Astral Studios

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Managing Director of Legal Dynamix (Pty) Ltd

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Legal consultancy services to meet the in-house legal requirements for multinational corporates and guide start-ups and entrepreneurs in their business journey

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Astral Studios to accomplish?

Create engaging videos on a legal topic

SOLUTION

How did you find Astral Studios?

Online Search

Why did you select Astral Studios over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location

How many teammates from Astral Studios were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

I contracted Astral Studios to generate a series of videos for training purposes related to a legal topic. The management and team were extremely professional, understood the mandate, were excellent in communicating and adjusting the draft videos following feedback sessions.

Astral Studios' ability to understand the mandate was key to achieving the objectives. As this was a rather complex legal topic, they were able to comprehend the requests and use innovative visual elements to get the topic across to the audience.

In addition, their sound engineering team helped review my study area for podcasting purposes and to set up the equipment including training.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• Understanding the mandate.
• Communication.
• Delivery of final videos.
• Setting up of home podcasting setup and some training

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Excellent understanding of mandate and clear communication; gave constructive feedback to me when they felt an idea I had may not work

What was your primary form of communication with Astral Studios?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Delivered on time, on budget and good communication throughout the process

Are there any areas for improvement or something Astral Studios could have done differently?

None

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Marketing and Communications manager for a non profit organisation

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Astral Studios, and what were your goals?

Our Annual General Meeting that has always been a physically staged event had to change to digital to adhere to the COVID-19 restriction in South Africa. This was the fist time my organisation attempted a digital event of any nature and we were naturally apprehensive

SOLUTION

How did you select Astral Studios and what were the deciding factors?

Astral Media won a tender in 2020 to produce videos and photography for our organisation. This project was in their scope.

Describe the video(s) and the process in detail, including the project steps and all stages of production.

The process started with the animation of the presentations (PowerPoint with a kick!) and onto script writing for each presenter. The scripts were read to camera against a green screen and the presenters were coached in presentation skills all the way through. The pre-recordings were edited into a seamless production.

The benefit of this was that, compared to live broadcast, the presentations and presenters were professionally presented on screen, times and delivered a smooth presentation to the audience. The Question and Answer session was live as the nature of the stakeholder questions could of course not be anticipated. The Q&A session was handled professionally without any interruption in the flow of the overall production.

Who did you work with and what was the feedback process like?

We worked closely with the Executive Producer, and the videographer and digital team of Astral. All were professional, informative and supportive all the way though from pre-event design and scripting, to on the day broadcasting and post- event wrap up

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Our stakeholders are used to watching digital events and the members of our Board, via the nature of their work, are regularly exposed to webinars. Their feedback on the first digital AGM was that this was the first and only digital event they have participated in that 'went off' withing a hitch. They were impressed and proud.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Their great and effective communication kept up to date with the progress every step of the way. In fact they managed us rather than the other way around. They ensured that we met our obligations to enable them to meet our deadline.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They very quickly got to know our company and the services we provide. They also rapidly translated our vague needs into practical outputs that culminated in a superb event.

This review is about the AGM but, most impressively, Astral also manged a full on digital Roadshow for your company, working on the same parameters and broadcasting to national South Africa over three days and completed a 10 minute Animated Induction Video - virtually - and at the same time. Now that was impressive!

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

None whatsoever. My trust in this company is cemented. I would recommend Astral Studios to everyone who needs professional videography and production.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the director of a biomedical device design, development and distributing company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Astral Studios, and what were your goals?

We wanted to illustrate a specific surgical technique using a 3D animation video. The video also needed to showcase our products and highlight their advantages.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We searched online and mainly looked for reputable, yet affordable, companies.

Describe the video(s) and the process in detail, including the project steps and all stages of production.

We explained the products used during the surgery as well as all the operative steps. The animation consisted of CAD models, human anatomy, descriptions and a professional voice over.

Who did you work with and what was the feedback process like?

We worked with a whole team of developers as well as the executive produce, which had a strong medical background. This really streamlined the project and reduced the overall completion time.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We received a lot of praise from the target audience. It also allowed us to explain the products in detail and much more efficiently.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

The project was done totally online using very intuitive online tools and applications.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The most impressive thing about them is their speed, quality and professionality of their work.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Due to the specialized nature of our business, it is difficult for external contractors to illustrate the small detail flawlessly, but all-in-all we have nothing to complain about.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the co-founder and director of the African Aerial Safari. We specialize in flying safaris in southern Africa.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Astral Studios?

We wanted to create a video that would showcase our main experiences as part of our website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We needed a video that would give a brief overview of what we do with high-value content and visuals. While the video would mainly be for the homepage, we also wanted to use it for marketing.

What is the team composition?

We worked with two people.

