Tag: pre-production

What to Look for in a Content Creator For Alberta Businesses Who Want More Than Just “Content” In a world flooded with noise, content that cuts through needs more than flashy transitions and stock music. Whether you’re a small business owner in Edmonton or a growing brand in Central Alberta, hiring the right content creator can make or break your message. Here’s what you should look for when you’re ready to hire someone to tell your story — and why choosing the right Edmonton videographer is about more than just gear. 1. Experience That Matches Your Needs Not every content creator is a fit for every job. Shooting a product reel isn’t the same as filming a documentary or a safety training video. Look for someone who: Has real-world experience with corporate video production Understands how to direct people who aren’t professional actors Can balance cinematic visuals with business objectives I’ve spent 20+ years producing video for brands across Alberta — from small-town shops to national clients. I bring experience that translates into less guesswork and better results. Learn more about my approach here. 2. The Ability to Plan or Pivot An ideal content creator brings a plan to the table — but also knows how to adapt when the plan falls apart. Whether the weather changes or your staff gets camera-shy, you want someone who can: “Take control, plan on the fly, and still make it feel effortless.” This is where experience meets instinct. I’ve walked into cold shoots with little prep and still delivered polished videos on time and on budget. 3. One Point of Contact, One Clear Vision Hiring an independent videographer in Edmonton (instead of a bloated agency) often means: Fewer people to deal with Less miscommunication Lower costs A stronger creative throughline I handle everything from concept to creation. Scriptwriting, shooting, editing — all done by one person who knows your goals from start to finish. That’s what makes David Mathew Bonner Video Production different. 4. Quality Gear, But Purpose-Driven The right gear matters — but only when it serves the story.Ask your content creator: Do they shoot in formats that allow flexibility in editing? Can they deliver optimized videos for web, social, and internal use? Do they use real microphones and lighting, or just rely on “run and gun” tactics? I shoot on pro-level Sony equipment, use controlled lighting setups for interviews, and optimize every project for your specific platform — whether it’s YouTube, Instagram, or internal training libraries. 5. Clear Pricing and Professional Communication You don’t want to chase down your content creator for updates or get surprised by hidden fees. Look for someone who: Offers transparent, customized pricing to give you an idea of what to expect Communicates expectations from the start Delivers when they say they will I don’t do cookie-cutter pricing — every project is tailored, but I believe in clarity upfront so you’re not left guessing. Bonus: Someone Who Actually Cares Your business matters. Your story matters. You should feel like the person holding the camera actually wants your project to succeed. When you work with me, you’re not hiring a random shooter — you’re hiring a purpose-driven partner who values integrity, clarity, and impact. If you want content that reflects who you are, I invite you to get in touch. Final Thoughts Hiring a content creator shouldn’t feel like a gamble. When you know what to look for — experience, communication, clarity of vision — the results will speak for themselves. Need an Edmonton-based videographer who gets it? Let’s talk. Contact me for a free consult. August 3, 2025 What to Look for in a Content Creator | Edmonton Video Production Tips July 23, 2025 Smart Questions to Ask Before Starting a Corporate Video Project July 20, 2025 Behind the Scenes of “Burger Barbarian” – What It’s Really Like Making AI Videos July 16, 2025 How to Make Video Content for Social Media (That Actually Looks Good) July 13, 2025 I’m a Believer in Clean Hands – AHS Parody Video Case Study July 7, 2025 Behind the Scenes with an Edmonton Videographer | Pro Video Shoot Process July 4, 2025 How Much Does a Corporate Video Cost in Alberta? [2025 Pricing Guide] June 28, 2025 TireGrabber Transformer: AI-Powered Farm Video with Flying Tires and Alberta Attitude June 28, 2025 Tiregrabber TG4000 Spotlight – Alberta-Made Tire Handler Video June 24, 2025 Unpopular Opinion: Slow Motion Is the Diet Soda of Video June 11, 2025 Small Alberta Town Street – Community Roots and Local Business Feel May 15, 2025 Former Pro Wedding Videographer Reveals What to Look For June 27, 2024 Drayton Christian School | School’s Out Bash Video June 24, 2024 Drayton Valley Family Carnival Time-lapse June 7, 2024 Combining Mini DJI 3 Pro Drone Video With Photoshop AI May 31, 2024 The Northern Lights – Free High Resolution Photo Ready For Print September 10, 2023 Generative Fill Photoshop : From Basement to Rooftops April 13, 2023 How to Build an Affordable Content Creator Set Up: A Guide for Small Businesses

