The Flexible Video Agency Model: Why MHF is Your Ideal Partner for Authentic Video Production in London

28th October 2024

Exploring the Flexible Video Agency Model with MHF

I’ve worked on both sides of the fence—in-house corporate and agency side. Now, running my own video production agency, I’ve had to engage external agencies to help us achieve results, often with very mixed outcomes. Too many times, I found myself locked into long retainers, wondering where my money was being spent, and seeing little to no tangible results at the end of the month.

One experience I recall from my time working in corporate was when i was working for a big brand name in London that was undergoing a major rebrand, and they had hired a big-name creative agency. They had been working for months on this new direction and assets and I remember seeing the finished logo and thinking to myself what the heck was different.  I was totally confused at what they had done - it looked exactly the same. I couldnt believe that after spending six figures,the brand feelt no different.   It all felt a bit like the Emperor's New Clothes: lots of hype but little substance.

So when my husband and I founded Make Human Film (MHF), a video agency based in London, we wanted to flip that script. We believe that great partnerships should be built on trust, flexibility, and transparency, not on rigid contracts that feel like traps. Our mission was and still is to provide a fresh approach to video production that genuinely serves our clients' needs.

Flexible Engagement Models

At MHF, we don’t lock you into lengthy contracts that feel more like obligations than partnerships. Whether you want to work with us on a project-by-project basis or prefer the reliability of a retainer, we’ve got you covered. This flexibility allows you to explore our services without the pressure of long-term commitments, making us a unique video production agency in London.

  • Project-by-Project Basis: Want to tackle a specific project? Whether it’s a promotional video, a client testimonial, or an event recap, we can collaborate on individual projects tailored to your needs. This model allows you to test our capabilities without a long-term commitment.

  • Retainer Agreements: If you’re looking for ongoing support, we can establish a retainer arrangement that gives you priority access to our resources and expertise. This option is perfect for clients who need consistent video content but want the flexibility to adjust their needs over time.

What This Means for You: You can choose the engagement model that best fits your business strategy without feeling trapped. This flexibility allows you to allocate your budget efficiently and ensures you receive the right support when you need it.

A Seasoned Team You Can Trust

One of the key factors that sets MHF apart is our team of seasoned professionals. These aren’t just average videographers, editors or animators they’re experts in their field, with extensive experience both inside and outside the corporate world. They know how to handle the complexities of video production while keeping your vision front and center.

Over the past ten years, we’ve vetted and refined our team. We’ve encountered talent who didn’t make the cut—those who were late or had all the gear but no idea. But through our journey, we’ve found our groove. We know who excels at interviews, captures stunning B-roll, and operates drones like pros. We understand who works well with clients and who needs a producer to shine.

We’re skilled at knowing when you need an audio specialist versus a talented videographer who understands sound, lighting, and composition. It’s taken years to build these trusted relationships with the best talent around. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was our exceptional team.

What This Means for You:

  • Adaptability: Whether you require a small team for a quick project or a larger crew for an extensive campaign, we can adjust our resources to fit your needs. No rigid structures—just a customised approach that aligns with your budget and goals.

  • Expertise Across the Board: Over the past ten years, we’ve vetted and refined our team, learning who excels in specific areas: the best interviewers, B-roll capture experts, skilled editors, and creative animators. Each member has been chosen not only for their technical abilities but also for their experience in both corporate settings and creative environments, ensuring a well-rounded perspective on storytelling.

  • Quality Assurance: We recognise the importance of sound, lighting, and composition in delivering high-quality content. Our professionals don’t just produce beautiful visuals; they also focus on the technical aspects to ensure that your final product meets the highest standards. Our editors bring a sharp eye for detail, ensuring that the narrative flows seamlessly, while our animators add engaging elements that bring your message to life.

  • Broader Perspective: With team members who have worked in-house at corporations and as freelancers in various creative capacities, we have a wide-ranging understanding of what resonates with audiences. This dual perspective allows us to craft compelling stories that align with your brand’s goals while appealing to your target market.