How did you come to work with Astral Studios?

We initially went online and awarded the project to someone online in India. It ended up being a huge disappointment, and they delivered incorrect content.

We then started searching online for a local producer that actually knows the market better. Several companies were recommended to us. Irene (Executive Producer) was the first person to contact us personally after we put the job out there.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $4,950.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with them from June–July 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

We’re delighted with the quality. They put a lot of work into it. There were several times that we went back to them on certain aspects, which they changed for us without any gripes.

How did Astral Studios perform from a project management standpoint?

It was very well handled. The video was posted in an area where we could review it. I found that to be very easy because we could put markers on the timeline and link that marker to the comments. We could easily communicate what we liked and didn’t like about the video.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their communication was super-efficient. If we pointed out something or asked a question, we would get an answer or reply within an hour, even after hours.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I’m very happy.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I would advise you to make 100% sure that you know precisely what you will get at the end for the money you pay, what variances are possible, and what it will cost to get a better overview of variations and possibilities.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of Expressive Through the Line Agency. We do marketing promotions and animations for clients.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Astral Studios?

The challenge was adapting to the issue of operating in a pandemic due to COVID-19. We used to do face-to-face training for our clients and had to come up with a solution given the fact that gatherings were banned. We suggested creating animations, and our client approved.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We presented the content of the video to the client for approval, after which we started writing a detailed script with Astral Studios. We had to prune and change the script in order to make it fit within two minutes. They then produced characters in line with the story, along with storyboards which were illustrations of what would be happening in various scenes. Lastly, Astral Studios recorded the voice actors and produced the animations.

What is the team composition?

Irene (Executive Producer & Owner) has been my main point of contact, and I also engaged briefly with Mike (Creative Director). Irene briefs the team and checks their work then forwards it to us when she’s happy.

How did you come to work with Astral Studios?

I googled a few companies and asked them for five examples of their animation work. Astral was prompt in getting back to me and sending links to their previous work. They were spot on in terms of what they offered.

How much have you invested with them?

The cost is around 40,000 South African rands (approximately $2,400 USD) per video, and we’ve produced a total of nine videos.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Astral Studio in early April 2020, and the project is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

We’re happy with the quality of work we’ve received so far. Astral Studios is brilliant, and I plan to use them for more client work. I’ve tried a few others, but the quality isn’t the same.

How did Astral Studios perform from a project management standpoint?

Clients have their own pressures, and they’ll ask us to deliver something in one day instead of three. Being able to accommodate that is important for me, and I’ve found Astral Studio’s team going the extra mile to work late in efforts to meet those deadlines. They’ve sent me files at midnight. I think we’re a match in terms of hard work.

Astral Studios is very good at meeting deadlines, and they usually deliver early. I’m not aware of any project management tools they’re using. We usually talk via WhatsApp and email. When they send me something over email, they’ll prompt me on WhatsApp as well.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’m most impressed with their passion for animation. We have to be passionate about what we do, and not just do it for money.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I can’t think of anything.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

They know what they’re doing, and they’re passionate about it, so I recommend that clients choose Astral Studios. They work well under pressure and deliver good quality standards. They’re also good listeners and accommodate changes easily. Client satisfaction is the most important thing for them. If potential clients give them the big picture and as much information as well as don’t restrict them, they’ll be able to tap into their expertise.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the managing director at Moreetsi Group, a media and events management firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Astral Studios?

We needed help with creative assets and video production.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They produced a variety of marketing materials for a musical festival. This included posters, booklets, billboards, and logos. They also provided video production services. 

Since the first project, I’ve engaged them again for video production. They filmed videos for different events in the area, from schools to government exhibitions. 

I had them put together presentations for me to take with me on an international business trip as well.

What is the team composition?

I’ve worked with about 30 people over the years.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested about $119,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in 2002, and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

I love their work and their way of conducting business. They follow all the requirements provided. I haven’t looked back ever since working with them. They’re a one-stop-shop. 

As a result of their work, I’ve been able to work with clients in the government, hotel, and airline industries. They have experience working in such industries and brought their expertise. 

They go above and beyond to make their mark. Most companies that have worked with them haven’t had any regrets.

How did Astral Studios perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re very approachable. They go to great lengths to be available. If we’re not able to get to their offices, they’re ready to get to ours. They listen to exactly what we need. They meet the budget and timelines. We use email, Skype, or communicate in-person.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They go the extra mile and give us other options beyond the briefs that we give them. They’re very professional.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I’ve never been disappointed.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I recommend them to anyone.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner and director of Jane Consulting, a professional registered practice. We help to provide information and contracting services around construction so that everyone can agree on the same price and scope at the beginning of their work.

