Bear Content

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of an ice cream company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Bear Content?

We had a new division. We were opening up a school to create ice cream-making and sorbet courses.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Initially, Bear Content came to see our premises, and we sat down to discuss our objectives and what we needed to do. We gave them a brief that outlined what we were looking for.

They’ve shot a video for one of the classes and taken photographs for social media. Additionally, Bear Content has developed a teaser campaign with some of the photographs and edited clips.

What is the team composition?

We work with Martin (CEO) and another teammate.

How did you come to work with Bear Content?

I was familiar with Martin’s work. I knew him, so I was confident we’d get what we asked for.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about £300 (approximately $400 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in August 2022, and the project is still ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve published the video on Instagram and Facebook; we’ve gotten good feedback about how professional it is. Moreover, the video has been a good way to help people understand us, which is beneficial because we want them to buy our product.

How did Bear Content perform from a project management standpoint?

The service has been good, and they’ve been on budget. They’re open about what they charge, and the team has even done some extra editing. We initially communicated in person, and then by email and phone.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re discreet and soft in the background. Overall, Bear Content is competent and professional.

Are there any areas they could improve?

To be perfectly honest, there isn’t anything to improve. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Everything depends on how experienced you are. Since we come from a high marketing background, we wrote a brief that told them exactly what we wanted. We didn’t need much creativity from their side, but I’m sure it’s there. On the other hand, I’m certain that their professional video services are excellent.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm President of Cranleigh & District Lions Club. We run a number of events during the year to raise money, which supports local charities and individuals. Each year we aim to donate around £50,000 to local causes and people.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Bear Content, and what were your goals?

We wanted to show the scale of our annual classic car show, which hosts more than 1,000 classic cars alongside an autojumble and family attractions. We hired Bear Content to produce a mini-documentary style video showcasing the event, including interviews with exhibitors, charities and organisers, and aerial video footage to demonstrate scale.

SOLUTION

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

We knew Martin and the Bear Content team from work they have delivered to my business, and through their local reputation. They have an excellent understanding of content marketing and how to present key messages through visual mediums.

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

My Lions colleagues met with Martin to discuss the brief and make a plan for the day, including logistical considerations to ensure safe and unobtrusive filming. Martin and James attended the event and worked alongside the organisers and volunteers to capture a great deal of video footage, which was subsequently edited into the final product. We were delighted with the first draft!

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

Martin, the owner of Bear Content, and James, the videographer and editor, worked with us to produce the video.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our Lions members are incredibly pleased with the video and we are embedding it onto our website to raise the profile of this significant fundraising event with exhibitors, trade stalls and visitors in 2023. We will also be sharing the video content through our social media channels.

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

Very effective workflow between the event team and Bear Content, with excellent communication throughout.

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

We were impressed by how well they understood the brief and how they placed interview subjects immediately at ease.

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

No, we wouldn't change anything.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner of a classic and custom automotive business where we specialize in classic car restoration and one off custom builds.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Bear Content?

We wanted to tell the story of one of our client's journey with their one off custom vehicle build. The client purchased the car as an unfinished project, delivered it to Zero Three Classic & Custom where it underwent a custom build with a custom paint finish and then the owner raced the car at Santa Pod.

SOLUTION

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

I know Martin through our Financial Services connection and have been aware of Martin's transition to running a business which focusses on content marketing. Martin and his team have an excellent grasp on the use of marketing in business and they are a local firm. It was a natural choice to contact them.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

After a one to one meeting with Martin in which we identified the goals of our business which was to increase local knowledge of our firm, Martin and his team attended our workshop to complete the video content with our client. We subsequently provided Martin with other photos and video footage from Santa Pod before Martin provided us with a draft of the video and then the press release.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

Martin the business owner and James his assistant worked with us to complete the task.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We are receiving more local traffic to our website and we are featured in the local press which is what we wanted to achieve.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Excellent workflow, efficient and good communication between us both.

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

We were impressed by how quickly they responded to our request, put the wheels in motion, and delivered excellently. We will definitely use them for more work in the future.

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

No, truly excellent

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the business owner and also the Managing Director and head of business development

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Bear Content?

We wanted to create content for our marketing strategy following our podcast launch Island Influencers. Bear marketing took our website, content and produced the podcast with an amazingly on message and focussed strategy that has produced a healthy engagement with our community, and driven a number of positive reviews and referrals.

SOLUTION

How did you select Bear Content and what were the deciding factors?

We searched for content marketers in our area but recognised after a couple of efforts we needed a specialist with proven ability and track record

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

After the initial strategy meeting they worked sensitively with the website we had, and without reinventing the wheel were able to bring the best of both worlds old and new. none of our previous effort and things we'd paid for like IP was wasted

How many resources from the Bear Content team worked with you, and what were their positions?

I lost count!; webdesign, social media marketing, proof reading and creative writing, podcast editing and production, video editing and production, content marketing, advertisement design. seminars, newsletters

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Over 8000 unique downloads of podcast a valued stream of new referrals and new business enquiries

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

very professional, responsive and timely even through Covid. I couldn't recommend them more highly and cheerfully pay their fees.

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

They get our business and work as one of us.and not just me but 4 others in the team

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

I don't see how. keep being excellent

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Head of Music, Glebelands School.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Bear Content, and what were your goals?

