FAQs
Our process
How does the video production process work?
From the first phone call to final delivery, we keep things clear and collaborative. A typical project runs like this:
- Pre-production: we plan everything, from scripting and scheduling to casting (if needed) and shot lists.
- Production: we film on location or in a studio with professional kit, capturing interviews, B-roll and everything else agreed in pre-production.
- Post-production: we edit the footage and add music, graphics and subtitles to give it a professional finish.
- Review and delivery: you get a first cut to review, then we make tweaks based on your feedback.
We guide you through each stage. You don’t need to be a video expert to work with us.
How long does a project take from start to finish?
It depends on the scope. A simple social edit or talking-head video can sometimes be turned around within a week or two, while a larger animation or multi-location shoot will naturally take longer. A straightforward corporate video typically runs a few weeks from brief to delivery.
We agree the timeline with you during planning, so everything’s aligned before we start. If you’ve got a deadline in mind, or one fast approaching, let us know. We’re used to working to fixed dates.
Do I need to provide a script, or do you help with that?
We’ve got you covered. Some clients come with a draft, others give us bullet points and let us run with it.
Scriptwriting and storyboarding are part of our pre-production, and we always send drafts for sign-off before we shoot. If you need help shaping the story, we’ll guide you through that too.
Can I be involved in the creative process?
Absolutely. You can be as hands-on or hands-off as you like. Some clients want an update at every step, others trust us to steer the ship. Either works.
We always run key creative decisions past you (script, visual style and music) and you’ll get preview cuts with time for feedback.
How many rounds of amends do you offer?
We typically include two rounds of amends as standard, and this is set out in your quote. That’s usually plenty, but if you need more we can accommodate it. We’ll just discuss any extra time or cost beforehand.
Do you handle casting, locations and logistics?
Yes. From finding the right people to sorting permits and catering, we can handle the lot, whether we’re filming on your premises or casting actors for a scenario-based training film.
If you have specific people or places in mind, we’re just as happy to work with what you’ve got.
Can we use our own staff or customers instead of actors?
Definitely, and it often brings authenticity. We’ve filmed real staff, clients and community members in sectors from healthcare to manufacturing.
We’ll help people feel comfortable on camera and guide them through it to get natural results.
What happens if there's bad weather or a delay?
We build in contingency where it’s needed and keep an eye on the forecast. If bad weather threatens an outdoor shoot, we’ll either reschedule or adapt the plan.
If a delay comes from changes on the client side, such as a cancelled location or an unavailable contributor, we may need to charge for additional days, but we’ll always talk through the options first.
Services and equipment
What types of video do you produce?
Everything from brand films to short, snappy edits for social. Common types include:
- Corporate and promotional films
- Recruitment and culture videos
- Internal communications and training content
- Documentary-style profiles and case studies
- 2D and 3D animation
- Product explainers and installation guides
- Event coverage and highlight reels
We also repurpose long-form content into cut-downs, subtitled clips and platform-specific formats such as 1:1, 9:16 or 4:5. See examples in our work.
Do you offer animation as well as live-action filming?
Yes, we do both. Animation is a great option when you need to explain complex ideas, show things you can’t film, or stay on-brand without arranging a shoot. We offer:
- 2D animation (motion graphics, explainer style)
- 3D animation (product demos, simulations)
- Mixed media (animation layered over live action)
What's the difference between 2D and 3D animation?
2D animation is flat and graphic, like most explainer videos and icon-based motion graphics. 3D animation adds depth, lighting and realism, which is ideal for product visualisation, simulations, or anything where movement and space matter.
Not sure which you need? We’ll advise you based on the purpose, budget and style you’re after.
Can you create content for social media?
Absolutely. We always think about where your video is going and can format content for LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok. We can deliver:
- Teasers and short cut-downs
- Subtitled versions
- 1:1, 4:5 and 9:16 aspect ratios
- Still grabs for thumbnails or carousels
Ask us about platform-specific formats during planning and we’ll factor them in.
Do you provide photography as well as video?
Yes. We can bring in a trusted stills photographer if you want video and photography on the same day, and we’ll plan the day so the two crews don’t get in each other’s way. Photography is often used for:
- PR and press packs
- Website banners
- Social campaigns
- Product or location stills to match the video
Let us know early if you’d like stills, and we’ll build them into the schedule and the quote.
More on our photography page.
What cameras and equipment do you use?
We shoot on cinema-grade cameras such as the Sony FX6 and FX9, with professional lighting, sliders, gimbals and high-end audio kit. The exact gear depends on the shoot, but we always aim for a polished, professional look. For example, we’ve used:
- Laowa probe lenses for detailed product work
- Gimbal setups for smooth tracking shots
- Drone footage for dramatic exteriors
- Colouramas and rigs for interview setups
See behind the scenes on Instagram (@turpsfilm).
Can you shoot on location, or do you have a studio?