The Power of Transparency

At MHF, we believe in clear, honest communication from the start. Our commitment to transparency means you’ll always know what’s happening with your project. No hidden agendas, no surprise costs—just a straightforward partnership based on trust and respect.

We want to hear your ideas, and we’re not afraid to provide honest feedback when something needs adjustment. That’s how great content is created! We see these discussions as opportunities to collaborate and innovate, strengthening your project along the way.

What This Means for You:

  • Regular Updates: You’ll receive consistent updates on project status, ensuring you are involved every step of the way. This transparency fosters trust and allows for adjustments based on your feedback.

  • Open Dialogue: We encourage you to share your ideas and aspirations. We’re not afraid to offer honest feedback when something needs adjustment because we know that collaboration leads to the best results.

A Valuable Extension of Your Team

At MHF, we believe that to create truly effective video campaigns, we must fully understand your organisation and its broader goals. This understanding enables us to provide tailored advice on structuring your video campaigns, allowing for greater efficiency in the video production process.

We see ourselves as an integral part of your team, dedicated to enhancing your efforts and achieving your objectives. Our role extends beyond simply producing video content; we’re here to support you in your broader marketing and communication strategies. By collaborating closely with you, we can ensure that our video solutions align seamlessly with your overall vision, helping to drive your success.

What This Means for You:

  • Tailored Strategies: We’ll work together to develop video campaigns that resonate with your audience and support your marketing goals. Our insights can help you make informed decisions that maximise impact.

  • Streamlined Production: By understanding your needs from the outset, we can streamline the production process, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness at every step.

  • Long-Term Partnership: Our commitment to your success means we’ll continuously adapt and evolve our strategies to meet your changing needs, becoming a trusted partner in your ongoing efforts.

Founders Leading the Way

As founders, you’ll work directly with us on every project. We lead the way, ensuring we fully understand your needs and goals. We then translate that into clear instructions for our talented team of videographers, editors, and animators. We manage expectations on your behalf to keep everything on track.

As a husband-and-wife team, your satisfaction is essential; if you’re not happy with the final product, we know you won’t come back. Our reputation relies on the quality of our work, not just our name. We must be good—it’s non-negotiable.

What This Means for You:

  • Expectation Management: We’re here to manage expectations on your behalf, keeping everything on track and aligned with your vision. You won’t be handed off to junior staff; our expertise ensures you receive the best service possible.

  • Personal Investment: Your happiness with the final product is our top priority. We don’t rely on our name alone; our work speaks for itself, and we must deliver quality every time.

Embracing the New Wave of Smaller Agencies

As the video production industry shifts toward smaller, more agile video production companies, MHF is at the forefront of this change. We leverage our experience from larger agencies while maintaining the personalised service that comes with being a smaller team.

What This Means for You:

  • Agility and Responsiveness: Our size allows us to adapt quickly to changing project needs, making us a perfect fit for today’s fast-paced marketing environment.

  • Focus on Quality: Without the bureaucracy that often bogs down larger firms, we can focus on delivering top-quality video content that resonates with your audience.

Conclusion

In an industry where agency relationships can feel burdensome, MHF video agency is here to redefine the experience. With flexible engagement models, a highly skilled team, and a commitment to transparency, we make video production simple and effective.

If you’re ready to move past typical agency frustrations and work with a video production agency that truly understands your needs, let’s talk! Together, we can create video content that not only meets your expectations but exceeds them—helping your brand's story stand out and stop the scroll.

 

Author Bio

Ciara Haley is the co-founder and Managing Partner at Make Human Film (MHF), a leading video production agency based in London. With extensive experience on both the corporate and agency sides of the industry, Ciara is passionate about delivering high-quality, impactful video content that aligns with clients' goals. Under her leadership, MHF focuses on creating authentic partnerships with clients, ensuring flexibility and transparency throughout the production process.