To document our Orchestra Day event, and interview participants from each school, as well as key staff at Glebelands on the importance of music education.

SOLUTION

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

Local, known in the community, good reputation and great value for money.

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

The videos show a full day of rehearsals, interviews, a concert and awards for students. I initially met with Martin to discuss these requirements, he confirmed costs and their approach to/plan for filming. In advance they confirmed requirements re: consent and how this would be managed on the day. They were flexible to requests on the day, and have been very accommodating after the event/project.

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

Martin and James were both very friendly, easy to approach, helpful and professional.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have shared videos with students, staff, parents and local organisations who contributed to the project, including Surrey Arts and The Humphrey Richardson Taylor Trust.

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

The team were flexible, though decisive in their application of filming and direction of students and staff for interviews. They did no interrupt or get in the way of rehearsals or concert performances.

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

They're clearly experienced in management of small and large-scale filming of community events.

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

None.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am Marketing Director for a boutique wealth management company that helps people to retire successfully.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Bear Content, and what were your goals?

Firstly, we wanted to set up a podcast to inspire people to plan and live a fulfilling retirement. We needed help to establish the podcast platform and the create a content structure that would provide tips and personal stories to listeners. We also needed each episode's video and audio editing.

Secondly, we wanted to build our YouTube channel with retirement planning content to reach more viewers with engaging video. This involved the strategy for building the channel plus regular video editing.

SOLUTION

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

Bear Content's reputation in the financial services market was second to none. Martin and his team were the obvious choice to work with, as they walk the walk with their own podcast and YouTube channel. They also understand financial services and have a strategic approach to all projects.

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

We worked with Bear Content to scope out the production process for both the podcast and YouTube projects, mapping out a workflow and agreeing which steps would be managed by themselves and our team.

We record the podcasts and videos then provide Bear Content with the raw video and audio, along with a brief, allowing Bear Content to edit and publish our content in line with the release schedule.

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

We initially worked with Martin Bamford on developing the strategy for each project, and the ongoing editing is managed by James Spooner. The process runs seamlessly, with excellent communication from Bear Content and timely replies to all queries.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our podcast launch (which includes audio & video content) was hugely successful due to the launch strategy we developed with Bear Content. Our YouTube channel continues to go from strength to strength and we feel confident we can rely on Bear Content to review and refine our approach whenever needed.

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

The day to day project management runs very well, with clear communication between us and Bear Content - we have established clear ways of working.

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

Their understanding of our market is superior to many production companies doing the same work, which allows them to make suggestions for improvements. The Bear Content team is a real pleasure to work with, as their processes work seamlessly.

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

Nothing springs to mind. Bear Content always have their clients' best interests at heart.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a Retirement Coach and owner of Panthera LIFE. I provide coaching and financial planning to help people transition into retirement.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Bear Content, and what were your goals?

I wanted to create a company show reel as well as other short videos to help get the message of retirement coaching across to the public. This would be used across my website and all platforms to raise awareness of the non-financial aspect of retirement.

SOLUTION

How did you select Bear Content and what were the deciding factors?

I have worked with the team at Bear Content before and knew they could provide the complete package I needed for production pre and post video. Also, and more important, I enjoyed working with them before.

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

We had a discovery meeting to go over what I was looking to achieve with my videos. We talked over how the concept of a show reel can be created which would include my voiceover. We also discussed a venue to film. I provided an initial script and shared with Bear.

We had 2-3 further discussion meetings to go through the concept and planning the video filming day. This included a running order to ensure the timings stayed on track. On the filming day, all the Bear team were with me to film, support and ensure the day went smoothly. My scripts were on a teleprompt which really helped. Post filming, they provided 1st edits and we had 2-3 further meetings to discuss the finer edits and content to create the videos.

Once complete they were provided in the formats i needed to use.

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

I worked with Martin, Kathryn and James throughout the project. Kathryn ensured everything was kept on track and helped with content. Martin run the filming on the day to set the scenes capture me on camera.

James was the key person in video edit and made it all come together. the videos were shared via vimeo so I could provide instant feedback and share with others in my team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The show reel was put on my website and shared via social media and received very positive feedback. The other videos also received very positive feedback from clients and other professionals.

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

It was easy to talk with the team at Bear. Kathryn was the main point of contact and was easy to communicate via email and zoom. The timeline was mainly dictated to by myself and work schedules throughout the COVID challenges.

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

They are great to work with and were open to my ideas. Individually they have there own strengths and this works well when they combine them. They were easy to get on with and made the whole filming process more relaxing.

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

I do like to talk to people rather than email as sometimes this is quicker. it would be good to have more opportunity to just pick up a phone if needed. Zoom worked well due to geography and COVID.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Communications Lead for the Surrey Hills - PR, branding, marketing, comms

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Bear Content?

New website in Summer 2022 that needed a refresh in photography.

SOLUTION

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

Tight links with the Surrey Hills and local community and beautiful test shots.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

Brainstorming images, sourcing models, risk assessments, location permissions, logistics, photoshoots, editing

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

One - Martin

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Stunning images produced which will compliment our website perfectly.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Excellent communication and could not do enough for us. The vendor had a really good work ethic and was flexible. Couldn't ask for more from a photographer!

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

Personalised experience and drive to meet our needs.

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

No!