or industry (for example, mostly real estate walkthroughs and nothing else), ask whether they can handle your type of project. On the flip side, if they do have a variety of videos, see if the quality stays high across different projects. Don’t be swayed by just one flashy project in their reel. One industry expert advises to look for “consistency in quality across all the work. A reliable production company should deliver strong results every time, not just for their biggest clients.” In other words, you want to trust that no matter the size of your project, they’ll give it the same level of excellence as the marquee pieces on their site.
While reviewing portfolios, here are a few things to keep in mind or questions to ask yourself:
- Technical Quality: Does the footage look crisp and well-lit? Is the audio clear and free of distractions? High production values suggest experience.
- Storytelling: Do the videos keep you engaged? Look for companies that can craft a narrative or convey emotion, not just pretty visuals. For example, if you watch a testimonial video in their portfolio, did it actually make the subject’s story compelling?
- Relevance: Can you find examples similar to what you need? If you run a healthcare clinic and need a patient story video, does the company have anything in healthcare or heartfelt storytelling? It’s okay if not exact, but they should at least demonstrate the tone you’re aiming for.
- Results Focus: Some portfolios or case studies might mention the client’s outcome (e.g. “this fundraising video helped raise $50K”). While not always available, it’s great to see if their work made an impact for clients.
Finally, consider asking the company for a full sample (with permission) beyond the curated highlight reel. Consistent quality and an ability to tailor to your needs are what you’re looking for in their past work.
3. Review Their Portfolio Thoroughly
A production company’s portfolio is like their resume – it showcases what they can do, so examine it carefully. Most video producers host demo reels or case studies on their website. When browsing these samples, evaluate both the quality and the style: Do the videos look professionally shot and edited (good lighting, clear audio, smooth editing)? Are they engaging to watch? Also, consider if their creative style aligns with your brand. Some companies excel at slick, corporate visuals; others might have a more narrative, documentary feel. You’ll want a partner whose previous work feels like the kind of video you envision.
Look for variety and consistency. If all their samples are the exact same style or industry (for example, mostly real estate walkthroughs and nothing else), ask whether they can handle your type of project. On the flip side, if they do have a variety of videos, see if the quality stays high across different projects. Don’t be swayed by just one flashy project in their reel. One industry expert advises to look for “consistency in quality across all the work. A reliable production company should deliver strong results every time, not just for their biggest clients.” In other words, you want to trust that no matter the size of your project, they’ll give it the same level of excellence as the marquee pieces on their site.
While reviewing portfolios, here are a few things to keep in mind or questions to ask yourself:
- Technical Quality: Does the footage look crisp and well-lit? Is the audio clear and free of distractions? High production values suggest experience.
- Storytelling: Do the videos keep you engaged? Look for companies that can craft a narrative or convey emotion, not just pretty visuals. For example, if you watch a testimonial video in their portfolio, did it actually make the subject’s story compelling?
- Relevance: Can you find examples similar to what you need? If you run a healthcare clinic and need a patient story video, does the company have anything in healthcare or heartfelt storytelling? It’s okay if not exact, but they should at least demonstrate the tone you’re aiming for.
- Results Focus: Some portfolios or case studies might mention the client’s outcome (e.g. “this fundraising video helped raise $50K”). While not always available, it’s great to see if their work made an impact for clients.
Finally, consider asking the company for a full sample (with permission) beyond the curated highlight reel. Consistent quality and an ability to tailor to your needs are what you’re looking for in their past work.
4. Ask About Their Production Process
A professional video company should have a clear, structured process for taking your project from idea to completion. Don’t hesitate to ask potential vendors to walk you through their process step by step. How do they handle pre-production (scripting, storyboarding, planning)? What does a shoot day look like with their crew? How do revisions and editing work in post-production? Understanding how they work will give you insight into how your collaboration will go – and it will help set the right expectations on both sides.
Look for a team that offers a collaborative and organized experience. For example, will they help develop the concept and script with you, or do they expect you to come with a script in hand? Some video production companies act more like order-takers – they’ll film what you ask but won’t provide creative input. Others function as creative partners – guiding you on messaging, story, and best approaches. If you’re newer to video, you might prefer the latter. As one guide notes, if you expect your video vendor to help flesh out the messaging and they’re not comfortable doing so, it can lead to a long couple of weeks. In short, make sure their process matches your needs.