We mostly film on location: at your site, office, factory or warehouse, or outdoors. If you need a studio, we can arrange one through our network of local partners. We’ve filmed:
- In homes, schools, shops, beaches and head offices
- Inside warehouses, hospitals, care homes and community centres
- Against studio backdrops for interviews or products
Do you offer drone filming or aerial footage?
Yes. We use CAA-approved drone operators and regularly capture aerial shots of exteriors and landscapes, and for opening sequences. Drones work well for:
- Construction and manufacturing
- Events and parades
- Property and tourism
- Establishing shots and transitions
Let us know about any airspace or location constraints and we’ll work around them.
More on our drone filming page.
Can you create subtitles, voiceovers or multi-language versions?
Yes, it’s all part of the service. We provide:
- Subtitles for accessibility and silent social scrolling
- Professional voiceover artists in a range of styles
- Translated or localised versions in multiple languages
- Voice and subtitle combinations for different regions
See our multi-language launch for Norton. Subtitles and voiceover are added in post, so don’t worry if your audience’s needs change later.
Working with Turps Film
Which sectors do you work with?
We’ve worked across a wide range of industries, from manufacturing to the public sector and education to healthcare. Our clients include well-known brands, local councils, national charities, tech companies, universities and arts organisations. Sectors we know inside out:
- Manufacturing and construction
- Healthcare and social care
- Education and training providers
- Public sector and local authorities
- Arts, culture and community projects
- B2B agencies and consultancies
Each brings its own challenges, and we adapt our approach to suit. If you’re not sure whether your sector fits, get in touch. Odds are we’ve done something similar.
Can you help with technical or regulated subject matter?
Yes. We’ve worked on manufacturing, healthcare and public sector projects where getting the detail right mattered as much as the finished look. We work with your subject experts and your sign-off process from the start.
What areas do you cover?
We’re based in North Shields, just outside Newcastle upon Tyne, and work across the North East, UK-wide and occasionally abroad. Most of our shoots are in:
- Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham and Northumberland
- Yorkshire, the North West and the Midlands
- London and the South East
- Occasionally Europe, depending on the client
We travel where the project needs us, and we always include travel time and costs in the quote so there are no surprises.
How much does a video cost?
A short, simple film, such as a single day of interviews, starts from around £3,000 + VAT. Most of our projects, often a main film with cut-downs or a small set of videos, cost £4,000 to £8,000, and larger campaigns or detailed 2D/3D animation start from around £10,000.
Every project is quoted to its brief, and we’re upfront with a breakdown that fits your goals and budget. For more on how we price a job, see how much does a video cost?
Do you offer fixed quotes, or are costs flexible?
Most of our quotes are fixed once we’ve agreed the scope, so there are no surprises down the line. If you’re unsure of the exact deliverables or want to leave room for extras, we can give ballpark pricing with options.
Can you work to tight deadlines?
Yes. If you’ve got a product launch, an internal comms deadline or a campaign date to hit, let us know early and we’ll build the project around it.
We’ll always be honest about what’s achievable in the time you have, and if we need to scale up the crew or bring in extra editors, we’ll tell you upfront.
Do you have public liability insurance and DBS-checked crew?
Yes. We carry public liability insurance and work with trusted, DBS-checked crew, which matters especially when filming in schools, healthcare settings or community environments. We can provide certificates on request during planning.
What makes Turps Film different?
We’re an independent, family-run video agency, not a corporate giant, and we’re often told we’re a really canny bunch.
Clients tell us they picked us because we’re approachable, collaborative and don’t overcomplicate things, and they keep coming back. You’ll work with the people making your film the whole way through: Luke on the shoot, Dominic in the edit, and nobody passing you around.
Getting started
How do I start a video project with you?
Get in touch and tell us what you need, even if you’re not sure yet. We usually start with a short call to understand your goals, audience and budget, then follow up with a suggested approach and a quote.
We’re happy to work from a brief, some bullet points or just a rough idea. Get a quote.
I don't know what kind of video I need. Can you help?
Yes, and that’s really common. You don’t need to arrive with a full brief. Just let us know:
- Who it’s for
- What you want it to achieve
- Any deadlines or rough ideas
We’ll recommend the format, style and scope that will work best for your goals.
Can I book a call or get a quote?
Of course. We’re always happy to chat through an idea, with no pressure and no hard sell. Drop us a message or call 0191 691 8785 and we’ll get something in the diary.
If you already have a rough brief, we can put a ballpark quote together quickly. If not, we’ll work through it with you to find the best fit.
Do you take on small projects or one-off edits?
We’re happy to help with smaller edits, one-off interviews or cutting down existing footage, as long as there’s space in the diary. We also support agencies and teams who need flexible post-production help (see white-label production, or how it works for agencies).
Tell us what you’ve got and what you’re aiming for, and we’ll be honest about what’s possible and cost-effective.
How far in advance should I book?
Ideally a few weeks ahead of a shoot, to allow enough time for pre-production, but we know that’s not always possible. We keep some flexibility in the calendar, so get in touch even if your timeline’s short. If we can make it work, we will.
