When it comes to creating content for your brand—whether it’s video campaigns, product photography, or social media visuals—you have two main options: build an in-house team or work with a production company.
Each has its strengths and weaknesses. The right choice depends on your team size, budget, creative needs, and long-term goals. Here’s a breakdown to help you make a clear decision.
Working with a Production Company
Pros:
- Expertise from the start
A production company gives you access to a full creative team—directors, editors, producers, and visual specialists—without needing to hire them one by one. - High production value
Most companies have advanced gear and proven workflows. Your brand benefits from cinematic visuals and polished final output. - Saves time
You don’t need to manage the creative process yourself. From pre-production to delivery, they handle everything. - New creative ideas
Production companies work across industries. They can bring a fresh outside perspective to your brand’s storytelling.
Cons:
- Less day-to-day control
You’re not working with them in-house, so clear communication and feedback are important throughout the project. - Budget flexibility is needed
Costs can vary depending on the scale, length, and complexity of the project.
Building an In-House Creative Team
Pros:
- Full creative control
Your team is close to the brand. They know the tone, the visual language, and your content needs by heart. - Quick response for daily content
Need a quick edit or internal video? An in-house team can turn things around faster without going through proposals or approvals. - Predictable costs
While the upfront investment is higher, it can be more cost-effective for brands that need frequent content.
Cons:
- Higher long-term cost
Between salaries, equipment, training, and software, the investment adds up. According to Wistia, in-house production can cost 30–50% more over 12 months than outsourcing content by project. - Limited skillsets
A small team may not be able to handle every type of production, especially if your brand needs advanced editing or large-scale shoots. - Risk of creative burnout
Producing similar content every week can drain creativity, both for the team and the audience.
What the Data Says
- A HubSpot study showed that 70% of marketers see better results when content is created by professionals with the right storytelling and production skills.
- According to Statista, 61% of global companies outsource at least part of their content creation.
- The Content Marketing Institute found that combining in-house teams with external production partners delivers the best content performance for mid-sized businesses.
Which One is Right for You?
Work with a production company if:
- You need high-quality content for brand campaigns or ads
- You want access to a full team without hiring full-time staff
- You work project-by-project, not day-to-day
Build an in-house team if:
- You produce content frequently (like daily or weekly)
- You need tight control over tone and timing
- You’re ready to invest in hiring and equipment
In many cases, the best approach to creating content is to use both. An in-house team can manage quick content needs, while a production company steps in for large-scale, high-impact projects that need extra expertise and creativity.