Smart Questions to Ask Before Starting a Corporate Video Project If you’re planning to hire someone for a corporate video — or if you’re the one producing it — the best projects always start with the right questions. These aren’t filler. They’re how you avoid wasting time, money, and everyone’s patience. I’ve been doing this a long time, and I can tell you: projects go sideways when nobody knows what the video is actually supposed to do. 1. What’s the Purpose of This Video? Before we talk gear, style, or script — what is this video supposed to accomplish? Raise awareness? Boost sales? Train staff? Get someone to click a link? That answer changes everything about how it’s made. 2. Who’s the Target Audience? You can’t speak to everyone. Are you talking to customers? Investors? Internal staff? The tone, length, and visual approach all shift depending on who it’s for. 3. What’s the Core Message? Every corporate video should have a main takeaway. What do you want someone to feel, think, or do after watching it? If we can’t answer that clearly, we’re not ready to shoot. 4. What’s the Call to Action? “Visit our website.” “Call us today.” “Sign up for the program.” Whatever it is, say it clearly and place it intentionally. Don’t bury it in fluff. 5. Do You Have a Vision for the Tone or Style? Should this feel professional? Approachable? Gritty? Warm? Funny? Give me words or references. A few good examples go a long way to avoid a bad fit later. 6. What’s the Budget — and What Resources Are Available? Be real about this. Even small budgets can go far if we plan smart. Do you have a location? People who can speak on camera? Can we shoot during business hours? The more we can leverage your resources, the more we can stretch the value. Looking to do something smaller but still sharp? Here’s how to make social media video content that actually looks good without a film degree or a big crew. 7. Is There a Script or Talking Points? If not — no problem. But someone has to define what needs to be said. Whether it’s you, your marketing person, or me helping draft it, we can’t show up hoping the message “just happens.” 8. Any Examples of Videos You Like (or Hate)? This is huge. Show me something that feels right — or totally wrong — and I’ll get a clearer picture of what direction to take. Even bad examples help avoid missteps. 9. Who Needs to Approve the Final Video? If we don’t know who has final say, revisions can turn into a nightmare. Figure out up front who needs to sign off — and bring them in early if possible. Conclusion Good corporate video isn’t about flashy gear or fancy effects. It’s about clarity. These questions help get you there. Whether you’re hiring me or someone else, ask them early — and be honest with the answers. It’ll save everyone time and get you a better result. Want to see how wild projects take shape too? Check out this behind-the-scenes look at an AI video I built from scratch using imagination, real prompts, and a whole lot of Alberta charm. July 13, 2025 I’m a Believer in Clean Hands – AHS Parody Video Case Study July 7, 2025 Behind the Scenes with an Edmonton Videographer | Pro Video Shoot Process July 4, 2025 How Much Does a Corporate Video Cost in Alberta? [2025 Pricing Guide] June 28, 2025 TireGrabber Transformer: AI-Powered Farm Video with Flying Tires and Alberta Attitude June 28, 2025 Tiregrabber TG4000 Spotlight – Alberta-Made Tire Handler Video June 24, 2025 Unpopular Opinion: Slow Motion Is the Diet Soda of Video June 11, 2025 Small Alberta Town Street – Community Roots and Local Business Feel May 15, 2025 Former Pro Wedding Videographer Reveals What to Look For June 27, 2024 Drayton Christian School | School’s Out Bash Video June 24, 2024 Drayton Valley Family Carnival Time-lapse June 7, 2024 Combining Mini DJI 3 Pro Drone Video With Photoshop AI May 31, 2024 The Northern Lights – Free High Resolution Photo Ready For Print September 10, 2023 Generative Fill Photoshop : From Basement to Rooftops April 13, 2023 How to Build an Affordable Content Creator Set Up: A Guide for Small Businesses