Can’t Find a Great Dental Videographer? Here’s Why

Key Takeaways

1. A skilled videographer’s job is to create videos that can captivate and convert viewers.
2. It’s important to find a videographer experienced in dentistry. They will know how to build a story, get great shots, without disturbing staff or patients.
3. A dental videographer who knows marketing is even better. They can create content that aligns with your brand and gets you results.
4. To create a successful dental video plan, the practice and the videographer must communicate and stratigize video content on a regular basis.

Introduction

In digital marketing, video content is one of the most powerful tools for dental practices. Dental marketing videos can show your services, team, and facilities, humanize your practice and help you stand out from the crowd.

But here’s the challenge: creating great content takes more than just pressing “record.” You need the right videographer you can trust. This isn’t an easy task, given the range of videography skills and personalities.

At Memory Mill Media we’re specialized in helping doctors and lawyers build a visual brand, educate their patients and convert them into loyal patients. Our current and past customers speak to our reliability and ease of getting things done.

What makes a great dental videographer?

When looking for a dental videographer, it’s easy to get swayed by flashy gear or the number of social media followers they have. But let’s get down to the basics.

The role of social media has been significant, no doubt. It has made video the preferred medium for capturing attention online. But just because someone can make reels that get lots of attention, it doesn’t mean they can tell a story. Especially, your practice’s story.

Then there’s the widespread availability of video equipment. These days, high-quality cameras are everywhere, including the one in your phone. But here’s the thing: Being an iphonographer might make you popular on Instagram, but it doesn’t mean you’re a skilled videographer.

So what’s the difference between iPhonographer and videographer? A videographer comes prepared with not only a camera but also knowledge of lighting, audio techniques, and an eye for composition that turns a basic shot into a cinematic one.

You need more than just someone who can frame a shot. You’re looking for someone who can capture the essence of your practice, make patients feel comfortable on camera, and ultimately create content that connects with your audience.

It’s about finding that perfect balance between technical skill and creative style. Keep this in mind as we explore what it really takes to choose an outstanding dental videographer.

Why It’s Hard to Find a Good All-rounder Video Pro

Dental video marketing is a high stakes game.The bar’s raised, and now everyone’s scrambling to find that pro who can do it all. Let’s break it down:

• Skyrocketing demand for quality: These days every dental practice wants videos that pop off the screen. But finding a videographer who’s got the chops in shooting, lighting, audio, AND editing is like finding a needle in a haystack.
• Specialized skill sets are king: We’re talking crisp edits, slick motion graphics, and stories that stick with you long after the video ends. It’s rare to find someone who’s mastered all these areas because, let’s face it, juggling these skills is no easy skill.
• Tech moves fast, really fast: You blink, and there’s a new camera on the block. Videographers have to keep their game tight and tech up-to-date to stay relevant. That means constant learning and investing in gear that doesn’t come cheap.

1. What to Keep In Mind When Hiring a Dental Videographer

When looking for a dental videographer to create dental marketing videos, it’s important to find someone who can do more than just hit record. You need a professional with the right skills and knowledge, someone who understands the dental industry and knows how to turn your discipline into a constant stream of video ideas.

1.1 Experience in Dental Production

Choosing a dental videographer with hands-on experience in dental industry filming is critical. Here’s what to look for:

• In-depth Knowledge: They’ll have the expertise to move around a clinic, capturing great shots without disturbing your doctor or patients.
• Sensitive Approach: Dental procedures can be personal and invasive. An experienced pro knows how to film without making patients feel uncomfortable.
• Highlighting What Matters: They’ll showcase your advanced equipment and facilities, highlighting what makes your practice special, not what they think is important. This alone makes all the difference.

1.2 Knows Marketing

A videographer who also understands marketing? That’s a big plus:

• Brand Alignment: Using their marketing skills, they’ll create content that fits well with your practice’s brand, and gets you results.
• Strategic Content: They’re not just interested in taking pretty shots; they’re generating content that grabs attention, keeps people interested, and motivates them to book an appointment.

By focusing on these key factors, you set your practice up for success that not only looks good but also delivers results. And when you find the right match, you have more than just a videographer, you have a visual storyteller who understands dentistry, and can strategize with you.

2. Portfolio and Style of Dental Videographers

When you’re deep-diving into portfolios you get the real picture of what a videographer can pull off, especially in the nuanced field of dental video production. Here’s how to know if their previous gigs line up with your vision:

Review Past Projects for Quality and Consistency

Keep an eye on their previous work for sharpness, composition, and whether the visuals on screen pop. Check for consistent quality, do their videos always look top-notch, or do they swing like from great to grainy?