Ask key questions, such as:
- “Do you assist with concept development and scripting?” – If you need help shaping the story or writing a script, confirm they offer that. Many good companies will, as part of pre-production, but some smaller outfits may expect you to provide the creative direction.
- “What is the typical timeline for a project like ours?” – This helps set deadlines. A simple one-day shoot might only take a couple weeks from start to finish, whereas a complex video (multiple shoot days, lots of editing or animation) could take a month or more. They should provide a realistic timeline. (Some projects can wrap in days, while others take months – it really depends on complexity.)
- “How many rounds of revisions are included in the edit?” – Reputable companies usually include a certain number of edit revision rounds in the price. You want clarity on that so you’re not hit with extra fees if you request changes.
- “Will there be a dedicated point of contact or producer managing our project?” – It’s good to know who will be your day-to-day liaison. Smooth communication (see Tip 7) often hinges on having a single accountable producer or project manager on their side.
By discussing the process in detail, you’ll get a feel for how organized, transparent, and client-friendly the company is. If someone is hesitant to describe their workflow or seems to “wing it,” consider that a red flag. The best partners have a well-defined process but are also flexible enough to adapt to your project’s unique needs.
5. Insist on Transparency in Pricing and Deliverables
Nobody likes budget surprises. When it comes to video projects, clear and transparent pricing is a must. As you solicit quotes or proposals, look for a company that provides a detailed breakdown of costs and deliverables up front. A professional video production company will typically structure their pricing based on the scope of work and time involved. For example, most quotes are broken down by stages – pre-production, production (filming), and post-production – or by time and materials (day rates for filming, hourly rates for editing). You should see line items for things like number of shoot days, crew members, equipment, editing hours, music licensing, travel expenses, etc.
Be wary of very vague estimates like “Video project: $5,000” with no detail. A lack of breakdown can indicate a lack of experience or that you might get hit with change orders later. Instead, clarity is key. Here’s what a thorough video proposal might include (and what you should ask for if it’s not clear):
- Scope of Work: A description of the video to be produced (e.g. “3-minute corporate overview video with one filming day on location”).
- Pre-Production: Planning, scripting, storyboards. If they’re writing the script or scouting locations, it should list an estimated cost or hours.
- Production: Number of shoot days, size of crew (e.g. 2-person crew vs. 5-person), type of equipment (cameras, lighting, drones). Often charged as day rates per crew member or a flat package.
- Post-Production: Editing hours, motion graphics or animation costs, voice-over recording, color grading, etc. Sometimes this is a lump sum or hourly estimate. Ensure it covers the number of revisions included.
- Deliverables: What you will receive at project end – e.g. one 3-minute video file (in specified format), plus maybe a 30-second cutdown version if you requested, and whether raw footage is included or available at extra cost.
- Timeline: An estimated schedule (for example, “First cut delivered by X date, final video by Y date” assuming prompt feedback).
- Payment terms: Total price, payment schedule (deposit and final payment), and any policies (like cancellation or additional edit fees beyond the included revisions).
A reputable company will welcome this kind of detailed discussion. They understand that you need to plan your budget. If someone only offers a handshake quote like “Yeah, it’ll be around $5k to $10k, we’ll see” without specifics, or conversely a rock-bottom price that seems too good to be true, proceed with caution. In competitive markets like video, an extremely low bid can be a red flag – the vendor might be cutting corners or will surprise you with hidden costs later.
Transparency also extends to the deliverables: make sure you know what exactly you are getting. For instance, will they provide shorter social media edits as part of the deal? Do you have rights to use the footage freely? Clarify these details in writing. The contract or proposal should spell out both sides’ responsibilities. When everything is clear up front, it protects you and sets the foundation for a smooth project. As the saying goes, “no surprises” – except maybe how awesome your final video turns out!
