focused on results
Video Content
Strategy & Planning

Video production is an investment and costs vary widely depending on the scope and complexity of the project. And those are typically determined by the project's goals and target audience . We know this can be frustrating to hear. Productions can easily range from over $100,000 to under $10,000. For our full-service projects (creative through final delivery), the investment range is generally in the $15,000 - $30,000 range. Once we know your budget and goals, we'll help you determine the type of video that will best suit your needs. All of this begins with a simple conversation, an Explore Call. Books yours today!

The cost of video production is definitely an investment, but there are many ways to save money while producing video. Here's a few key things to do and consider that can have big impacts on the overall project cost: Define your goals and objectives before producing Plan and prepare for your production (possibly producing more than one piece at a time) Consider the equipment you use Streamline post-production processes Consider your crew size and headcount Consider your talent needs (actors, models, voiceover artists, etc) Consider the number of locations you want to feature in your video Consider the length of the final video you're looking to produce I know this list might feel overwhelming, but that's what our team is here for! You don't have to do all of the work yourself! When producing your project, we keep your budget and goals in mind every step of the way making sure your production is as cost efficient as possible. Let's chat more about it! Book an Explore Call with us to learn more.

As a professional video production company, we understand the value of time and energy, and we are committed to providing our clients with high-quality videos that save them both. Here are some ways we can help: Streamlined Production Process: We have a well-established production process that is designed to be efficient and effective. We will expertly handle all aspects of the production process, from concept development to post-production editing, so you can focus on other important tasks. Experienced Team: your custom production team will consist of experienced filmmakers and artists who have a deep understanding of the video production process. They know how to get the job done quickly and effectively, which saves you time and energy in the long run. High-Quality Equipment: We utilize high-quality equipment to ensure we deliver the best possible results. Our cameras, lighting, and sound equipment are top-of-the-line, so you don't have to worry about technical issues slowing down the production process. Creative Problem-Solving: We are skilled in creative problem-solving and are always looking for ways to improve the production process to save our clients time and energy. Whether it's finding a new filming technique or streamlining the editing process, we are always looking for ways to be more efficient. In short, by working with our video production company, you can save time and energy by having a professional team handle all aspects of the production process, using high-quality equipment, and having a commitment to creative problem-solving. Start your project today by booking your free Explore Call with our team!

Great question! A videographer and a video production company are two different professional service providers that offer different scopes of work in the field of video production. A videographer is an individual who specializes in capturing video footage. They typically work on smaller projects, such as weddings, events, or promotional videos for small businesses. A videographer may work independently or as part of a larger production team. Once the footage is captured, typically their scope of work is done. On the other hand, a video production company is a full-service organization that provides comprehensive video production services. This can include everything from concept development and pre-production planning to filming, editing, and post-production. A video production company typically has a team of professionals with different specialties, including producers, directors, cinematographers, camera operators, sound mixers, lighting professionals, editors, and other creative specialists. If you're in need of a video production company to handle your video production from beginning to end, we'd love to chat. Book your free Explore Call to get started today.

We know video production can be complex and overwhelming which is why we like to keep things simple with our process. Everything is housed within 3 easy steps: We Explore We Collaborate We Create We begin together by exploring your needs, goals, and how we can best help. This all takes place on your free Explore Call. Once we've determined your project is a good fit for our services, we put together a free Project Quote for you. Once we start your project, we collaborate together. From strategy to development to pre-production logistics and project management, we've got your back. Once all the details of your production are planned, we move into creation mode. This is where your actual film shoot (if we're capturing new footage) takes place along with all post production activities (ie: editing, coloring, sound mixing, ect). In the end, we deliver your carefully and expertly crafted video project assets on-time and on-budget. Ready to start the process of producing your own video? Book your Explore Call today.

You'll be working closely with the Talus Films core team - Madelaine Anderson & Jordan Graves. Both will be points of contact for you at the beginning and once production is underway Jordan will be you go-to producer for the duration of your project. While there maybe other creative professionals working on your project (depending on its scope and size), all communication will be streamlined through the Talus core team to make your life as easy as possible.

