Working with a production house in India can be exciting – especially when you’re gearing up to create something visually powerful. Maybe it’s a product film, a brand video, or a scroll-stopper for Instagram. But there’s one thing that can make or break the entire process: the brief.
At Goodfellas Studio, we’ve worked with brands big and small. And here’s something we’ve noticed – many clients don’t know how to brief creatives effectively. It’s not because they’re bad at their jobs. It’s just that briefing is a creative skill in itself. And when it’s not done right, things go sideways – budgets stretch, timelines slip, and the final product? Well, it might miss the mark.
So, if you’re planning to work with the best video content agency in India, here’s a crash course on what often goes wrong – and how to get it right.
Mistake #1: Being Too Vague or Too Specific
We get it. Sometimes you’re still figuring things out. Or sometimes you have a crystal-clear idea in your head. But here’s the catch:
- If your brief is too vague, the creative team will waste time guessing what you want.
- If it’s too specific, you might end up boxing them in and losing out on fresh, better ideas.
How to Fix It:
Think of your brief as a compass, not a GPS. Give direction, but don’t dictate every turn.
Share the big picture: Why are you making this video? What problem is it solving?
Mention your target audience, tone, and platforms.
Let the creative team surprise you with how they bring it to life.
Mistake #2: Forgetting the “Why”
Often, clients focus too much on what they want – a product demo, a testimonial, a reel. But they forget to explain why they want it.
And if your video doesn’t serve a clear purpose, it becomes just another piece of content.
How to Fix It:
Ask yourself these questions before briefing your team:
- What’s the goal of this video?
- Is it to boost awareness, drive conversions, or explain something complex?
- What action do you want your viewer to take after watching it?
When we understand the “why,” we – like the best video production agency in India should – can recommend smarter formats, storytelling techniques, and distribution ideas.
Mistake #3: Ignoring the Target Audience
You’d be surprised how often this part is skipped. The most beautiful video in the world won’t work if it doesn’t speak to the right people.
How to Fix It:
Don’t just say, “It’s for Gen Z” or “It’s for parents.” Get specific.
- What platforms do they hang out on?
- What kind of content do they consume?
- What makes them tick? Or click?
Goodfellas Studio dives deep into audience behaviour because we know that great video marketing speaks directly to the viewer’s mindset. That’s why we’re known as one of the best video marketing agencies in India.
Mistake #4: Confusing Creative Feedback with Personal Taste
Here’s a tough one. Creative work is subjective. But feedback should never be only based on personal taste.
“This doesn’t feel right” or “I just don’t like the music” won’t help your agency improve the work. In fact, it often leads to back-and-forth revisions that kill momentum.
How to Fix It:
Make feedback objective, not emotional.
- Refer back to the original brief – does this meet the goal?
- Think like your audience, not like yourself.
- Ask: Does this align with the brand tone? Does it communicate the message?
You’ll be amazed at how smoothly things go when feedback is framed the right way.
Mistake #5: Underestimating Timelines
Sometimes clients want Hollywood-level production on a weekend deadline. But here’s the thing – good video takes time. Concepting, scripting, casting, shooting, editing, colour grading, sound mixing, etc., these aren’t plug-and-play processes.
How to Fix It:
Be realistic about what’s possible and plan ahead.
- If it’s a major campaign, give 4–6 weeks.
- For shorter formats, give at least 10–15 working days.
- Always factor in feedback rounds.
When timelines are respected, the output is better – and everyone sleeps better, too.
Mistake #6: Asking for “Viral” Content
“Make something viral.” It’s something every video content agency in India hears at some point. But virality isn’t a format. It’s an outcome. And a rare one.
Chasing trends blindly can make your brand look tone-deaf. Worse, it often leads to copycat content that doesn’t reflect who you are.
How to Fix It:
Instead of aiming for “viral,” aim for valuable and authentic.
- Tell stories that are true to your brand.
- Focus on quality, clarity, and relevance.
- Trust your agency to strike a balance between creativity and strategy.
The best-performing content often isn’t the flashiest. It’s the most honest.
Mistake #7: Treating Your Agency Like a Vendor, Not a Partner
This one’s big. When you work with the best video content agency in India, you’re not just buying a service – you’re gaining a creative partner.
If you treat them like order-takers, you’ll get formulaic results. But if you collaborate, share insights, and trust their expertise, you’ll get magic.
How to Fix It:
Build a relationship based on trust.
- Involve them early in campaign discussions.
- Be transparent about challenges, budgets, and constraints.
- Respect their process, just like they respect your brand.
The best creative work happens when both sides are invested – not just financially, but emotionally.
In Conclusion: The Best Briefs Spark the Best Work
Briefing isn’t just step one – it’s the foundation of everything that follows. When done right, it sets your video up for success. When done poorly, it leads to confusion, delays, and underwhelming results.
At Goodfellas Studio, we pride ourselves on being more than just a production house in India. We’re collaborators, problem-solvers, and storytellers. Whether you’re a startup or an enterprise, a clear and thoughtful brief helps us help you better.
So next time you sit down to create a brief, remember: it’s not about controlling creativity – it’s about unlocking it.