6. Check Testimonials and Client Reviews
One of the best ways to gauge a video production company’s reliability and quality is to see what past clients have to say. Before you sign anything, do a quick check for testimonials, reviews, or case studies about the company. Many will have testimonials on their own website – which is useful, though obviously they’ll showcase only positive experiences there. So go further: look at third-party review platforms and listings. For local Wichita production companies, check their Google Business Profile for star ratings and reviews (just Google their company name + “Wichita” and you’ll often see a sidebar with reviews). You can also look at sites like Clutch.co, which hosts client reviews for B2B services, or even Facebook page reviews if they have them. Websites like Yelp or Trustpilot might have info too, depending on the business. The key is to gather multiple data points if possible.
Reading through reviews, note common themes. Do several clients mention that the team was responsive and hit deadlines? That’s a great sign. Do you see any red flags like complaints about lack of communication or going over budget? One or two odd bad reviews might happen to any business, but a pattern of similar negative feedback is a warning. On balance, you’d like to see a strong majority of clients who were happy with the experience. As one source suggests, five good reviews to every one bad review is a decent ratio to look for – perfection isn’t required, but overwhelmingly positive feedback is a green light.
Also, ask the company if they have local clients you could speak to or any case studies relevant to your industry. If they’ve done work for another business in Wichita or Kansas that’s similar to your needs, a quick informal reference check can be invaluable. Some companies will happily connect you with a past client for a candid discussion if you request it.
Beyond star ratings, pay attention to testimonials about the experience: Did clients feel the company listened to their ideas? Were they good with tight timelines? For example, one review might highlight how the production team handled a last-minute schedule change gracefully – that tells you they’re flexible and service-oriented. Another might praise the storytelling chops or how the video helped achieve the client’s goals. Look for those nuggets.
Do your homework on social proof. We live in a review-driven world, and video production is no exception. Honest client feedback provides insight into what it’s like to work with the team you’re considering – often highlighting things you wouldn’t know until you’re in a project with them. A little research here can save you from a potential mismatch and give you extra confidence in your choice.
7. Ensure Compatibility and Communication Style
A video project isn’t a hit-and-run transaction – you’ll be working closely with the production team through planning, filming, and editing. That’s why personal and professional compatibility matters. Essentially, you need a team that you gel with. Pay attention to the vibe and communication style in your early interactions (emails, calls, meetings). Are they listening to you and answering your questions thoughtfully? Do they seem genuinely interested in your project and receptive to your ideas? You want collaborators, not just contractors. Good rapport will make the whole process more enjoyable and productive.
During initial consultations, assess their communication. Are they prompt in responding to your inquiries? Being responsive early on usually indicates they value customer service (imagine if you’re mid-project and have an urgent question – you want a partner who replies promptly). Also, consider how they explain things: a great production company can break down technical concepts (like 4K, aspect ratios, or animation options) in a way that non-video-experts understand. If instead you find them talking down to you or using a lot of jargon and glossing over details, that could lead to frustration. You should feel comfortable asking anything – after all, you’re the client.
Personality fit is subjective, but trust your gut. If you meet the director or producer and you can envision spending hours on set with them without going crazy, that’s a good sign! Remember, enthusiasm and passion go a long way too. You’ll get a better video if the team is excited about your project. It’s hard to quantify, but sometimes an initial call can tell you a lot. Do they seem flexible and solution-oriented, or rigid and egotistical? One industry blog even suggests looking for clues like whether they come off as arrogant on their website or calls – ultimately you want folks you could “put in front of the CEO without hesitation”. In other words, professionals who make you look good for choosing them.
Don’t shy away from discussing communication preferences. If you prefer weekly update calls or detailed email updates, see if they accommodate that. Miscommunications can derail projects, so setting a cadence (status meetings, review checkpoints) helps. A reliable company will have no problem agreeing on a communication plan that makes you comfortable.
Bottom line: Choose a video team you trust and like. Beyond skills, that human factor – being on the same wavelength – can make the difference between a stressful experience and a rewarding creative partnership. When you have a good mutual understanding, you’re more likely to end up with a video that truly reflects your vision and runs on time and budget. It’s worth it to find a team that clicks with your company’s culture and values.
Choose a video team you trust and like. Beyond skills, that human factor – being on the same wavelength – can make the difference between a stressful experience and a rewarding creative partnership. When you have a good mutual understanding, you’re more likely to end up with a video that truly reflects your vision and runs on time and budget. It’s worth it to find a team that clicks with your company’s culture and values.
