NEWS

So, you’ve appointed a film production company to work on a TV ad, animation or brand film comes. How do you get the best out of the relationship? Here’s out top ten tips – navigating everything from clear communication, collaboration, and a shared vision.

1. Set Clear Objectives

Define what success looks like from the start. Whether it’s increasing awareness, driving sales, or telling a brand story—make sure the production team knows the “why” behind the project.

2. Share Your Brand DNA

Take time to give your production partner a deep understanding of your business and brand: history, tone, visual identity, target audience, values, and any existing brand assets. The more we understand your world, the more aligned the creative output will be.

3. Choose the Director and Team

Take time to work with your production partner to choose the right time — ask about their process, communication style, and experience in your industry. Chemistry matters just as much as capability.

4. Collaborate on the Creative Brief

A solid, co-written brief is everything. Involve the agency or production company early so they can help shape the creative from the start—not just execute your ideas, but build from them… these are creative people, let them bring their magic to your project.

5. Respect the Creative Process

Give space for the team to explore and pitch ideas and treatments. Avoid over-directing too early — great work often comes from creative freedom within a well-defined framework. Share your ideas, but keep an open mind.

6. Be Decisive and Consistent

Nothing derails a production like moving goalposts. Gather internal feedback early and consolidate it clearly before sharing with your production partner.

Avoid changing direction mid-way unless it’s critical. And if you have to, be aware that big changes bring in new costs – that’s why it better to get the detail locked down super early.

7. Plan for Pre-Production

Don’t rush this phase. Approving scripts, storyboards, voiceover artists, and music up front helps avoid costly changes later, and builds a more joined up end-product. The better the planning, the better the result.

8. Trust the Experts

You’ve hired them for a reason. If they advise on timing, technique, or storytelling—listen. They’ll be sharing their thoughts with the sole intention of making your work better!!! Animation and film are crafts with complex pipelines.

9. Think Long-Term, Not Just One-Off

Build a relationship, not just a one-off project. If they understand your brand deeply, the quality and consistency of future work only improves over time. Trusted relationships deliver increasing value over time.

10. Be Respectful of Budget and Timeline

If you push for cheaper or faster, know what trade-offs you’re making. Quality. Things can be done fast and to a high quality, but that usually costs more. Work with your production partner, set reasonable deadlines and requirements and you’ll usually be delighted with the outcome. Transparency goes both ways—ask what’s possible within your scope, and trust their recommendations.