As little or as much as you’d like. You're hiring us as the video experts and that's just what we'll be for you. We're flexible in accommodating collaborators at each step of the process and on-set during actual filming as well. Let us know how you like to work, and we'll match your style.

We're not your average video production company - which is probably what everyone says. But it's true. We're committed to your success and ready to be your guide every step of the way. We're creative and strategic filmmakers with a passion for telling emotive human stories. Our aim is to elevate your ideas and amplify your messaging in a brand video that resonates with your audience and captures your brand identity. As the only Chicago based, eco-conscious, award winning, and woman owned company specializing in video and film production, our team is pretty unique which gives us a fresh perspective in the industry. And with over 16 combined years of experience, you're in good hands with us. ​ Our video production services are truly full service. We consult, strategize, develop, handle pre-production, production, and the entire post process - delivering on time and on budget with the utmost professionalism. We also take an eco-conscious approach to video production bringing sustainable practices to set and donating to have trees planted to aid reforestation efforts for every project we produce. We're also acutely aware that not everyone is suited to tell every story which is why each of our production teams are hand-picked in order to ensure those behind the camera reflect the story being told in front of it. We're excited to learn more about you - Let's chat!

All our projects begin with a conversation, an Explore Call. Schedule yours today to get started! Explore Calls and Project Quotes are always free of charge for your benefit.

We do not. Our specialty is live-action video production since our work is rooted in storytelling and human connection. Showing real-people and their stories on-screen just works better for the work we create. That being said, we know many talented animators and would be happy to refer you, if we're able. Just reach out!

We sure can! Our Video Strategy Workshop is uniquely designed to do just this. This 1.5 hour guided workshop is hosted for you and your team. During it, we'll determine your video goals and ideal outcomes for the next 12 months. We'll discuss what types of video suit your needs best, review your current strategy, and discuss your idea video budget. After the workshop, we'll deliver a full Video Strategy Plan recommending videos to produce based on your goals and budget over the next 12 months. Schedule an Explore Call to learn more!

We'd love to! Our Video Development Workshop is uniquely designed to do just this. This 2 hour guided workshop is hosted for you and your team. During it, we'll discuss your specific video project, its target marketing, story structure, align on project goals, determine ideal budget, and brainstorm who will be featured in the video along with its look and feel. After the workshop, we'll deliver a full Visual Video Treatment mapping out key character, messaging, creative approach, soundtrack samples, and mood board to define your video - all within your budget. Schedule an Explore Call to learn more!

We'll help you decide! We get it. There are so many different types of video and they all serve different purposes. We take the guesswork and overwhelm out of deciding what to produce next. There are some types of video that benefit greatly from high-quality production. These are the pieces you'll be able to leverage over and over again for years to come. We recommend working with a production company, like Talus, to expertly produce these for best results. And then there are other types of video that can be produced in-house or for less investment focused more on specific topics, products, event, etc. We can help you devise a full video strategy and set you us for success for all your video needs. Let's chat!

In a world where consumers have started to become immune to advertising (ie: using ad blockers, ignoring content, or skipping pre-roll ads at the 5 second mark), branded video content is the antithesis of traditional advertising. Traditional advertising is what you think of when someone says "ad". Videos like this often center a brand's products, services, or offers first and foremost. Branded content videos help brands highlight their values - not necessarily their products or services - while still subconsciously helping their audience make a connection between the two. Branded content is designed to build awareness for a brand by associating it with content that shares its values. To do this, it often uses real-people and real-stories to evoke emotion and connection with the audience. When a brand connects with its audience personally and emotionally, that usually triggers a favorable response that gets users talking about the brand. It’s why the key metric for judging a brand’s content success is by the number of mentions it receives both on- and off-line. Want to learn more and brainstorm what branded content video for your company could look like? Book an Explore Call now!

A Digital Business Card is a customizable, live-action marketing video perfect for small businesses, solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, founders, startups, and professional service providers looking to humanize their company and connect with their audience. It’s your business elevator pitch in video form. Your Digital Business Card video features an interview with a key member of your company paired with footage showcasing your products and services. After watching, your audience will know who you are, why you do what you do, how they can benefit, and how to effortlessly take action. Use your video on your website, to drive SEO traffic, as paid social media ads, or even in emails to win more business, earn customer trust, raise awareness, pitch your business, secure funding, and more. Get started crafting yours today!