Analyze Video Styles

Dental practices aren’t all cookie-cut, right? Some are sleek and modern; others are warm and family-friendly. Look at the videographer’s style, does it have that crisp, clean look or that down-to-earth vibe that matches your practice’s personality?

Versatility in Storytelling

The best dental videos tell a story, whether it’s the journey of a smile makeover or the comfort of a routine check-up. Poke around their portfolio for different storytelling methods: documentary-style, testimonials, animated explainers, and see if they’ve got the goods to tell your story.

Remember, you’re not just looking for someone who knows their way around a camera. You want a pro who can capture the essence of your brand and communicate it through stories, a cinematographer with a knack for marketing.

3. Working With Your Videographer

Communication plays a vital role in the success of any dental video. It’s all about the videographer-team communication. Here’s why it matters:

A. Building a Strong Relationship with the Videographer

The key to a great dental video is a strong relationship between you and the videographer. This connection allows for smooth exchanges of creative ideas and honest feedback, resulting in a final product that truly represents you.

And that relationship should extend even to times when things go wrong. If the videographer fall short, it’s your responsibility to communicate your expectations and give your videographer a chance to make things right.

B. Define How You Will Communicate

Regular check-ins, updates, and brainstorming sessions are not just helpful – they’re essential. Is it going to be by email? Phone call? SMS? WhatsApp? It’s important to have clear channels of communication right from the start. So find what works best for both sides and tell your videographer the best way to stay in touch.

C. Involving Your Dental Team

Who knows your dental practice better than your own team? By involving them in the creative process, you empower them to be part of your culture. They can share insights into daily operations, patient interactions, and unique selling points to make your video stand out. They can also help out in production schedules, something you as a practice owner might not have time for.

Remember: Communication is a two-way street. Both you and the videographer should feel comfortable sharing ideas, addressing concerns, and giving feedback throughout the entire production process.

Check out our top 15 ways to enhance your practice’s online presence.

4. Commercial Production Fees vs Dental Video Fees

When it comes to videography pricing, understanding the typical cost of a dental video production is key to proper budgeting. Here’s the breakdown:

PS. Do NOT be swayed by the numbers below. We wanted to mention these here to give you an idea of what goes into proper production and they are typical in the world of broadcast, documentaries and commercials, not dental marketing.

Commercial Production Fees

Pre-Production Costs

This includes concept development, scripting, and planning. It’s where your project begins to take shape. Pre-production costs are usually baked into marketing video costs unless you’re producing a broadcast commercial and need something very high-end. A skilled videographer knows how to prepare a shot list to cover his/her grounds, and take extra shots that arise on the spot for other videos they might be creating for you.

Scriptwriting and Concept Development:

Low Budget: $500 – $2,000 Mid-Range: $2,000 – $5,000 High-End: $5,000 and above.

Storyboarding and Planning: Flat Fee: $500 – $2,000 Hourly Rate: $50 – $150 per hour

Casting: Casting Director Fee: $500 – $2,000 Talent Fees: Varies widely based on the project and talent level, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per actor.

Location Scouting: Flat Fee: $500 – $2,000 Location Rental Costs: Varies based on location type and duration.

Production Design (Set Design, Props, Costumes): Flat Fee: $1,000 – $5,000 Material Costs: Varies based on requirements.

Permits and Insurance: Permit Fees: Varies based on location and requirements. Insurance: Typically around 1-2% of the total production budget.

Pre-visualization (Animatics, CGI Previews): Flat Fee: $1,000 – $5,000

Production Expenses

These include crew day rates, equipment rental, location fees, and talent if you’re featuring actors. The last two are usually not needed in the context of dental video production.

Crew Costs: Director: $1,000 – $5,000 per day Cinematographer/Director of Photography: $800 – $4,000 per day Camera Operators: $500 – $2,500 per day Production Assistants: $200 – $500 per day Gaffer (Lighting): $500 – $2,000 per day Grip (Equipment handling): $400 – $1,500 per day Sound Recordist: $500 – $2,500 per day.

Equipment Rentals: Cameras, lighting, sound equipment: $1,000 – $10,000 or more per day, depending on the quality and quantity of equipment needed.

Transportation: Costs for moving equipment, crew, and talent to and from locations.

Meals and Craft Services: Per diem or flat fee for meals on set, typically $20 – $50 per person per day.

Insurance: Liability and equipment insurance costs can be around 1-2% of the total production budget.

Post-Production Fees

Editing time, color grading, music licensing, and any graphics or animations add up here.

