The questions to ask any video company.

1. 01

   Will the people who pitched me be on set?

   What a good answer sounds like. A name, not a category. If the answer is "our network of filmmakers," the person who heard your story won't be the one holding the camera.

2. 02

   Do I see a written plan before you shoot?

   What a good answer sounds like. Yes, and you approve it. Who gets interviewed, what gets shot, where each cut goes. If there is no plan, the edit becomes the plan, and that's where projects go wrong.

3. 03

   Are the dates in writing?

   What a good answer sounds like. A first-cut date and a delivery date in the agreement, not in an email. Ask what happens if the date slips.

4. 04

   What happens if I'm not happy?

   What a good answer sounds like. A specific answer. "We'll work with you" is not one. Ask whether there is a written satisfaction or money-back guarantee, and what it covers.

5. 05

   Who owns the raw footage?

   What a good answer sounds like. You should be able to buy it, and the price should be stated up front. Some shops keep it as leverage.

6. 06

   Who is on set, and how many?

   What a good answer sounds like. Two to four people for a full day is normal for the kind of work on this site. One person doing everything is a different product at a different price, and that's fine as long as you know.

7. 07

   How many projects like mine have you done?

   What a good answer sounds like. A number and three examples you can watch, in your industry or close to it. Ask to be sent them before the meeting.

8. 08

   Can I talk to a client?

   What a good answer sounds like. Yes, quickly, with a name. A shop with happy clients doesn't hesitate.

9. 09

   What does the first cut look like, and when?

   What a good answer sounds like. A real cut you can react to, on a date. Not a storyboard, not a "rough assembly" with no date attached.

10. 10

    What do I get, exactly?

    What a good answer sounds like. A list. The film, the cuts, the formats, the stills, and where each one goes. If the list is vague, the invoice won't be.

Our answers to the first four are on the homepage. How the whole project runs is on how we work.