Frequently Asked Questions about Lightswitch
The company, not the light fixture.
You've got questions, we've got answers - here's everything you could possibly want to know about Lightswitch Video.
Who are you?
Lightswitch video is a small but mighty team of ten based in Chicago. For over 10 years we've delighted in working alongside creatives and marketers to scale production around the world. We're proud to say we've filmed on every continent except Antarctica - (please call if you've got a need for penguin footage).
Even more-so than the great work we've produced we're proud of the team we've built and the great workplace where creatives are treated like adults, but still encouraged to play. Our average employee tenure is over 6 years, and we've worked with many of our clients for over a decade.
We like to think that means we're doing something right.
What video production services are available?
Lightswitch specializes in worldwide on-location production and scale. We produce everything from short 15 second photo montages to full length - award winning documentary series. We can animate, shoot aerial footage, photograph, craft testimonials, and everything in between.
What we create is less about our capabilities, and more about our client’s needs. We help internal creatives, agencies, and marketers at every stage of the creative process.
Many internal agencies have the scripting and creative portion covered - we’re happy to step in and help them execute on their vision.
Marketing teams may want more support - we can jump in to develop concepts, script, plan, and produce from the ground up. Other teams just need post-production support - we’re there to jump in where you’ve left off.
Light up your inbox, join our mailing list for updates from our team.
What Industries do you work with?
We want to hear from everyone - but we know the most about mid-market to enterprise size marketing and in-house teams in finance, tech, cloud infrastructure, or insurance.
If you're having trouble keeping up with scale, need more crews around the world, or have consistent but fluctuating bandwidth we'd love to chat.
Do you require a retainer?
We don't! Most of our longest and largest client relationships started with a one-off project. We believe in client fit above just about all else. We're always happy to work on a project by project basis until a different arrangement makes more sense.We just want to do great work with good people.
How long does it take to create a video?
Video production timelines are difficult to generalize. Complexity, the number of shoots, the length, and the amount of stakeholders are all factors. Broadly speaking a simple video can be created in as little as 1 week but the average production takes 6-8 weeks.
What does a production crew consist of?
Our crews scale to the needs of the project and the client. Our goal is to provide the exact crew necessary to meet the clients requirements without too much excess. We want to be as lean as we can without compromising quality, and as fully staffed as we can without being wasteful of budget.
We're happy to work with a single videographer if it's as simple as some b-roll pickups, or to scale up to include hair and makeup, lighting design, craft services - the whole shebang.
Can you shoot aerial footage?
Darn tootin' - We've got a worldwide fleet of FAA certified pilots
Do you ever just edit?
Yes, we can work with customer provided assets, whether from a customer orchestrated shoot or other media. We frequently re-edit existing ads or create new ads from existing materials. We just ask that you provide us with all of your existing files in the highest resolution possible. We also hold onto all raw footage from previous video shoots.
Who can I contact with questions?
We are happy to answer any and all questions via [email protected]
