In this interview, Jana Weise, IMAGO's Key Account Manager, shares how IMAGO delivers customized visual solutions, builds trusted partnerships, and brings visual creators, clients, and production companies together.
Insights into IMAGO’s Support for Production Companies: An Interview with Jana Weise
How does a photo agency like IMAGO collaborate with a wide network of partners and clients across the world while maintaining trust and reliability? To give you a closer look at how IMAGO supports them, we sat down with Jana Weise, one of IMAGO’s Sales Managers, who specializes in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland).
With her extensive experience of over a decade and deep understanding of today’s fast-evolving visual content needs, Jana shares how IMAGO stays ahead of industry trends, works closely with production companies, and helps filmmakers and creators bring their visions to life.
“Customer-first approach, combined with our high-quality visuals and flexible licensing options, ensures that our clients feel supported every step of the way. It’s not just about providing content; it’s about creating a partnership that helps our clients the best.” – Jana Weise.
To partner with IMAGO on your next documentary or production and receive expert support, connect with Jana Weise via LinkedIn or email at jana.weise@imago-images.de.
Could you introduce yourself and explain your role at IMAGO?
I’ve been with IMAGO for 11 years. I manage key accounts in the TV and newspaper segments. My job is quite varied; some days, I help clients find the perfect photo or video for their projects, and other times, I curate a whole selection for them or evaluate usage rights. It’s about making sure our clients have exactly what they need to bring their ideas to life.
During these years, you have been working with multiple major production companies. How does IMAGO stay ahead of industry changes and evolving client demands?
The close and direct contact with our customers helps us quickly understand the challenges they face. Through regular and open communication, I can analyze their needs effectively and ensure these insights are addressed at IMAGO.
Can you share some examples of how IMAGO has helped film production companies with unique visual solutions?
IMAGO has a strong track record of providing tailored visual solutions to production companies. For instance, we’ve collaborated with both studio and independent documentary producers and offered comprehensive video and image licensing solutions that include worldwide rights. Our extensive archive, with millions of high-resolution images and film footage, ensures that production companies have access to quality content for their projects.
Additionally, our experienced picture editors provide efficient and fast searches for images and videos, including royalty-free ones, saving production companies time and ensuring their projects stay on track. This dedicated support has been instrumental in the success of numerous documentaries and media productions.
I would like to emphasize that our personalized support and tailored media solutions are key to the process.
“At IMAGO, we are always monitoring industry trends and adapting our offerings to meet these evolving needs. However, our diverse archive and expertise ensure that our clients can access the content they need, regardless of how the industry shifts.” – Jana Weise.
What trends are you currently observing in the visual content needs of production companies and filmmakers?
Trends in visual content are incredibly important because they reflect the shifting demands of audiences, technological advancements, and budgetary constraints within the industry. These trends impact how filmmakers and production companies approach their projects; whether by exploring new visual techniques, leaning on archival resources to manage costs, or embracing sustainability in their workflows. Staying ahead of these changes is important for remaining competitive, creative, and efficient.
At IMAGO, we are always monitoring industry trends and adapting our offerings to meet these evolving needs. However, our diverse archive and expertise ensure that our clients can access the content they need, regardless of how the industry shifts.
Right now, we’re seeing a demand for nature, aerial footage, and archival visuals. This is largely driven by cost pressures, as these resources provide filmmakers with visually stunning and versatile content without the expense of on-location shoots. IMAGO is well-prepared to support these needs with our extensive collection and dedicated client services.
In your opinion, what makes IMAGO a unique and essential partner for filmmakers and production companies?
IMAGO stands out because of the close relationships we build with our clients. We prioritize understanding their unique needs and challenges, allowing us to offer personalized support that goes beyond a typical transactional experience. I make it a point to put myself in my client’s shoes, ensuring that the guidance and solutions we provide align perfectly with their goals.
This customer-first approach, combined with our high-quality visuals and flexible licensing options, ensures that our clients feel supported every step of the way. It’s not just about providing content, it’s about creating a partnership that helps bring their creative visions to life.
“The collaboration process with IMAGO is designed to make things as smooth and efficient as possible for our clients. Production companies can browse through our extensive collection of photos and videos to find the perfect match for their projects. And if they need extra support, we’re always here to help.” – Jana Weise.
“One of our key strengths is the ability to directly collaborate with our network of photographers and content creators. If a client requires specific material or needs clarification on rights, we can reach out to our contributors to source what’s missing or resolve issues quickly.” – Jana Weise.
Can you explain this process between IMAGO and production companies?
The collaboration process with IMAGO is designed to make things as smooth and efficient as possible for our clients. Production companies can browse through our extensive collection of photos and videos to find the perfect match for their projects. And if they need extra support, we’re always here to help. Whether it’s narrowing down options or curating a selection tailored to their needs such as royalty-free content, we ensure the process is straightforward and stress-free.
Our goal is to give clients the freedom to focus on their creative vision while we handle the heavy lifting when it comes to finding the right visuals.
You’ve explained how IMAGO works with clients. In your opinion, what role do you see IMAGO playing in helping content creators (filmmakers, photographers) connect with the right visual resources?
IMAGO plays a significant role in bridging the gap between content creators and the visual resources they need. One of our key strengths is the ability to directly collaborate with our network of photographers and content creators. If a client requires specific material or needs clarification on rights, we can reach out to our contributors to source what’s missing or resolve issues quickly. This direct line of communication plays an important role for both sides.
What future developments do you anticipate for the role of visual content in production?
As the demand for productions continues to grow and cost pressures rise, visual content will play an even more critical role in streamlining workflows and maximizing budgets. High-quality, readily available assets like those in IMAGO’s archive will become essential for production companies looking to create impactful stories efficiently and cost-effectively.
At IMAGO, we are well-positioned to be a reliable partner in this evolving landscape. With our extensive video and photo collections and flexible licensing options, we can provide the right visual solutions to meet the increasing demands of the industry.
The credit of the cover photo: IMAGO / CHROMORANGE
Read more insights from IMAGO experts:
How IMAGO Supports Production Companies Worldwide by Stephen West, Senior Global Partnerships Manager at IMAGO
Framing the Narrative: Insights from Kerstin Güntzel, Senior Picture Editor at IMAGO
From Lens to Screen: Insights from Carsten Brandes, Senior Photo Editor
Unveiling the Secrets of Professional Photography by Sven Pehrs
Lens & Business: Insights by Anish Rawat
