How to hire a film crew for a corporate shoot

1. Decide what you are making

Write down the format (interviews, b-roll, event coverage, a scripted piece), the length of the finished video, where it will be shown and the shoot date and location. This one paragraph becomes the brief every crew member needs.

2. Choose between a production company and freelance crew

A video production company plans, shoots and edits the whole project, which suits teams without in-house video experience. Hiring freelance crew directly gives you more control and is often more cost-effective when you already have a producer or editor.

3. Build the crew for the day

A typical corporate interview shoot uses some or all of these roles:

• A videographer or director of photography to light and shoot.
• A production sound mixer for clean dialogue. On a small shoot, the videographer may record sound, but a dedicated mixer is safer for interviews.
• A hair and makeup artist for executives and on-camera talent.
• A teleprompter operator if anyone is reading a script to camera.
• An editor, if the shooter is not also editing.

4. Send a clear brief and get quotes

• Shoot date, call time, location and how long you need them.
• What you are filming, and examples of the look you want.
• Deliverables and deadlines.
• Your budget range, so crew can suggest what is realistic.
• Parking, load-in, building access and any safety or ID requirements at the location.

5. Confirm the details in writing

Before the shoot, confirm the rate, what equipment is included, overtime, cancellation terms, payment schedule and who owns the footage. Then share a call sheet with times, addresses and contacts (see call sheet basics).

Find corporate video crew

Browse crew by role and city on Crews Now: start at hire crew or post your project so crew near your shoot can see it.