Finding a Film Production Company in Cologne – 10 Tips for the Right Partner

Are you looking for the right film production company in Cologne? Then here are 10 tips on how to find the right partner among the many film production companies in Cologne, have your company film produced successfully and avoid high costs.

Why it is so important to define a clear goal

Anyone who wants to succeed needs clearly defined goals. That is also true in film production, and in Cologne. So the question of “Who?” begins with the question of “What?” – and even better, with the question of “Why?”

What goal are you pursuing with your film project?

Do you want to win new customers or new employees? Do you want to increase sales in the short term or build an image in the long term? Capture a particular event on film or build your knowledge base?

The uses for company films are diverse.

If you already know what goal you are pursuing and, consequently, which type of film you need, it will be easier for you to identify the right film production company in Cologne.

And if you feel just a tiny bit at a loss when making the decision, that’s perfectly fine. The right film production company will help you find the right type of film for your goal.

In that case, you only need to answer one question: What (or whom) do you want to reach with your film?

An overview of the most common types of film:

• Corporate film – builds a company image through emotion
• Industrial film – portrays a company and its processes rationally
• Product video – promotes a product with the aim of boosting sales
• Event video – documents an event
• Recruitment video – speaks directly to candidates
• Explainer video – explains products or processes to build knowledge
• Digital events & livestream – complements or replaces events
• Aerial footage – complements other films with impressive perspectives

How to find the right film production company in Cologne

Finding the “right” film production company in Cologne is difficult. Cologne is one of the largest film and media centres in Germany, and a multitude of large and small film production companies of every size, specialisation and level of experience are active here.

And last but not least, the “right” film production company is ultimately the one that is right for you. For your company, for your specific challenge and also for you as a person. Because film production is a creative process in which people work with people. And that works best when you at least don’t dislike each other personally.

The most important criteria when choosing the right film production company in Cologne for your film project are:

• Experience, profile and focus of the film production company
• Film style and signature of the film projects
• Personality of your contacts
• Professionalism, legal form and equipment

How important each of these points is to you, and which orientation you prefer and how strongly in each case (professional vs. artistic; efficient vs. personal; reliable vs. inexpensive), is entirely your decision. Because it is your film project.

We just want to help you find the best film production company in Cologne for you specifically. And we believe that the best way to do that is to share all our experience from film production since 2008 with you transparently and honestly. That way you get all the knowledge you need to make the right decision for you.

This is us: Pathfinder Studios – film production Cologne

Why industry experience isn’t everything

Many companies usually start by looking for a specialist. That makes sense, because if you have toothache, you’re more likely to go to a dentist than to a GP.

So one of the first questions is: does the film production company have experience in my industry, perhaps even in my segment or with similar products and companies?

Because to produce a good film, the film production company first has to understand you. And it is considerably easier to understand something you already have experience in than to familiarise yourself with something completely new.

We, for example, have a large number of camera operators who specialise in different areas: children, for example, or animals. Or showing cars at their best. Or industrial halls with their special lighting conditions from different lamps and close to large machines.

So we could say: we can do (almost) anything. But over the years, through and with our clients, we have truly specialised in industry, technology and specialised services – all in the B2B sector.

Nevertheless, we keep getting enquiries from B2C brands such as Audi, Schalke 04 or Tupperware. Why?

Because industry specialisation isn’t everything. Perhaps you are looking for a particular film style that you recently saw in an advert. Perhaps you want a film that is different from everyone else’s in your industry. Or perhaps you simply want to work with people you really enjoy working with.

What your competitors have to do with the film production company

Keyword: industry experience. Always think of your competitors too!

Especially in conurbations like Cologne, and above all in industry, everyone knows everyone through somebody. At the same time, processes and a technological lead are the be-all and end-all of a company’s own success.

You are thinking about a film – that definitely gives you a head start. Make sure you use it wisely.

Many companies do want a film production company from Cologne with industry experience. But please not the very one that has already worked for their biggest competitor. Or perhaps exactly that one?