We know that for us, this is a daily process, but for the individuals buying the hose it is a once in a lifetime event, so our system allows us to be completely independent and fair to both sides of the contract.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Astral Studios?

Our organization decided to focus on the residential market because people thought of us as too expensive for individual use.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We worked with them to develop a video explaining how our full service could be valuable to individual buyers, as well as a website for our company. That included all of the planning for the video, the actual production process, and then the advertising of the final product on social media and elsewhere online. They helped to target individuals in the residential market for the placement in that regard as well.

What was the team composition?

There were a few different members of our team working with us throughout the project.

How did you come to work with Astral Studios?

I found them online, and they really impressed me throughout our initial discussions so I decided to go ahead on the project with them.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent less than $1,000 with them in total.

What is the status of this engagement?

The whole project took place in May 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Since the video has just launched, we can’t totally measure the success that it has translated to yet, but we have been very satisfied with the quality of the work that Astral Studios delivered. It is incredibly high quality, and we are optimistic about the jobs that we will be able to secure as a result of the video.

How did Astral Studios perform from a project management standpoint?

They have done a great job of communicating with us and answering any questions that we had clearly and concisely over the phone. On top of that, they were able to turn around the final video incredibly quickly, which we found very impressive.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The most important thing that they were able to provide was their guidance in how to approach a project like this. It was very much outside of our comfort zone and we were able to be really comfortable throughout the process of tackling it anyway with them at the helm.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I really can’t think of anything that they could do better from my experience.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Just be open with them and tell them exactly what you want, because if they know what you are aiming for, they will be able to deliver the final product even better than you anticipated.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of Soul Essence. Our business is around health and psychology, in the aspects of anything to do with life coaching, counseling, and journey work. We do all kinds of transformative work with our clients, either one-on-one or online.

We belong to a council for counselors for South Africa. We also work with ethnic practitioners of South Africa which deals with everything that isn’t registered with the medical board. It’s a holistic psychology approach that looks at the entire person.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Astral Studios?

We needed someone to help us with video production.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Astral Studios produced 10 video clips related to everything about the work we do. When clients make an inquiry, we can send the link of a video to give them a better perspective of what we do. Everything a prospective client is thinking about and hasn't discussed might be in that video. It’s a wonderful way of promoting our work in a visual way.

The Astral Studios team came up with a lot of creative ideas. I had never done something like this before and wanted to think out of the box. I didn’t just want the norm because the norm would be emailing a client and not sending them a video clip of a specific life-coaching technique. Astral Studios designed a lot of the videos from start to finish. All I had to do was give them content as to whatever subject I was talking about.

The creative director thought of things that I never would've thought of to add to the videos. I did most of the speaking and content discussions. Their team did all of the video clips and additions to the models, which they added themselves. They were here for a week, and it was five full days of intensive work. About three weeks later was when they finished the video clips.

What is the team composition?

I worked with five people altogether including an executive producer, creative director, editor, and assistant producer.

How did you come to work with Astral Studios?

I had the idea in my head that I wanted to do these video clips. I was up in Johannesburg and someone introduced me to one of their websites which is how I got connected to them. I came to work with them purely because I was looking for someone to do this kind of work for us.

How much have you invested in them?

We received a quote for 30,000 South African rands (approximately $1,800 USD) per video. In the end, we paid 25,000 rands (approximately $1,500 USD) per video, and there were 10 clips. We paid about 250,000 rands in total (approximately $15,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

The project lasted from June–August 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Personally, I was sold on their product. The work was done with much ease, and I didn’t feel strained or pressured. One of the clips was filmed at the end of the day, and I was tired. We had to redo it five times because I kept getting tongue-tied. Astral Studios had great patience and that impressed me. I thought I couldn’t do it a sixth time, but they helped me to. They were very good. The creative director was absolutely amazing.

How did Astral Studios perform from a project management standpoint?

It wasn’t a long engagement, but it was very slick right through. There was never a hiccup and from their side, they were a very professional team.

For example, when I listened to one particular video that was on rearing children and the disciplines that can be introduced, I realized that I had said the wrong thing at the wrong time. Instead of authoritative, I said authoritive which is two different systems for rearing children.

I phoned them back and told them I made a terrible mistake. They were very obliging and did the editing all over again which I thought was superb work. Their team sent it to me three weeks later and didn’t charge for that extra effort or time.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The fact that they brought their own props and set everything up so I didn’t have to do it every day was very professional. They even came in with flowers. I would’ve never thought to go and get flowers to set up and that stood out to me. Yes, we were paying them, but they went above and beyond to implement little details that they looked after and cared for.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Overall, I was very excited about the project and very pleased with the work they did for me. They were a great team to work with.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

As a client, you need to know what you want to produce in the end. You need to know what kind of finish you want. For example, for me, I wanted something very elegant and classy. I wanted the set to be something I could look at in five years' time and not think was outdated. I wanted something that’d stay timeless — and that’s what I got from them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the head of sales and business development at Nextour.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Astral Studios?

