Should You Hire A Videographer Or Use A Studio Rental In Chicago?
You’re thinking about creating some content for your Chicago business or brand, but you’re unsure of where to start. You look around and see everyone around you doing something different, whether it’s a video podcast, branded videos, or reels for social media.
You know you have to get into the content game before it’s too late, so you make the decision to take the next step. That’s when this question comes up: should you hire a videographer, or should you book studio time?
We’re going to help you explore the best choice for you, which depends on your budget, the clarity of your content ideas, and whether you’re looking to create something quick or something consistent. Let’s get into it, without overcomplicating the choice!
When Does Hiring A Videographer Make Sense?
Outsourcing the work could mean hiring a 1-on-1 freelancer or a small team. Let’s look at the advantages:
1. They come to you
A videographer can come to your office, event, or anywhere else you want to create content in Chicago. This is especially useful if you need your footage to show your surroundings, like if you’re a real estate agent recording a video for a new listing.
2. They get to know you
Hiring a freelancer usually means you’ll be working consistently with the same person, which helps them better understand your style and preferences over time, and creates a sense of trust and collaboration.
3. Potentially cheaper
Your videographer doesn’t have to deal with massive overhead, and if you don’t require high-end gear or complex post-production services, a solo videographer with decent equipment might fill your needs at a lower rate than a full production studio.
4. Niche expertise
Depending on the content you’re filming, some videographers specialize in specific formats (ex., weddings, fitness content, corporate testimonials, interviews) and can bring deep experience in that one area.
5. More creative control
With a solo freelancer or a small team, you may have more influence over each part of the process, from framing each shot to choosing the music you want in the video.
When Does Working With A Studio (like Content Club) Make Sense?
Studios do come in all shapes and sizes - some simply provide you the gear and facility to rent and do it yourself, while others provide full services, including in-person support, editing, and specialized services.
1. Quality-controlled environment
You never have to worry about setting up lighting, soundproofing, or even the weather. Studios offer you a controlled space ready for high-quality recording any day of the week. This is especially useful during the harsh winter months in Chicago, when recording outdoors is just begging for a runny nose and frozen feet.
2. Full team support (if needed)
Some clients just need a video camera to capture them, but if you’re looking for more than a videographer and a partner in execution, this is when having a team comes in handy. Video and podcast studios like Content Club offer comprehensive services, including creative direction, scripting, filming, editing, and motion graphics, to deliver a professional, polished piece of content.
3. Consistent quality in your content
Shooting in-studio means you’ll get consistent lighting, audio, and background. This is particularly important if you want a consistent look every time, such as for a podcast series, training content, or a social media campaign.
4. Speed and scale
Large studios, such as Content Club, that have both local and international editing teams can turn around projects quickly and efficiently. Depending on how urgent you need to put out a piece of content, this can be invaluable.
5. Professional perception
If you’re inviting clients or collaborators to participate in your videos, having a studio space can often lend a more professional feel. You’ll upgrade your content from just a casual vibe into brand-quality output.
6. Having access to better equipment
Filming in a studio means you have access to high-end gear and a variety of equipment you might not normally get to use, especially for specialized shoots. You can also be sure of getting multiple camera angles during shoots, crisp audio, proper lighting, green screens, and more.
7. Easier batching and repurposing
In a studio, you can easily shoot and optimize 10+ pieces of future content in one session. This is a cost-effective and highly efficient option for creators, founders, or agencies. If you use a studio like Content Club, it’s easy to create formats that perform online: short-form vertical videos, reels, podcasts with clips, etc.
But Wait, Because There’s Also A Third Option
Studios like Content Club now offer both:
A stocked studio rental for clients who want to do it themselves
A full-service production studio for businesses and creators who need help from idea to finished video
In addition, at Content Club, we can offer à la carte services - individual or specialized add-ons depending on how much or how little you need us to be involved in your final video product.
Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Decide
What’s more important to you - speed or savings?
Is this going to be a one-off video or is this part of a bigger content plan?
Do you want someone to challenge and improve your ideas, or just execute them?
Are you comfortable managing all the production details, or would you prefer someone to handle them for you?
Do you want to walk away with a bunch of clips from one session that you can use for your social media?
If you know exactly what you want, a simple video to film, and time to manage the process, hiring a videographer might really be all you need.
However, if you want to create better content without worrying about the details behind it, partnering with a video studio can provide you with structure, efficiency, and peace of mind.
Want to see how we can take on your content creation project here at Content Club in Chicago? Book a consultation today and we’ll be happy to show you our facilities and explain all your options. We can help you come up with some brand storytelling ideas that can seriously elevate your business or brand!