We can already take away your biggest worry: most (reputable) film production companies are reliable. Non-disclosure agreements are a matter of course for us – and for selected clients we even refrain from working for their competitors.

If, on the other hand, a film production company has never heard of NDAs / non-disclosure agreements, or casually brushes off your concerns in this area, you should be careful.

As we said: in the end, people do business with people. And we prefer honest, transparent business as equal partners.

What role your personality plays in the choice

Yes, we are deliberately saying YOUR personality here, even though this should really be about the personality of the film production company of your choice. But it isn’t. It’s about you!

The process of making a film is a creative process in which people work creatively and productively together towards a common goal – your goal. That’s why I can’t repeat it often enough: choose the people you want to work with!

Ask yourself: what matters to you? Are you the sociable type, or do you just want to see results quickly? Do you want to feel that you are helping to create something big yourself, or simply receive a finished product? And also – no joke – do you prefer working with men or women? With younger people or more experienced ones?

Everyone ticks differently! Decide what is important to you, and then choose the right film production company. The best way to do this is in a no-obligation introductory meeting. On the phone – or even better, over a coffee. Most film production companies (including us, by the way, and in most cases even me personally) will even come to you for this.

More about us: Pathfinder Studios – film production Cologne

What the legal form reveals about a film production company

Let’s move on to an uncomfortable topic: the film production company’s legal form.

Admittedly, the legal form has nothing to do with the creativity and style of the films. Nor does it tell you anything about the film production company’s wealth of ideas and filmmaking skill. But it does give you a first indication of size, reliability and professionalism.

If the idea and creativity matter more to you than professionalism, simply skip this section. But if you value security (more on this in the next section) and reliable project planning with fixed deadlines and good communication, it may be worth taking a quick look at the legal notice (Impressum).

Because unlike many other professions and businesses that are legally protected and monitored by supervisory authorities, the profession of filmmaker is not legally protected or regulated.

Conversely, this means: anyone who can operate a camera or editing software can call themselves a filmmaker. Two film students can set up a GbR (a German civil-law partnership) together and call themselves a “film production company”.

As we said, that need not be bad per se. But we have often heard from our clients that the previous “film production company” – however creative and clever it was on site (and however cheap the quote may have been) – ended up giving them more of a headache. Words like these come up:

• unpunctual
• unreliable
• the project was completed weeks late (or never at all)
• in the end, the footage was unusable
• the team was out of its depth

GmbH or GbR? AG or UG – or owner-managed?

The safest option really is a GmbH (German limited liability company). An AG (public limited company) usually indicates a larger film production company, where you may have to accept changing contacts.

UGs (mini limited companies) and GbRs are tricky. They can be real gold mines (many outstanding creative studios are GbRs!). From my experience, however, you should look at the founding date here: anyone who has been on the market for less than 5 years should simply be examined more closely.

Insurance: what sets students apart from film production companies

Another important point that is directly linked to professionalism and legal form: insurance.

Yes, film equipment is expensive. (A single lens can cost as much as a small car, and a camera as much as a detached house.)

But your machinery is more expensive. What if the film crew damages a part while filming? Or – the worst case in the often underestimated area of “aerial footage” – what if the camera multicopter (“drone”) crashes over a crowd?

What if an employee appears in your film but resigns two years later?

Professional film production companies give you security, especially on these important issues. Because they have insurance, take care of contractual matters – and, for aerial footage, for example, always work with the police, the public order office and, where necessary, the fire brigade.

It is precisely “small, dynamic filmmakers” and fresh film graduates who are less well set up here.

Why the cheap quote often costs more

If you have read the article this far, you can perhaps already guess why a cheaper quote can often end up costing more.

If a quote is significantly cheaper, you should take a closer look. Because then there is a high probability that the film production company making the offer is planning either a completely different approach or a completely different level of effort. Especially if it is a small, young film production company, a cheap quote can have further disadvantages:

• The film production company underestimates the effort
• The project takes longer than planned
• The project ends up costing more after all
• You “pay” with a lack of security, e.g. insurance or similar
• You don’t get the film that really achieves your goal

No matter how much your film costs in the end: if it doesn’t achieve your goal, it was too expensive. And if you have to invest more time, effort or aggravation, the supposedly cheap quote may end up being more expensive after all.

