I was recently listening to a podcast where the host mentioned that video for a mobile phone might be cheaper to create because you can get away with lower production costs. I almost spit out my coffee when I heard this, what total bullshit! I know this comment came from someone who hasn’t worked with many video people, but I don’t like that this is in people’s mindset. You would never ask a plumber to lower their standard of quality because the pipes are in the wall and no one will see them. No, they are going to do the best job they can and their time is worth the same, whether it’s a small job or big job. The time it takes me and my team at LooseKeys to make a video for a mobile phone or a jumbotron is worth the same. If the video is on a mobile phone instead of a larger screen, you have to approach some aspects of the production differently. You might not focus on those little details in the background that you won’t be able to see on a small device but you’re going to make sure everything that is seen is easy to understand and read at a smaller size. Paying attention to those kinds of details is important.

If you’re working with a company that’s going to phone in the quality just because it’s on a smaller screen then that should be a red flag that they might not be the best people for your job. And the reverse should be true; don’t let a business up-charge you for the work if it’s going on television instead of the web. You are paying for people’s time, skill, experience and knowledge. The end product should look great no matter where its seen.