Video is a proven way to engage audiences, and Contently's Talent Network is full of highly qualified videographers ready to be staffed to projects. Here's what to do when you're ready to get started making video.

The most challenging step in the video-creation process is often the first one — coming up with a good idea. To help, start with the final objective: What would you like to achieve with your video? Then, think about which format (ex: documentary, explainer, animation) is best-fit to accomplish that goal. Click here for an overview of the types of videos you can create with Contently.

Another way to generate ideas is to solicit pitches, or ideas, from video vendors. If you'd like vendors to pitch ideas, fill out the video brief and indicate that you're looking for ideas.

When you have a project in mind and you're ready to get started, fill out a video brief. Contently's talent team will use this information to match you with vendors and generate a pitch request. You will then receive 1–3 pitches after roughly one week. Use the comments tool in the pitch to communicate with vendors and ask questions about their proposals. Once a pitch is submitted, you have 21 days to accept it before it expires.

Once you accept a pitch, a story will be generated in the Contently platform. The next step will be to contact your vendor and schedule a kickoff call to discuss the project, establish a review timeline, and agree to a budget.

Video production at Contently centers around four milestones. Tie these progress points to payment as follows:

Sample workflow:

Make sure to review each round on time. Video vendors have tight schedules and need to plan ahead. Delays during the review process put the project timeline and final delivery date at risk.

Consider the strategic purpose of your video. A call to action and clear messaging will be essential to give your project a direction and purpose.

Be realistic about budget. Video doesn't have to be expensive but it's certainly not cheap. Short-form live-action videos tend to start at $10,000. Keep in mind that major changes during and after production can have potentially large budget implications.

Listen to your vendor. Don't be afraid to ask their advice and take their ideas into consideration. The best results often arise when clients and vendors collaborate and stay aligned throughout the project.

Give smart feedback. When you review rough cuts, remember that not everything you see will be final. Elements like sound, colors, graphics and even the edit can often be rough during this stage. Focus your critiques on making sure the video aligns with project goals and fits your stated needs.

Make a plan and stick to it. Indecisiveness causes delays and overages. Make a plan with your vendor and stick to it. You may have a great idea mid-project — save it for the next video.