When it comes to creating powerful, persuasive content for your brand, working with a professional video production agency can be a game-changer. But hiring the wrong one—or simply approaching the process the wrong way—can cost you more than just money. It can mean missed deadlines, misaligned messaging, or underwhelming results that don’t move the needle for your business.

The good news? These mistakes are easy to avoid if you know what to look out for. Here are the top missteps companies make when working with a video production agency—and how to make sure you stay on the right path.

Failing to Clarify Goals Upfront

One of the most common mistakes is jumping into production without clearly defining what success looks like. A quality video production agency will always begin with a discovery phase—understanding your objectives, your audience, and your message. Without this, you risk ending up with a polished but pointless piece of content.

Choosing Based on Price Alone

While budget is important, choosing the cheapest agency on offer often leads to underwhelming results. A low-cost option might cut corners in pre-production, scripting, or post-production. Instead, prioritise value: what are you actually getting for your investment?

Ignoring Portfolio and Case Studies

Don’t just rely on what the agency says it can do—review what they’ve already done. A professional video production agency should be proud to share past work. If there’s nothing to see, that’s a red flag. And make sure the work aligns with the style, tone, and audience you’re targeting.

Neglecting Cultural Fit and Communication Style

Your working relationship matters. If your chosen video production agency doesn't understand your company culture, communication preferences, or approval processes, you're in for a frustrating experience. Meet the team. See if the chemistry’s there. You’re going to be working closely, so you need to be on the same wavelength.

Overlooking Distribution Strategy

Creating the video is just one part of the journey. What happens after it’s delivered? A good agency will guide you on how to distribute it—whether that’s for social platforms, email marketing, internal comms, or paid media. If there’s no talk of distribution, that’s a missed opportunity.

Assuming They Know Your Industry

Some agencies try a one-size-fits-all approach, regardless of your niche. But if a video production agency has never worked in your sector—or doesn’t take time to understand it—they may produce content that feels off-brand or ineffective. Look for signs of research, curiosity, and relevant experience.

Micromanaging the Process

While it’s natural to want control, micromanaging can actually get in the way. A top-tier agency thrives when given the space to be creative within clear guidelines. Provide direction, set expectations, and then allow them to do what they do best.

Neglecting the Power of Storytelling

Many brands approach video as a straightforward advertisement—but forget the emotional hook. A skilled video production agency will weave your message into a story that resonates. Whether it's a customer journey, a founder’s tale, or a narrative of impact, stories capture attention and stick in the mind far longer than bullet points or product features.

Without storytelling, your video risks becoming just another piece of content in a crowded feed. Audiences don’t engage with facts alone—they connect with emotion. That’s why agencies that put storytelling at the centre of their process consistently produce better results. Look for examples in their past work. Are you moved? Do you care? If not, your audience probably won’t either.

Failing to Involve Stakeholders Early

One of the biggest mistakes clients make is looping in decision-makers too late. A good video production agency will want feedback during scripting, storyboarding, and even casting. If key voices in your business aren’t consulted until the final edit, you’re likely to face major changes—or even start from scratch.

This isn't just about avoiding revisions. It's about alignment. When marketing, leadership, and product teams are involved from the outset, the end product reflects the full picture of your brand and goals. So before filming begins, identify who needs to sign off—and ensure they're part of the journey.

Focusing Only on the Visuals

While high-end visuals matter, they’re only half the equation. Audio, pacing, message clarity, and even subtitling can make or break the impact of your video. Too many brands get dazzled by pretty shots and forget the importance of scripting or sound design.

An experienced video production agency understands this balance. They’ll work across all layers of the content—scriptwriting, filming, editing, and even post-distribution adjustments. Ask about their approach to editing and post-production. If it sounds like an afterthought, be cautious. The polish comes not just from the lens, but from what happens after the shoot wraps.

Rushing the Timeline

Finally, impatience can ruin an otherwise great project. Quality video takes time—especially when it involves concept development, coordination, approvals, and revisions. If you try to cram all that into a two-week window, something’s going to give. Usually, it’s either the quality or the stress levels of everyone involved.

A professional video production agency will give you a realistic timeline from the start. If they promise to deliver something in days that should take weeks, ask questions. The best results happen when there’s room to think, review, and refine. It’s better to build in time and get it right than to rush and regret it.

Take the Guesswork Out of Video Production

If you want to avoid these common pitfalls and partner with experts who understand how to tell your story right—without the stress—we’d love to help. Start a conversation about your video project here.