Roughly how much does a film cost? That depends entirely on the type of film and the goal you want to achieve. Because your goal determines the effort: 1 shooting day or 5; professional actors or your own employees; detailed animation, aerial footage or visual effects.

The best thing to do is to request a free initial consultation and a no-obligation quote straight away. With us, you’ll get one within 24 hours.

For a first overview of film types, applications, costs and examples, we have put together a comprehensive handbook on video marketing (in German).

Why quotes aren’t comparable

One thing is certain: film production is an individual service, not a finished product. That’s why there are no off-the-shelf company films with price tags and special offers (– and whenever you see a “corporate film at a fixed price” or something similar, alarm bells should ring).

Whichever film production company you choose: you are buying a solution to a problem. Not a film. That’s why you don’t need a numerical cost calculation, but a concept.

Because let’s be honest: I could present you with a calculation right now for 3 days of filming with crew and equipment plus post-production. But then neither of us would know what kind of film you would end up with.

That’s why, unfortunately, a film production company’s quote doesn’t get you anywhere at first, even if it clearly lists the number and qualifications of the staff and the exact specifications of the equipment.

A film is more than the sum of its parts. All the more so when it’s your film!

A good film production company won’t draw up a quote for you without a concept. That way, you get an idea of your future film right from the start.

At least a lookbook / mood board (“illustrated collage”), or at the very least references from comparable films, should be included, so that you can form at least a rough picture.

What might something like that look like? Why not try it out right away!

Request a no-obligation quote

When alarm bells should ring

I hope, of course, that your senses are now sharpened and that you have already been able to take away valuable knowledge from this article.

Here is another overview of the most important criteria for a film production company, from Cologne or elsewhere:

• The film production company seems inexperienced / unprofessional
• You are offered a film at a fixed price
• Aerial filming is not secured or registered, or only inadequately
• The film production company doesn’t sign contracts
• There are no provisions on confidentiality agreements and NDAs
• You receive a quote without a concept, mood board or references

How you can compare film production companies

Admittedly, comparing film production companies is a bit like comparing artists, favourite films or authors.

Are you more into action, comedy or documentary? Do you find paintings by van Gogh, Picasso or Monet more appealing?

My tip: when in doubt, trust your gut feeling. But only once all the rational factors are off the table. These include:

1. Characteristics
2. References (clients)
3. Film style
4. Team

The film production company’s characteristics

Film production companies differ in certain core characteristics. Some have a particularly large amount of experience and reliable expertise, while others are rather chaotic but full of creative ideas.

Find the balance that best suits you and your project. For example:

• Courage, creativity, wealth of ideas, innovation
• Awards, industry knowledge
• Reliability, experience, professionalism
• Personality, communication style, age, team make-up
• Film style

The references (clients)

Take a look at the film production company’s references. By this I mean, at this point, the clients it has already worked for. Would you like to see your name alongside those already listed? Then that’s a good sign.

How many projects has the film production company already completed? Just a few dozen or several hundred? How many of them in your field?

If available, also look for testimonials, i.e. client reviews. What did the clients particularly praise? Are those aspects that would also matter to you – or were points perhaps even praised that would be an absolute no-go for you?

• References reveal industry experience
• The number of projects shows experience
• Client testimonials give insights into how they work
• It’s a good sign if you identify with the existing clients

The film style

Also take a look at the film production company’s references, i.e. the films it has produced so far.

Incidentally, we advise against relying on a “showreel”, as it only proves good editing skills, not an ability for emotional storytelling or problem-solving. After all, you want to like the film, not the trailer (and unfortunately, trailers increasingly promise more than the films can ultimately deliver).

• Do you like the images?
• Do you like the dramaturgy, the way information is conveyed?
• Do you feel emotionally engaged?
• Do you FEEL something?
• Do you think the film production company could present your product in a completely new way
• or shed completely new light on your problem?

