Video Production: The Smartest Way to Save Time, Money & Hassle (Episode 206)

video marketing podcast Mar 21, 2025

Should you buy your own gear, hire a pro agency, or invest in a DIY video solution?

If you’ve ever asked that question, you’re not alone. Many business owners jump into video with high hopes—only to get overwhelmed by the cost, complexity, and time suck of the wrong setup.

Chris breaks down the pros and cons of the three most common video production paths, so you can make an informed decision that delivers results, not regret.

Which Video Production Path Is Right for You?

Should you buy your own gear, hire a pro agency, or invest in a DIY video solution?

If you’ve ever asked that question, you’re not alone. Many business owners jump into video with high hopes—only to get overwhelmed by the cost, complexity, and time suck of the wrong setup.

Chris Schwager breaks down the pros and cons of the three most common video production paths, so you can make an informed decision that delivers results, not regret.

Buying and Setting Up Your Own Gear

On paper, buying your own camera, lights, and mic might seem like the cheapest option. But the hidden trap is in the setup. You’re responsible for:

  • Lighting
  • Audio quality
  • Framing
  • Tech troubleshooting
  • AND learning it all from scratch.

For many, this becomes a time-wasting loop—research, test, tinker… and no content gets produced.

Hiring a Full-Service Production Agency

This can be great for large-scale, polished content. But the downsides?

  • Costly ($1k–$2k/day)
  • Long lead times
  • Lack of flexibility
  • No skill growth or long-term scalability

It’s hard to stay current with your messaging when you need to book a shoot weeks in advance.

Going DIY—The Right Way

The DIY Video Program offers a plug-and-play setup that’s always ready to go. No setup. No tech frustration. Just switch it on and start recording.

You get:

  • Consistency
  • Professional quality
  • Confidence through repetition
  • Coaching and direction when needed
  • Lightning-fast turnaround

DIY doesn’t mean doing it alone—it means doing it smart, with a system that removes the barriers.

If you want occasional, high-production video, hiring might work. If you’re a tech tinkerer with time to burn, setting up your own gear might suit you. But if you want consistent, high-quality content without the friction, DIY is the fastest path to scale.


Follow Chris Schwager: Stay updated with Chris’s insights by connecting with him on LinkedIn.

Explore Our Video Training Programs: Unlock your business’s potential with our expert-led video production training.

DIY Video ProgramCreate professional-quality videos effortlessly with our easy-to-use DIY Video Program.

Convince Your Boss: Download our guide to help decision-makers see the value of video marketing.

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