FAQ

We’re here to help.

Have a question?

Read through our most frequently asked questions for straightforward answers about our video production process.

1What is a video advertising agency?

A creative agency like ours produces quality video content to help businesses connect with their audiences to maximize brand engagement, views, and revenue. From the script to the screen, our services are creative with a tangible purpose – to make your business more successful.

2Who produces your video content?

Our team produces all of our video content ourselves, so we can ensure total quality control over the finished product. We don’t want to put our stamp of approval on anything we don’t believe in, so we work with a crew of professionals we trust to produce top-quality content.

3What types of videos do you make?

With over a decade of experience and 125+ projects under our belt, we can produce a broad range of videos for your brand. We work on everything from video explainers or corporate videos to customer testimonials and social ads. We’re always happy to talk options with you.

4What type of video is right for us?

The video you choose should suit your business goals first. If you’re unsure what type of video you need, we are happy to schedule a quick discovery call or meeting to discuss your business goals and determine your best solution. Contact us to learn more.

5How much does video production cost?

Video production costs depend largely on your project’s scope. When we discuss “scope,” we’re referring to the creative required to bring your vision to life. A customer testimonial video at your office isn’t as cost-intensive as hiring the Arkells to shoot a brand video for you at the top of the CN tower with a 10-camera crew. The scope of the creative dictates the budget, and conversely, the budget often determines the creative. 

We can get a better sense of your optimal creative scope by reviewing video samples you love from your favourite brand or our work portfolio. From there, we can discuss realistic budgets for your needs. 

Most of our video projects fall into the $10,000 to $50,000 budget range, though simple videos can cost as little as $5,000. Big commercial productions have immense cost potential – they could be $250,000+ if you opt for celebrity talent and a full fireworks display. Learn more about budgets.

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6Is video important for SEO?

Many of our clients seek out our services because they’re trying to boost their Google rank, web traffic, and customer conversions. Luckily, our video services in Hamilton can help you achieve all three. The two most critical metrics for search engine optimization, SEO, are the total time a user spends on your website and the number of times other people link back to your site. Video content improves both.

7What kind of ROI can I expect on a video production investment?

We get it. There is no reason to invest in video services if your business gets zero value in return and the best value is usually monetary. There are typically no direct financial returns on video unless you’re using it to ask for donations. But there is still a giant financial return on video marketing content. Our videos create higher customer engagement, improve share rates, and lead to more sales conversions – our price-to-performance ratio is one of the best in the industry!

8What does the typical video production process look like?

Our video production process varies from project to project, but it always starts with the creative and ends with the launch. We work with you throughout pre-production, production, post-production, and beyond. Since many of our clients are pretty green to video production, we’ve laid out a step-by-step guide to help. See the process breakdown.

9What will I need to do before we start filming?

Many of our clients like to collaborate throughout the process, which we love and encourage! If you want a primarily hands-off experience, that’s perfectly fine, too. At the very least, we need some details about your business and the project requirements to get started. Then, we can create a concept for your approval or use one that you’ve developed yourself.

10Should I have a script prepared?

You don’t need to have a script or storyboard prepared to work with us – you don’t even need a concept, though if you already have one, we’re happy to work with you on it. Tell us your marketing needs and we can come up with the right option together! We can develop the script and storyboard once we decide on a direction.

11How long does it take to make a video?

A full video production takes 4-6 weeks from start to finish. On a tight deadline? Let us know and we can work with you to deliver even faster. After our initial discovery meeting, we prepare a project proposal that includes a cost estimate and tentative project timeline. Get a proposal.

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12What kind of clients do you work with?

One of the best parts of our job is working with clients from a wide range of industries and backgrounds – we love immersing ourselves in a new world. Whether you’re a startup or a Fortune 500 company working in education, health services, or the construction industry, we can help. Every B2B and B2C business needs to market itself to potential customers, and that’s where our video services come in.

13What cities do you serve? Can you shoot outside of Toronto?

We often shoot in downtown Toronto, but our service area extends beyond city borders. With our production office located in the heart of Hamilton, we work with clients across Southwestern Ontario, including the Greater Hamilton Area, Niagara, Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, Brantford, Guelph, Cambridge, Kitchener-Waterloo, and more. Not sure we’ll come to you? Ask us.

14Will I own the video?

Yes! The completed video belongs exclusively to you forever. You have the freedom to use your video wherever you want and however you like!

15What camera equipment do you use for shoots?

We are equipped to shoot with the best camera package for your production. This includes Alexa, RED, Sony, Panasonic, Canon, and DJI drones. Our two favourite cameras right now are the RED KOMODO 6K Digital Cinema Camera and the Sony FX6 Full-Frame Cinema Camera.

16What if I just need a videographer?

In our experience, it’s rare to find a project that requires a solo videographer – most minimally need a producer and an editor, too. Drop us a line and we’ll happily chat about your project needs to see if you’re one of the exceptions.

17In what format will I receive my video files?

We want you to share your high-quality videos easily, so typically, we deliver them as MP4 and MOV files. We'll happily export it for you if you need an alternate file type.

Pilothouse is a team driven by a desire to create a standard of work that matches the highest standards in the commercial industry, for every client.
Lauren MillerOntario College of Family Physicians
Michael and his team are professional, engaging, and collaborative. They produced a video I am proud to show.
Erin AultsRoyal Botanical Gardens
Our experience with Pilothouse was stellar!
Dana BorceaTourism Hamilton

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