Absolutely! While we love producing projects from start to finish, we also love taking existing raw footage and editing them into new and compelling videos. We believe that video content should always be repurposed in a myriad of different ways to serve your many goals and make it as useful as possible. ​ If you have raw footage from a past project, we can repurpose it for you and create a piece that meets your new goals. And with permission granted from the original creator, we can also edit any user generated content (UGC) that your fans might already be creating to promote your brand. Leveraging these existing assets through new edits is a great way to maximize their value and decrease your own content creation. Let's chat!

It depends! I know, maybe not the answer your were hoping for, but it's true. The goals of your video campaign and where it lives in the buying journey ultimately determines how long your video should be. A few good rules of thumb are: "short form" content is anything under 3 minutes "long form" content is anything over 3 minutes the earlier in the buying process = shorter videos (you haven't earned your audience's time and attention yet) The exception to this would be if/when you are creating branded content videos that are value-adding, engaging, and entertaining to your audience. This type of content is something more in line with the shows they're watching on their favorite streaming service and (since they aren't advertising in the direct sense) folks have a much higher tolerance for these types of videos. We can help determine what works best for your video project - let's chat!

Even though our process is standard for all video projects, each story we tell is unique and timelines can vary widely. Typically, projects range from 1 month (4 weeks) to 3 months (12 weeks) with a majority landing in the middle of that range. When we set production schedules, we like to work backwards. Let us know your "by when" date - when need (or would like) the video to go live, and we'll map you out a timeline that fits your needs. Let's chat more about your specific needs!

We want to make your life as easy as possible. If there's a way you'd like (or don't like) to communicate and share information, please let us know. Otherwise, we utilize Google Drive, email, phone, video conferencing, and more to make sure all your project's assets are as easily accessible as possible.

Each story we tell is unique. We know not everyone is suited to telling every story. This is why we build out custom production teams for each of our projects. This helps us ensure that the folks behind the camera match the story being told in front of it. Our core team, Madelaine & Jordan, typically play a role on all our projects. But the rest of your production team will be hand-selected based on the needs of the story, the scope of the project, and the skills required to bring your video to life. When possible, we hire local talent in keeping with our sustainable production approach. Let's start building our your custom project and team today!

We are available for nationwide travel and as adventures at heart we love it! We discuss travel needs on our initial Explore Call and hire locally whenever and wherever possible to keep costs and our climate footprint as low as possible. Where would you like us to produce your project? Let's chat!

Pre-production is the planning stage of video production and is a crucial part of the process that sets the foundation for a successful final product. During pre-production, the following tasks typically take place: Concept Development Script Writing (if required) Storyboarding (a visual representation of the script) Casting (actors, models, voiceover talent) or Pre-Interviewing (for real-life interview subjects) Location Scouting & Securing Permits Equipment Selection (camera(s), lighting gear, sound equipment, etc) Shot List Creation (mapping out all the shots that will need to be captured) Scheduling (pre-production tasks, when filming will take place, production and post schedules) Want to learn more? Let's chat!

A set on the day(s) of production can be a busy place! Many activities often take place including: Setting up equipment (camera, lights, sound) Cast & crew arrive (and get in costume/makeup) Rehearsal (lead by the director with the cast and crew) Filming (capturing all the shots required for the final video) Breaks (for meals and to address anything that needs problem solving) Wrap (the end of the day when everything is packed up and crew/cast can go home) Ready to start planning your production? Let's chat!

Post-production is the stage of video production that takes place after filming has been completed. During post-production, the raw footage captured during filming is edited and polished to create the final product. The specific activities that take place during post-production can include: Editing - the raw footage is assembled into a coherent story. Scenes are trimmed and reordered and transitions are added to connect one scene to the next. Color correction and grading - the colors of the video are adjusted to create a desired look or mood. Sound design - the sound effects, music, and dialogue are added and edited to enhance the overall audio experience of the video. Visual effects - special effects such as computer-generated graphics and 2D animations are added to enhance the visual experience of the video. Mixing - the sound and music elements are combined and balanced to create a seamless audio experience. Finalization & Export - the final version of the video is created and any necessary revisions or tweaks are made. The final video is then exported and delivered Let's chat about your project today!

