Bolan Creative

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the managing director for the Mining Suppliers Trade Association Canada. It's a nonprofit association and the national voice for mining suppliers, with about 300 corporate members across the country.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Bolan Creative?

The challenge was to utilize the medium of video to help amplify our members’ marketing efforts.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Since we hadn't utilized video very much, we decided to do a pilot project at an industry event in Toronto. We announced the opportunity to our membership and got a response from eight companies. Bolan Creative designed a program where they interviewed the participating members at the trade show about what they're doing, who they are, and what's coming up for them. The goal was to have them articulate their value proposition to potential customers. Bryan (owner, Bolan Creative) served as the interviewer. He did all the preparation with the companies to get them ready and then actually did the taping. Finally, he delivered two-minute videos of each company.

What is the team composition?

Bryan was our point of contact from inception to execution and delivery. He brought on his team to assist with the execution of the product.

How did you come to work with Bolan Creative?

We first crossed paths about a year ago. Bryan has an interest in the mining sector and was looking to gain exposure to that network. We saw a perfect fit to collaborate through our association and his product.

How much have you invested with them?

His fees and services were very reasonable, and he was willing to work with us based on the scope that we needed.

What is the status of this engagement?

The work took place from January–March 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Within 48 hours, they produced crisp videos of each company articulating what they have to offer. All the participating companies were very impressed by the final product and by the service provided by Bolan Creative. One of our members delayed a press release by a day so that they could incorporate their new video. Another company posted their video on a social media platform and they got hundreds of hits on the video as a result. The partnership worked out so well, I'm looking to introduce this product and service offering to our members at all our shows in the future.

How did Bolan Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

Bryan did an excellent job. He told us what he was going to do and then he did exactly as he said. I was initially skeptical at the tight timeline but he delivered on that as well. He was very involved in terms of making sure everything was on schedule. Sometimes the biggest challenge of a video is to find a skilled interviewer, so it was great that he filled that role. Bryan was fully engaged in the whole process.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I really appreciate Bryan’s hands on approach to his company. He has a great personality: easy to get along with and very flexible. He really listened to our needs, which was key in delivering what our members wanted. I’m looking forward to doing much more with Bolan Creative in the future.

Any advice for potential customers?

Clearly articulate what you want to the best of your ability. Bryan's very good at asking the right questions and listening to your needs, and he’s flexible throughout the journey.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Sportsnet is the national hockey league (NHL) rights holders and biggest sports network in Canada. I’m the creative director in charge of brand, content, and production.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Bolan Creative?

We needed a production company or freelancer for an NHL deal with one of our biggest clients. It was high profile and in its early stages. Our client wanted to do an entire series including a shoot with T.J. Oshie of the Washington Capitals. We really needed a vendor that could bring out his big personality and have a lot of fun with it. We wanted to showcase to viewers a different perspective of NHL players and their pregame rituals.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I handed over the entire production to Bolan Creative. I oversaw and approved some decisions, but their team fully took over the camera work, audio production, creative direction, and pre- and post-production. For pre-production, they liaised and set everything public relations (PR) and public affairs (PA) wise with the Washington Capitals. In post-production, they edited, supervised, reviewed, and liaised with me to make sure we had the proper finished product. They helped create a whole series for our client.

What is the team composition?

I worked with Brian (President, Bolan Creative) directly. I don’t know who else was involved.

How did you come to work with Bolan Creative?

I had a preexisting relationship with their president. I knew him from his previous production days at Sportsnet and was familiar with his work. I felt comfortable bringing him on, and I'm glad we did.

How much have you invested with them?

We invested 30,000 CAD ($22,820 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started in December 2016 and finished in January 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Their work was a major impact on our success, and our client was thrilled. Our of our series, the T.J. Oshie production really stood out to the client. They extended their buy on Sportsnet for that one in particular, which was great. Brian gave us more value for our money. I know other production companies in the same line of work would have charged a lot more.

How did Bolan Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

They provided a turnkey service, and I didn’t have to worry about anything. Compared to other companies, I didn't have to get too involved as Bolan Creative easily took care of everything. There were no issues leading up to it, and they made my job easy. Brian had everything organized, timing interviews and beating deadlines. He got our first cut the day before it was due, and the client was thrilled. He was fantastic with time management. He had a crazy, quick turnaround, and he worked around the clock to get it done. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Brian's organization and creativity were impressive. I was on the shoot myself and seeing him work with T.J. was exceptional. When the camera was off, he really put Oshie at ease. This was really important because it allowed T.J. to really open up when the camera was turned on. Our industry really values humanizing our athletes; Brian’s personality really brought that out. Our finished product was excellent. He delivered everything we needed and more.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Engage them as early as possible. They're a turnkey production company. If you're clear on all your details for shoots and projects, you'll have nothing to worry about. He’ll deliver you an amazing final product.