Matchmaking for Brands: Find Your Perfect Partner in Five Steps 

Finding the right production partner for your brand is akin to a romantic quest. Like seeking a soulmate, it needs careful consideration, compatibility, and shared values. Whether you’re an in-house agency (IHA) or a brand, the journey to finding your ideal partner involves several steps.

1. Define Your Vision and Values

Before swiping right on potential production partners, take a moment to define your brand’s vision and core values. A partner who aligns with your ethos will contribute to a harmonious collaboration. Consider cultural fit, shared goals, and a commitment to quality.

2. Assess Quality and Expertise

Quality matters. In our 2022 survey of IHAs in the UK, 62% expressed concern about the quality of outsourced work. Look for evidence of high-quality production in your potential partner’s portfolio. Case studies, testimonials, and past projects provide valuable insights. Remember, a successful partnership hinges on the ability to consistently deliver exceptional results.

3. Communication Is Key

Effective communication is key to every successful relationship. Evaluate your potential partner’s communication channels. Are they responsive? Do they understand your needs? Consider factors like responsiveness, transparency, and collaboration tools.

4. Maintain Control

Many of the outsourcing horror stories revolved around a brand's lack of control. With a trusted production partner and process, you will still be in control. With EKCS, there’s the option to use Mediaferry, an award-winning, cloud-based workflow system that enables you to stay in control with a complete overview of your campaigns. Keeping creative in-house is fundamental to outsourcing success. 

5.  Scalability and Availability

As your brand grows, so should your partner’s capacity. Assess their ability to scale up resources when needed. Can they handle increased production demands during peak seasons? Look for partners with 24/7 studios, flexible workflows, and turnaround times that align with your project timelines.

Finally, take it slow. Start small by offering a production partner a small project or campaign. There is no need to hand over all your creative production overnight. Starting with a small project enables you to get to know each other. Your new production partner should understand current ways of working and iron out any issues that might only be noticed once the live work starts. That's how most of our clients have started, with small campaigns or outsourcing projects that have grown into long-term trusted partnerships. As they say in Casablanca, "this could be the start of a beautiful relationship."

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to finding your perfect production production partner this Valentine’s Day.

If you’re looking for a production partner this February, download our free whitepaper. It covers what to look for in a production partner.