8. Prioritize Storytelling, Not Just the Gear
It’s easy to be impressed by a production company that flaunts the latest 8K cameras, drones, and a laundry list of high-tech gear. While professional equipment does matter for quality, what matters more is the company’s storytelling ability and creative vision. At the end of the day, a fancy camera without a good story will just produce an empty, forgettable video. The videos that truly resonate with your audience are those with a strong narrative or emotional core – ones that make people feel something or clearly communicate a compelling message about your brand.
So, when evaluating potential partners, ask about their approach to storytelling. Do they take time to learn about your brand history, your “why,” and your customers’ pain points? A company that inquires about the narrative angle (“What story do we want to tell? What should viewers walk away feeling or knowing?”) is one that values content over gimmicks. In contrast, if a vendor’s pitch to you is all about their gear (“We have a 12-camera setup and cinema drone, etc.”) but they aren’t asking about your actual story, that’s a yellow flag. High-end equipment is great, but storytelling is what connects with viewers on a human level.
Consider some evidence: people remember stories far better than facts alone. For example, studies have found that viewers retain 95% of a message when they watch it in a video, compared to only 10% when reading text. Why such a big gap? Because video – when done right – engages multiple senses and emotions, embedding the message in memory. It’s the narrative and visuals together that make it stick. Similarly, emotionally charged content has proven more effective in marketing (one study noted purely emotional campaigns outperform rational ones nearly 2-to-1). All this to say: a production team that knows how to craft an emotional arc or tell a story will likely produce a video that performs for your business, not just looks pretty.
When reviewing their past work (as discussed in Tip 3), specifically gauge how story-driven it is. Did a case study video actually tell how a client’s problem was solved, or was it just generic b-roll with facts on screen? Did a nonprofit video make you feel the mission? Look for those nuances. You can even ask a company for an example of how they helped a client turn a dull idea into a creative story – hearing them describe their creative process will reveal a lot.
Choose a storyteller. The best video production companies marry technical skill with creative storytelling. They understand that the narrative (the content) is king, and the camera is just the tool. When you find a team that approaches your project with a storyteller’s mindset, you’re likely to get a video that not only looks polished but also captivates your audience and inspires them to take action.
9. Recognize Community Involvement and Local Insight
This tip is a bit more specific to getting the most out of a local partnership: consider a video company’s community involvement and awareness of local trends. Why does this matter? A team that’s actively engaged in the Wichita community (or the broader Kansas/Midwest scene) is likely to have a finger on the pulse of what’s happening locally. They might sponsor or film at local events, collaborate with other local businesses or nonprofits, or produce content about regional topics. This matters to you because it translates into authentic storytelling and timely content. They’re not creating videos in a vacuum; they understand the context in which your audience lives and works.
For instance, a production company that knows about Wichita’s annual Tallgrass Film Festival, or the big Shockers game, or a local charity drive, might bring ideas to the table that tie in subtly with community pride or seasonal happenings. They may also have a network of local on-camera talent and influencers, or familiarity with locations that have local significance. All these can add an extra layer of relatability to your video for viewers in the area. When your video strikes a chord culturally or emotionally (“hey, I recognize that landmark or that story – it’s our city!”), it can have a stronger impact.
Moreover, a company that cares about the community likely approaches projects with a bit more heart. It suggests they’re not just in it for a quick buck; they’re building a reputation here at home. That often means higher accountability and passion for doing great work for local clients. As a Wichita business, aligning with a vendor who loves Wichita can only help your project. They’ll want to showcase our city in the best light and create something people here talk about.
To gauge this, you can do a quick background check: browse their social media or news section. Do they mention community projects or local partnerships? You can also simply ask: “What kind of work have you done in Wichita or for the local community?” If they light up telling you about filming at a downtown event or helping a local nonprofit with a video, that’s a great sign.
One guide for choosing a production company noted that in places like NYC, the best teams “know how to infuse the local culture into their work”. The same goes for Wichita – a production partner who gets the local culture can infuse authenticity into your video that outsiders might miss. So give a little extra credit to companies that demonstrate local savvy and community spirit. It might just be the factor that elevates your content from good to unforgettable for your audience.
