Question 1

Are you full-service?

Accepted Answer

Pretty much. We can plug in anywhere from strategy and creative through production, post, and final delivery. Need the whole thing? Great. Just need one piece of it? Also great. For media buying, performance marketing, and a few other specialties outside our lane, we've got trusted partners we're happy to bring in.

Question 2

Do you only create commercials?

Accepted Answer

Nope. We make what the project needs. That might be a commercial, a series of customer stories, a product launch, a photo campaign, or a whole mess of assets built to work across the customer journey. And whenever we can, we plan production to get more out of the time, crew, and budget already on the table.

Question 3

Do you do photography?

Accepted Answer

We sure as shit do. We work with a trusted network of photographers and stylists, and build the team around what the project needs. Pro tip: If you're already shooting motion, adding stills can be a smart way to stretch the production further and get more out of the day.

Question 4

What if I only need editing help?

Accepted Answer

Perfect. We have a fully in-house post-production team and can jump in wherever you need us. That might mean taking a project from raw footage to final delivery, helping your internal team through a heavy lift, or just handling a piece of the edit. No need to buy the whole toolbox when you only need a hammer.

Question 5

Do we need to have a script before we reach out?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. Sometimes clients come to us with a finished script or boards. Other times it's a rough idea, a business problem, or a launch date and a whole lot of questions. Start where you're stuck. We can help shape the strategy, creative, and production plan from there.

Question 6

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Well, that's a loaded question. Most of our projects land somewhere between $50k and $350k, depending on the scope, number of deliverables, shoot complexity, talent, post, and all the other moving parts. Think of it a little like building a house: the size, materials, finishes, and what you're trying to make all affect the final number. We're also open to projects outside that range, and when budgets are tight, we're pretty good at finding smart ways to make the most of them.

Question 7

How long does a project take?

Accepted Answer

Most projects take four to twelve weeks, depending on the scope. Production-only projects are typically around four weeks. Production + post usually runs eight to twelve. If you need help shaping the production strategy, budget, or creative before we get rolling, our Strategy & Creative sprints run one to four weeks, depending on what the project needs. Rush job? Talk to us. We've been known to move pretty damn fast.

Question 8

How involved am I during the process?

Accepted Answer

As involved as you want to be — but we do believe production is a team sport. From kickoff on, you'll have a clear schedule, key review points, feedback deadlines, and a producer keeping everyone aligned on what's happening next. Some clients want to be in the weeds with us. Others want to hand us the ball and check in at the big moments. Both work. The important part is that nobody is guessing where things stand.

Question 9

Do you outsource your projects?

Accepted Answer

We build the team around the project. Some work stays entirely in-house. Other projects call for a specific director, photographer, animator, specialist, or crew in another market. That's where our trusted network comes in. Either way, Current Resident stays accountable for the work, the process, and the people making it happen. Already have an internal team or other partners involved? Great. We play well with others.

Question 10

Where's your director roster?

Accepted Answer

Since day one, we've been director-driven. Over the years, we've built close relationships with a vetted network of independent directors and creatives across the country — and abroad, if you must know. That gives us the freedom to shape each team around the project, the creative, and the challenge at hand, rather than pulling from the same fixed list every time. Meet The Off-Roster at /off-roster.

Question 11

Do you work outside Minneapolis?

Accepted Answer

Constantly. Minneapolis is home base, but we produce all over the country and beyond. Depending on the project, we'll travel, tap trusted crew in-market, or build a team that does a little of both. The goal is always the same: put the right people around the work without adding unnecessary cost or complexity.

Question 12

What does Crew First actually mean?

Accepted Answer

It means we take care of the people making the work. We hire good humans, pay fairly, set clear expectations, and build teams around the people best suited for the job. Because when you take care of the crew, the work gets better. It's not rocket science. It's human nature.

Question 13

What should I or my team wear on shoot day?

Accepted Answer

If you're going to be on camera, a few things tend to work well: Layers are great. Earth tones and on-brand colors usually play nicely. Avoid large logos, bright white, solid black, and tight patterns. Most importantly, wear something you feel comfortable and confident in. When in doubt, bring a couple options. We'll help you sort it out leading up to shoot day.

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