The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Video Production Company (Process and What to Expect)
Nov 17, 2025
Guide to choosing a professional video production company for your project.
Introduction / What is Video Production?
Video production isn’t just about pointing a camera and hitting record.. it’s about telling stories that stick with the audience.
The most effective productions are a mixture of creativity and strategy that turn ideas into full-on experiences that people remember.
From documentaries and commercials to music videos, corporate explainers, and feature films, professional video production has the power to take any concept or idea and make it unforgettable.
At Gulf Coast Studios, we’ve spent years mastering this craft.
Our team has worked on everything from behind-the-scenes stories and brand campaigns to large-scale commercials, music videos, corporate projects, and feature films.
Every project is designed to connect with audiences and deliver results.
In this ultimate guide to professional video production, we’ll cover the different types of video production, outline the production process, and explain how to choose the right video production company for your project.
Types of Video Production
Documentaries
Each documentary film requires careful research, thoughtful storytelling, and attention to the audience’s experience.
Filmmakers dedicate time to gathering material, conducting interviews, and fact-checking to make absolutely sure that every moment is authentic.
Storyboards and shot lists provide structure, but intentionally capturing spontaneous moments is what brings the story to life.
This skill is a critical factor to consider when choosing a production company for your project.
If done incorrectly, a documentary film could be extremely boring.
In our documentary, Born to Flip, we followed Matthew Gregory to see what his day-to-day life looked like.
By carefully piecing together the narrative, choosing which moments to capture, and asking targeted questions, we created a documentary that perfectly showcases his work and is entertaining to watch.
Watch the Born to Flip documentary here by Gulf Coast Studios
At Gulf Coast Studios, we take every documentary with a plan and back it with years of experience to craft a film that grabs attention, resonates with audiences, and stays with them long after the credits roll.
Contact Us For Any Inquiries on Documentary-Style Projects
Corporate and Branded Videos
Corporate videos are a tool for communication and engagement.
They help companies tell their story, train employees, and connect with clients. Unlike entertainment-focused productions, corporate projects prioritize clarity of message and alignment with brand objectives.
Explainer videos, brand storytelling pieces, and client testimonials each have unique demands, from scripting to the visuals.
At Gulf Coast Studios, we ensure that corporate videos not only look polished but also drive measurable results, capturing both attention and credibility.
Watch Novelis Corporate Documentary Series Teaser Trailer by Gulf Coast Studios
Contact Us For Any Inquiries on Corporate-Style Projects
Commercials
Producing a commercial is fast-paced with high-stakes.
It begins with a concept, then moves into scripting, casting, and budgeting.
Timelines are tight, and every choice, from camera angle to lighting, is intentional. The goal is measurable: a commercial must engage viewers, create awareness, and, ultimately, drive results.
Our team optimizes post-production efficiency, allowing for creative decisions to take center stage while making sure deadlines and budgets are met.
Watch ‘Discover Ocean Springs’ Tourism Commercial by Gulf Coast Studios
Contact Us For Any Inquiries on Commercial Projects
Music Videos
When artists choose a production company for their music video, they’re not just hiring a crew they’re choosing a creative partner. A great music video doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s built through vision, planning, and a team that knows how to bring an artist’s identity to the screen.
It starts in pre-production, where ideas are turned into a visual roadmap. We break down the song, sketch concepts, plan the look and feel, and build a story that fits the track and the artist’s vision.
Production is where it all comes alive. Every shot is intentional and is used to progress the story or display the feeling of the song.
Then post-production ties everything together. Color, pacing, and effects are finalized.
At Gulf Coast Studios, that’s the bar we set. We help artists create visual moments that elevate their music, connect with fans, and stand out in a crowded industry.
Contact Us For Any Inquiries on Music Video Projects
Feature Films
Feature films are the most complex of all video productions. They require tight coordination across big teams and extended timelines.
Pre-production involves refining scripts, casting actors, scouting locations, and scheduling shoots.
Production is an intense period where every scene must be captured with precision, and post-production integrates editing, sound design, color grading, and visual effects to bring the film to life.
We recently worked with Director Daric Gates to produce the short-film, “Virgin Birth”, releasing November 25th exclusively on K-Love on Demand.
Watch ‘Virgin Birth’ Official Trailer Below (K-Love on Demand in Collaboration With Gulf Coast Studios)
The Production Process (Step-by-Step)
Pre-Production
Pre-production is the backbone of any successful video project.
Behind the Scenes look of our Ocean Springs commercial shoot.
It starts with concept development and scriptwriting, translating ideas into actionable plans.
Storyboards and shot lists provide a visual roadmap, ensuring that the production team is prepared before filming begins. Casting decisions and crew assignments are made by balancing talent with technical expertise.
Budgets and schedules are mapped out, forecasting timelines, allocating resources efficiently, and predicting potential challenges. The better the pre-production, the smoother the shoot and post-production phases will be.
Production
Production is where the plan comes to life. On set, every role has a purpose, from directors and cinematographers to sound engineers and lighting technicians.
Equipment selection, from cameras to microphones, impacts both the visual and audio quality, and different types of projects require different filming techniques.
Documentaries often benefit from handheld shots for authenticity, while commercials may rely on stabilized and cinematic angles.
Post-Production
Post-production is where raw footage transforms into a polished final product. Editors craft the story, while color grading, sound design, and motion graphics enhance the narrative and emotional impact.
Multiple review cycles ensure client satisfaction, and final deliverables are formatted for specific platforms, whether digital, broadcast, or theatrical.
Distribution and Marketing
Even the best-produced video requires a distribution strategy.
Platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and social media have a large reach, whereas traditional broadcast and theatrical releases target specific audiences.
The content type changes the distribution approach. For example, documentaries may gain traction through festivals, corporate videos are optimized for training or marketing purposes, and commercials are carefully targeted to reach the right demographics.
At Gulf Coast Studios we make sure each project is designed to reach its intended audience efficiently and effectively.
Choosing the Right Production Partner
Choosing the right production partner is so important to your project’s success. Look for experience across different types of video, a proven workflow, and the ability to handle challenges creatively.
Ask about past projects and their previous client’s experiences.
Versatility is invaluable in a production company. A company that can produce corporate content one day and a feature film the next brings both efficiency and depth of knowledge & experience.
At Gulf Coast Studios, we are constantly jumping from different film types to meet our client’s needs.
Choosing a Production Company - Gulf Coast Studios
Professional video production is evolving rapidly. Gulf Coast Studios has the experience, tools, and vision to bring any project to life, from documentaries to feature films.
For insider knowledge, subscribe to the Production Playbook podcast, and when you’re ready to create videos that captivate and inspire, contact Gulf Coast Studios for a consultation. We’re equipped to handle any production, delivering stories that resonate and leave a lasting impression.