Then you should consider the film production company.

Watch some of our favourite films here

Team and contacts

I can’t stress it enough: produce your film with people you enjoy working with. So get to know the film production company beforehand. Arrange a no-obligation consultation!

Don’t forget that, as a rule, you will have 2 contacts: your project manager (“producer”) and the creative director / director.

Your project manager (me, for example) supports you throughout the entire process and beyond. So that is who you should have the best “chemistry” with.

• Do you find the team/your contact likeable?
• Does the team/your contact have the necessary expertise?
• Would you like to work with the team? (intellectually and personally)
• Is the team rather young or old? (and which do you prefer?)
• Are there women in the team as well, or only men? (our industry is rather male-dominated)

Why you have a good chance of finding the right film production company in Cologne

Sure – Cologne is simply cool. Cologne has the cathedral, the carnival, Kölsch (the dialect and the beer) and the Rhine. In short: Kölle es e Jeföhl! (Cologne is a feeling!)

(At this point, in the interest of fairness, I would like to point out that we are not based in Cologne itself, but in Euskirchen, 30 minutes away, and work throughout Germany from here. Just so you can’t say we didn’t warn you. But we have tested it for you: from Euskirchen you get to the Mülheim business park faster than from Ehrenfeld.)

Many film production companies in Cologne live the Cologne mentality. And – lucky for you as someone looking for a film production company – Cologne is one of Germany’s major film and media cities, alongside Berlin, Munich and Hamburg.

Because Cologne is a film centre that has grown naturally. WDR and RTL are based here, as are the MMC Studios (where, among other shows, the German version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” with Günther Jauch was recorded), and well-known series such as “Alarm for Cobra 11”, “Unter uns” and a “Tatort”, as well as formats such as “DSDS” and “TV Total”, originated here.

Cologne is also strong in other media: the Bastei Lübbe publishing house and the DuMont publishing group (including the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger) are based here, and Gamescom is now the world’s largest trade fair for video games.

The Film- und Medienstiftung NRW is one of the most important film funding bodies in Germany, and the internationally renowned ifs (Internationale Filmschule Köln) is also based in Cologne. In addition, there are numerous private film schools and academies.

No wonder so many film production companies are based in Cologne.

Cologne film production companies – between TV, cinema and business

But Cologne isn’t only cool for film production companies. Here, the creativity of Cologne’s media sector meets the know-how of Cologne as a business location.

Because Cologne is also home to mid-sized companies and industry. Located in the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s most populous federal state, and close to the Ruhr area, Cologne is where real business and value creation take place.

All in the immediate vicinity of film production in Cologne. The result is an extremely successful combination of TV, cinema and business. Creative ideas meet goal-oriented marketing strategies. That’s how your project with film production companies from Cologne becomes a complete success.

FAQ: the most frequently asked questions about film production companies

Free eBook on video marketing

If you would like to know even more about video marketing and the different types of film, feel free to download our eBooks on video marketing (covers all film types; in German). The eBooks (as pdf, epub or mobi for Kindle) contain application examples, goals and strategies for successful marketing with film.

1. Video marketing – the ultimate handbook for companies (in German, download)
2. Finding the right film production company – the handbook (in German, download)
3. The corporate film handbook (in German, download)
4. The industrial film handbook (in German, download)
5. The product video handbook (in German, download)
6. The event video handbook (in German, download)
7. The explainer video handbook (in German, download)
8. The recruitment video handbook (in German, download)
9. Trade fair alternatives – the handbook (in German, download)
10. Streaming and digital events – the handbook (in German, download)

All handbooks contain valuable tips, examples and prices to help you decide. The high-quality PDFs are available for you to download immediately.

Thank you for reading this article! Our goal at Pathfinder Studios is to make you even more successful with video marketing. If we can support you with that, contact our experts at any time for a no-obligation consultation.

We’d be delighted if you found more inspiration on this blog or in our free downloads for successful video marketing.