10. Think Long-Term Partnership Potential
When evaluating a video production company, it’s wise to not only think about the immediate project but also consider the long-term relationship potential. Ideally, the vendor you choose could become a go-to creative partner for your business rather than a one-and-done contractor. Consistency in video style and a team that grows to understand your brand deeply over time can be hugely beneficial if you plan to produce multiple videos down the road. It saves you from starting from scratch with someone new for each project and can lead to better videos as the team learns from each project with you.
How do you assess this? Look at signs of their commitment to client success beyond just the final deliverable. For example, do they offer any ongoing support or post-project services? Some companies will help with video distribution advice, performance tracking, or offer to create cut-downs and variations for different platforms – indicating they care about your results, not just handing over a file and disappearing. Also, notice if they ask questions like “What are your future video needs or long-term goals?” early on. That shows they’re thinking about helping you over the long haul, not just this one gig.
Another indicator is how they handle repeat business and relationships. You might find in reviews or testimonials that certain clients have stuck with them for years. If a company has ongoing relationships with long-term clients, that showcases their reliability and the value they bring. It means other businesses trust them enough to come back again and again – a strong vote of confidence. You can even ask the vendor directly: “Do you often work with clients on multiple projects?” and “How do you ensure consistency if we do a series of videos over time?” Their answers will be telling. Great partners will mention things like maintaining brand guidelines, keeping project records, or even retainer options for regular content.
When you find a team you click with, nurture that partnership. They’ll become more efficient as they learn your approval process and preferences, and you’ll waste less time onboarding new crews. Plus, a partner who understands your brand’s story deeply can help brainstorm future content ideas proactively. For instance, they might say, “Hey, we did a great overview video; maybe next we should film customer testimonials or a product demo to keep the momentum.” That kind of initiative is gold.
Don’t just hire a vendor – consider hiring a partner. The best video production companies aim to build long-term relationships. They succeed when you succeed. So if you can envision working with these folks for years to come, that’s a superb sign you’re making the right choice. Think about the bigger picture of your marketing strategy and choose a team that can grow with you and continually bring your stories to life.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Choosing the right video production company in Wichita comes down to finding a team that understands your vision, communicates well, delivers quality and value, and truly cares about your story. By following these 10 tips – from clarifying your goals to checking reviews and emphasizing storytelling – you’ll be well equipped to make an informed decision. The effort you spend upfront to vet and select the right partner will pay off when you end up with a fantastic video that achieves your business goals (and hopefully a smooth, fun production experience along the way!).
At Lundblade House Productions, we know how important these factors are because we built our company around them. We’re a Wichita-born video production team that prides ourselves on local expertise, authentic storytelling, and lasting client partnerships. We’ve helped many Kansas businesses turn ideas into eye-catching videos, all while keeping the process transparent and client-friendly. If you’re ready to bring your brand’s story to life on screen, we’d love to chat with you about your vision and how we can make it happen. Let’s create something great together for your business.
Have questions or your own tips on choosing a video vendor?
Drop us a line – let’s help each other make the most of video in Wichita! 🎬✨
FAQs
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Sources
- Video Marketing Statistics 2025 (11 Years of Data) | wyzowl.com | https://www.wyzowl.com/video-marketing-statistics/
- Why Video Is Essential to Nonprofit Marketing & Fundraising | filamentservices.org | https://www.filamentservices.org/why-video-is-essential-to-nonprofit-marketing-fundraising/
- Wichita Videographer Services – Corporate, Events & More | beverlyboy.com | https://beverlyboy.com/wichita-videographer-services/
- How to Choose the Right Video Production Company? | zelios.agency | https://zelios.agency/choosing-the-right-video-production-company/
- 9 Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Video Production Company | gillespieproductions.com | https://www.gillespieproductions.com/blog/9-factors-to-consider-when-choosing-the-best-video-production-company
- 10 Essential Tips for Selecting a Video Production Company in NYC | paylinedata.com | https://paylinedata.com/blog/video-production-company-in-new-york
- The Power of Storytelling: How High-Quality Video Production Can Elevate Your Brand | aspenfilms.ca | https://aspenfilms.ca/the-power-of-storytelling/
- How Much Do Video Production Companies Charge? | storytellerstudios.com | https://storytellerstudios.com/our-philosophy/how-much-do-video-production-companies-charge