The good thing is that depending on the type of video we're creating, you might not even have to be on camera! But if you are, know that we've got your back. With interview-based videos, we like to avoid scripting and teleprompter use when we can. This doesn't mean you're left hanging though. When possible, we conduct pre-interviews with our interview subjects in order to create a roadmap for our day of production. Pre-interview are done through video conferencing software and then edited into a video approximately the length of the final video we'll be producing. They help our team and the interviewee get to know each other, get comfortable speaking about the topic, and help important key points naturally bubble to the surface so we know which parts to target on the day of production. We found this dedicated prep time to make all the difference of folks when they're on camera. We also treat the interview day of like a normal conversation. We pretend the camera, lights, and mics aren't in the room with us and allow the interviewee to speak directly to the director/interviewer in a one-on-one conversation. In addition, we provide helpful guidance and wardrobe selection in order to make sure you always look your best! Want to learn more? Let's chat!

While we don't handle the hands-on distribution of video content, we do have a variety of resources and advice we can provide on this front. And again, it all depends on the goals of your video project, but we do know that increasing video views is a huge goal for many. We also know several other service provides we could refer you to who help with all kinds of things once videos are out in the wild (ie: launch campaigns, SEO, metrics and tracking, PPC, ad management, etc). This is also a topic we touch on during our strategy workshops because planning with the end in mind is one of the best ways to ensure success of a video! Let's start planning for your next project today!

This is an excellent question and another one that comes with the answer of - it depends. Just as each video is unique, the way success is determined and ROI is measured will be unique as well. There are some best practices to keep in mind though. Track Web Traffic - an increase in visitors can mean the video is drawing folks to your site which can lead to conversions. Monitor Engagement - tracking like, shares, and comments can show you how well your video is landing for your audience. Track Conversions - track sales, leads, or sign-ups that can be directly attributed to your video. Use Analytics - use Google Analytics and/or YouTube Analytics to track video performance in terms of views, watch time, and click-through rate. Conduct Surveys & Research - gather feedback from customers to see how video impacted their decision-making process. The clearer your video campaign goals and objectives are at the onset, the easier it'll be to track relevant ROI metrics. Not all ways of tracking ROI will be relevant to every video campaign. And very rarely can video be directly linked to sales numbers (unless the video is used in a sales conversion ad specifically). Therefore, ROI expectations should be set accordingly at the very beginning. Want to learn more? Let's chat!

Just as much as we love creating videos that amplify your mission and messages, we’re also passionate about protecting the world around us. That’s why we approach each and every one of our productions through a sustainable lens as well as a creative and collaborative one. Here’s a taste of our seven practices that help ensure we’re leaving as little impact as possible: Accountability - our cast, crew and clients are informed of our practices and asked to hold us accountable Reduce - we reduce electricity waste on set, arrange carpooling to and from set (when possible), and compost Reuse - we provide water refill stations and use reusable water bottles to reduce plastic waste and provide utensils and paper goods made to be reused and/or composted Recycle - we recycle anything we can and provide guidance on what can and can't be recycled on set Local - we hire, buy, and eat locally whenever and wherever possible Digital - we're in the process of going completely paperless on set, but in the meantime we keep printables to a bare minimum Planting - we donate to have trees planted for each project we produce - this action aid reforestation efforts around the US Want to start your sustainable production? Let's chat!

All our free Project Quotes come with an estimate of how many trees will be planted if Talus produces your project. We lead with this transparency from the very beginning because we feel it's only fair. Our most common tree planting count is directly correlated to our time on set producing a project. If your project has two 12-hour production days, then we'll plant a tree for every hour - 24 trees. If your project doesn't have active production days - say it's a workshop or post production project - then our counts differ slightly. In these cases, we plant a tree per hour conducting the live workshop or by the number of video deliverables that post project has. Want to help us plant trees? Let's chat about your next video project!