We hired Astral Studios to create a short video explaining who we are and what our company does. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Astral Studios created our animated explainer video and did the voiceover services, as well. They came up with fabulous ideas and completed the project quickly.

What is the team composition?

My main point of contact was Irene (Owner, Astral Studios).

How did you come to work with Astral Studios?

After searching on Google and seeing their work, we were impressed with the work they'd done for other clients we knew. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together in April 2018 and the project only took a few weeks to complete.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Everyone we’ve shown the video to likes it. We’re pleased with their work, so we’re now in negotiations to do another project with them.

How did Astral Studios perform from a project management standpoint?

The project was very efficient—there was never any back and forth. Astral Studios generally got everything right on the first try. They gave us follow-up calls for progress updates and checked to see how everything went. We primarily communicated via email and phone calls. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Astral Studios is very efficient and completed the project quickly. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

There are no areas for improvement; I was very impressed with their work.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They’re a great team to use and they’re always on the ball. Go with what they say because they’re experienced and always come up with great ideas.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the director of RotoTank. We are a tank manufacturer, and I mostly handle the marketing side.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Astral Studios?

We needed someone to help us with animated technical videos for our company.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Our company has a mascot, Mr. RotoTank, and we wanted to animate him for YouTube. Astral Studios has created a mixture of informative and marketing videos for us. We wanted the videos to be fun for the kids but also informative for the adults. It was very difficult to produce because we were marketing to children and adults, but it worked out very well.

Because of the technical side of the business, we have to sit down and have meetings with them face to face and then hash out what the script is going to be. They send us a script upfront and a guideline of what they think, and from there, we will sit down in those meetings and make changes and talk about what needs to be changed and how it is going to be changed. They are quite knowledgeable with all of that. Additionally, they did all the voiceovers for us. We use the same voiceover artist for Mr. RotoTank. We use one voice for the informative side, and then Mr. RotoTank will talk as well. We still have another seven videos that we will be working with them on.

What is the team composition?

We deal with three people directly when working on a video. Irene (Executive Producer, Astral Studios) has been our main point of contact through the various projects we have done.

How did you come to work with Astral Studios?

In South Africa, they have a reputation for being the best. There aren’t many vendors in the country offering the same services, so we would have had to hire people overseas which can be difficult when doing videos and animations. The cities in South Africa are far apart, and it is difficult to travel here, so we really wanted to deal with someone in Johannesburg so that we could access them quickly and easily. Access to in-person meetings was important to us.

Astral Studios was the obvious choice. Their other videos and animations are very professional. A lot of their animations are quite realistic, which is what we were looking for. We really wanted to be able to get our character across.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with them in February 2017, and it is an ongoing engagement.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

The videos have been very successful so far and we are getting a lot of mileage out of them. They’re helping us break into the market and customers are remembering our name because of Mr. RotoTank and because we have given a character to our business. People are remembering it a lot more easily.

On the technical side, it is very difficult for us to explain how to install our products. Having a fun video which helps with installation speaks volumes. It is so difficult to put technical things into a manual, so having that visual side in a video has been helpful.

How did Astral Studios perform from a project management standpoint?

I think they do well. There have been one or two times when they have been a bit slow or they have had other projects that have come up and they put ours on the backburner a little bit. In general, they have been good. We haven’t had a problem and we will carry on working with them.

They have a system that allows us to see the progress as they are working. They give us a code, and they will update the process every couple of days. If we see something isn’t going the way we want it to, we can contact them and bring it to their attention.

In the early stages of the video, they will send us the script and we can see any changes we have made from their original ideas. Once we sign off on the script, they start doing the animation. The early videos were more difficult because they didn’t really know what we wanted. We had the idea in our mind and trying to get it across was very difficult. Now that we have done a couple of videos, it has become a lot easier for Astral Studios as they’ve come to understand our business. That is one of the main reasons we will stay with them.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They are friendly, open to ideas, and they listen to what we say. They aren’t pushy, and they do what we ask them to do.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They have to stick to their quote. They need to hone the quote a little bit better and try to get as close to the exact figure from day one.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

The initial understandings regarding the video are very important. It is important that they understand what you want. You both have to be on the same page with what your needs and requirements are. Keep an eye on the project from day one.

Don’t wait too long before you check what is happening in the project. In the early stages, we didn’t really know what was going on, and when all the updates came through, we realized we didn’t like the results. Ask them to send updates as often as possible so that you can keep an eye on your project. That way, if something is going wrong, you can catch it in the early stages. The key to the project is to get those updates as often as possible.