FAQs

Cell phones are fantastic tools for quick content, but working with a professional filmmaker offers benefits that go beyond what you can achieve on your own. As storytellers and filmmakers, we bring lots of essentials to the table:

• Storytelling expertise
• High production quality (all the camera, lighting, and audio gear!)
• Focused strategy
• Professional editing
• Uniquely tailored to your needs
• Saves you time and effort 
• And our favorite…long lasting value. Unlike quick social media content, a professionally made brand film has long-term value and can be used across multiple platforms, serving as a centerpiece for your marketing for years to come.

We specialize in brand films, which are the centerpiece of many businesses’ marketing strategies. A brand film conveys the story of who you are, what you stand for, and why your work matters. We can also create:

• Customer testimonials (happy clients are powerful magnets!)
• Case studies (stories that show your product/service in action)
• About Us films (behind-the-scenes glimpses of you and/or your company’s culture or operations)
• Product/service launch films (for announcing a new product or service)
• Social media content for platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Our versatility allows us to adapt to various genres and styles to meet your objectives.

It’s completely normal to feel nervous about being in front of a camera, especially if it’s your first time. Our goal is to make the experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Here’s how we help:

• Pre-shoot preparation. By the day of the shoot, we have already spent time together discussing your story and the key messages you want to convey, so by the time the camera is rolling, you’ll feel prepared and confident.
• Relaxed environment. There’s no rush! On the day of the shoot we create a relaxed and supportive environment and we take whatever time is needed to make sure you are comfortable.
• It’s a conversation! You don’t have to worry about being perfect or remembering exact lines because we are focused on having a conversation. We’ll ask questions that bring out your true personality and passion. This is a conversation, not a performance!
• Multiple takes. If you do get flustered, it’s no problem. We’ll take a moment to rest, then try again until you’re happy with the result.
• Post-Production. Lots of magic happens in post. We can edit out anything that you are not comfortable with. Our goal is to make sure that the final film reflects the best version of you and your message.

Our process begins with an initial consultation to understand your vision, goals, and requirements. Once we’ve had a conversation about what you’re hoping to achieve, we create a custom quote that outlines our deliverables and your costs upfront. After you sign the quote and we receive your initial deposit, we schedule the launch of the storyfinding process and your discovery interview(s).

The founder of Pika Films has built her company on a foundation of over 30 years of experience in corporate communications and marketing, giving the company a strong background in storytelling and understanding how to connect with audiences. In addition to extensive experience in crafting compelling narratives, she has also taken many filmmaking and storytelling courses and workshops. She recently completed an in-depth filmmaking mentorship program with Muse Storytelling, a five-time, Emmy-award-winning company based in Portland, OR, further honing her skills in visual storytelling.

Pika Films also collaborates with a network of highly experienced professionals. Whether we’re working with a director of photography (DP), editor, or audio expert, every freelancer is a specialist in their field with a proven track record of delivering exceptional results. This combination of storytelling experience and technical expertise ensures that your film is of the highest quality and impact.

Yes, we have a portfolio of past projects available on our website, along with testimonials from satisfied clients who can attest to the quality of our work and the positive impact of our films.

Every project is unique, and the cost depends on many factors, such as the scope of the project, the length of the film, location(s), the number of shoot days, and any additional crew or resources we may need to bring in.

Once we’ve had a conversation about your vision and what you’re hoping to achieve, we provide a detailed, custom quote that outlines Pika deliverables and your costs upfront. This approach allows us to be transparent while ensuring that the final product aligns with both your budget and your goals.

If you’re looking for general guidance, we offer a range of options tailored to fit your storytelling needs and goals. Let’s chat to explore the possibilities and find a solution that fits your budget while delivering maximum value for your investment. 

The timeline for each project varies based on its complexity and scope. We provide a project timeline during the pre-production phase and keep clients updated throughout the process to ensure timely delivery.

Our commitment to storytelling, client collaboration, and delivering impactful films sets us apart. We blend creativity with technical expertise and prioritize understanding our clients' visions to create films that resonate and inspire.