Video Editing:

Basic Editing: $500 – $2,000 per finished minute

Advanced Editing (with effects, graphics, etc.): $2,000 – $10,000 per finished minute

Color Correction/Grading:

Basic Color Correction: $500 – $2,000 per finished minute

Color Grading with advanced correction: $2,000 – $5,000 per finished minute

Sound Design: Basic Sound Design: $500 – $2,000 per finished minute

Advanced Sound Design (including Foley, ADR, etc.): $2,000 – $5,000 per finished minute

Music Composition and Licensing:

Original Composition: $1,000 – $10,000 or more

Music Licensing (existing tracks): $500 – $5,000 per track

Voiceover/Narration:

Voiceover Talent: $100 – $500 per hour Professional Narration: $500 – $2,000 per finished minute

Motion Graphics/Visual Effects (VFX):

Basic Motion Graphics: $500 – $2,000 per element or per project

Complex VFX: $2,000 – $10,000 or more per finished minute

Video Compression and Delivery: File Encoding and Compression: $100 – $500

Delivery and Distribution: $100 – $500

Final Mastering: Creating the final, polished version of the video: $500 – $2,000 per project

PS. Do NOT be swayed by the numbers above. We wanted to mention these here to give you an idea of what goes into proper production and they are typical in the world of episodic TV, documentaries and commercials, not dental marketing.

Dental Videographer Fees (National Averages)

In the world of dental video production, all the above fees are mashed together in one single price. Because some elements won’t be needed for a dental practice marketing video (like music composition, advanced color grading, meals permits, locations etc.) dental video prices can become accessible for startups and nationals alike. See the difference with the below breakdown, specifically for dental video production:

Note: This is NOT a Memory Mill Media price list, but national averages.

Basic Dental Marketing Video:

Simple script, basic shots of the dental practice, and essential editing.

Cost Range: $500 – $900

Standard Dental Marketing Video:

Well-crafted script, multiple locations or setups, professional videography, basic graphics, and moderate editing.

Cost Range: $900 – $1500

Premium Dental Marketing Video:

Customized script, high-quality cinematography, advanced graphics, professional voiceover, and extensive editing.

Cost Range: $1500 – $3000

Comprehensive Dental Marketing Package:

Includes multiple videos, such as an introduction video, procedure explanations, patient testimonials, and more. Cost Range: $20,000 – $50,000 or more for a video bundles.

Remember, cutting corners on quality might backfire. A poorly produced video can hurt your practice’s rep quicker than a bad review. Yet, don’t get swayed by sky-high quotes either. Pricey doesn’t automatically mean premium.

Budgeting for dental videos is about balance. Aim for high-caliber content without busting the bank but know that investing in a pro-grade videographer pays off.

When allocating your funds:

• Prioritize essential elements that elevate production value.
• Be transparent with your videographer about financial limits.

By striking this balance, you are making sure your dental practice’s marketing videos are both cost-effective and high-quality.

5. Alternatives to Hiring a Dental Videographer

Dipping your toes into the world of DIY dental videos can seem exciting, especially when you’re looking at the potential budget savings. With today’s technology, creating in-house videos with basic equipment isn’t impossible. However, you might find the learning curve steep and time-consuming.

For instance, it’s not just about hitting record on your phone: you need to consider aspects like lighting, sound quality, and editing. Plus, storytelling through video is an art in and of itself.

On the flip side, there are agencies that can take this load off your shoulders. These specialized agencies offer comprehensive video marketing solutions specially for dental practices, serving as a one-stop-shop for all your needs. They bring to the table a blend of craft and technical skills that can take your video content beyond the ordinary.

Whether you choose to go down the DIY route or look for professional help from agencies, it ultimately boils down to budget and long-term vision.

6. Making the Right Choice for Your Dental Marketing Videos

When it comes to dental marketing videos, the right dental videographer can make or break your image. Key steps to ensure you find the best fit are:

1. Assessing Expertise: Look for pros who know how to capture the essence of dental procedures and who can translate that into exciting visuals.
2. Reviewing Portfolios: Don’t just skim; dive deep into their past work to check for quality, style consistency, and storytelling versatility.
3. Communication Style: Ensure they’re on the same page as your dental team to accurately communicate feedback, culture and vision.
4. Budget: Understand the cost but don’t skimp on quality. Remember that a hefty price tag doesn’t automatically mean top-tier content.

Teaming up with a crew like Memory Mill Media offers a unique edge. Our mix of industry-specific experience and marketing savvy means we deliver not just videos, but strategic assets that will make you look like the best in the business.

Zach Nassif

Senior Videographer at Memory Mill Media | Website

Zach is the sharp-shooting force behind Memory Mill Media, producing fearless videos that pump out bigger profits for doctors, dentists, and lawyers. He doesn’t sugarcoat anything: his content hits hard and leaves rivals in the dust. Ready for next-level impact? Zach's got the camera, and the guts, to make it happen.