Bus-Stop Productions

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

General Manager / Creative Director for marketing agency.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Bus-Stop Productions?

Our client needed a promotional video/commercial telling their story to educate the general public and attract prospective employees.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Bus Stop Productions came highly recommended by others in the area.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Bus Stop made recommendations on how they felt was the best way to tell our client's story. The client was somewhat insistent on doing it a different way. Bus Stop accommodated our client's request, only to have the client realize after the video was complete, that Bus Stop had a more complete vision. Bus Stop worked with our client to reshoot footage to round out the final product.

What was the team composition?

Bus-Stop Productions has provided us with qualified videographers/editors throughout this project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our client has been happy with the end product and will want us to work with Bus Stop Productions again if/when they have additional video needs.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Good. Editor was open to suggested edits.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Bus Stop had a creative and logical vision for our project.

Is there any area for improvement or anything that could have been done differently?

None

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the board President of the National Association of Social Work Iowa Chapter.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Bus-Stop Productions?

We wanted to highlight the complexity of the social work field by creating a few different videos focused on different aspects of the profession. The goal is to have it used as informational tools in a variety of settings to help educate the public and inform potential future social workers.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I had worked with this company in a previous role for promotional videos. They are priced competitively, and they are dedicated to bringing the best quality product to their clients.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

We discussed the goal of this project and Bus Stop Productions walked us through how to best approach it from preproduction through the editing process.

What was the team composition?

Our board worked closely with the Bus Stop productions team from shooting to editing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have gotten positive feedback from our partners on the quality and content of the videos. Many partners have added the videos to their own promotional materials.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We would have weekly communication and updates on the progress of the project via meetings and email. They were very accessible and addressed all concerns and questions in a solution-oriented way.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The ability to walk us through the process and take the time to understand our profession was key in developing a worthy product. They were easy to work with, and the day of filming was an enjoyable, fun experience.

Is there any area for improvement or anything that could have been done differently?

There were no concerns.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the Chief Marketing Officer for an augmented reality software company. We help our customers do more with fewer resources using augmented reality software and smart glasses to streamline their processes.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Bus-Stop Productions, and what were your goals?

We hired Bus-Stop Productions to create training videos for our customers to navigate our platform and use smart glasses in English and Spanish. Our goal was to create training videos to be accessible to our customers at any time.

SOLUTION

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

We selected Bus Stop Productions based on their experience and reputation in the industry.

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

We started with a discovery call to understand our product and goals for the training videos. We scheduled clarity calls to make sure everyone involved understood the basic idea of our product and how to wear the smart glasses. They handled selecting the best actors and voiceovers for the training videos. They took the time to make sure the actors understood the product and edited until we were completely satisfied.

They filmed and delivered 3 videos to us in stages. The last video was translated into Spanish. We understand this was not an easy task to time with the acting. They made sure we were satisfied with the end result.

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

We worked with a project manager who outlined the project to keep everyone on schedule. After each milestone, we exchanged feedback. We communicated through a central portal to edit scripts together in real time.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The videos were well received by our customers and end-users. Bus Stop Productions helped make the training videos entertaining and enjoyable to watch.

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

It was easy to communicate with our project manager and he provided frequent updates. If something needed to change, we had advance notice to make changes. Since this was a remote project, we communicated by email, video and phone conference, InVision, and Vimeo, etc.

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

They took the time to learn about our industry and product. As experts in their field, they were able to make suggestions to produce polished videos. They were able to work through issues without overly involving the customer.

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

We wish we could have flown them in. However, we worked with the resources we had available. We serve the manufacturing and logistic industry, so it was a bit challenging to convey the right setting and talk through how the actor was supposed to wear smart glasses (very entertaining). They didn't give up and made sure the end result was PERFECT.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the co-owner of Young Creatives, a production company based out of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. We specialize in music videos, commercials, weddings, and any kind of digital video and media content.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Bus-Stop Productions?

We were tasked with shooting a commercial for a hospital and wanted to rent out a cinema camera. Out in the midwest, there aren’t so many production houses where we can rent professional equipment from. We hired Bus-Stop Productions for this reason. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We used Bus-Stop Productions to rent equipment for the shoot. The producers wanted a camera that was suitable enough to get a cinema camera for professional, quality footage. The items included a Sony fs7 with a Canon 24-70mm lens, a Sony autofocus, an ND filter for exposure with really bright sunlight shots, diffusers, microphones, boom pole, and a recorder to get clean audio. 

What is the team composition?

I specifically worked with Kevin (Videographer). I also had conversations with Eric (Filmmaker) about the best settings for the camera and other input from him. 

How did you come to work with Bus-Stop Productions?

I posted an inquiry on a Facebook page for Iowa filmmakers asking if I could rent a cinema camera. Kevin responded and explained that they do rentals for everything, which was perfect because I’d worked with him before. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $5,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together in July 2020 and it took around three weeks to complete. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The experience was amazing; I felt like I was honestly renting from a friend. They’re a really great option, especially for the price. 

How did Bus-Stop Productions perform from a project management standpoint?

They got back to us right away and are always ready. They were never unsure if they had any product on-hand, they always took inventory. Communication was mainly through text and social media messenger on Facebook. They always replied right away. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were an efficient, reliable, and go-to production company for renting equipment. They were quick and local, too, and I knew they’d have the equipment we needed. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

They should get their message up and going. It wasn’t a problem to message through Facebook, but getting a side up would streamline the whole process. They could even have an automated system that checks inventory and lets clients know what’s available right away. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

If you’re looking for a professional shoot, go rent from them. Your local photography shop probably won’t have the kind of equipment they have for rent. 

Take care of the equipment; it’s completely spotless so return it with as much care as it was given to you with. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the camera, too. If it’s your first time or you’re unsure about something, Kevin and Eric will gladly help you out through the process. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a producer at Sweet Point Settlers LLC, and we’re a hunting experience provider. We raise and train gun dogs.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Bus-Stop Productions?

We host a web series of videos. We make a series of videos chronicling the stories of people involved in the hunting industry. Bus-Stop Production assists us with editing the final videos and capturing some of the footage.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Bus-Stop Productions walked through fields for several miles to capture live hunts utilizing various instruments like DSLR cameras, GoPros, drone footage, and more to capture footage for a live episode of our show.

What is the team composition?

I work primarily with Eric (Founder). Over the years, I’ve worked with over 10 unique people from their team.

How did you come to work with Bus-Stop Productions?

I met Eric back in 2014 in Chicago through a mutual individual in the industry. We worked on several projects then, and still work together today.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working in January 2014, and the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Eric and his crew go the extra mile in order to ensure that the most dynamic and exciting camera shots are captured in extremely difficult circumstances, with a particular emphasis on communication resulting in the safety of everyone involved. They deliver superior results in a dynamically challenging environment.

How did Bus-Stop Productions perform from a project management standpoint?

Eric is communicative and always available.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We have a niche product. Eric and his crew remain active and available despite the extreme circumstances.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I honestly can’t think of anything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

If you have a project that requires a unique group of talented people in order to produce content, you don't need to look further than Bus-Stop Productions to provide a positive atmosphere both during and after the shoot, and they come highly recommended.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

At the time, I worked for Mauer Eye Center as a Marketing and Events Coordinator. Mauer Eye Center is a full service laser vision correction and optical center. My role was to leverage the LASIK procedures and optical offerings through print and digital content.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Bus-Stop Productions?

I had hired Bus-Stop Productions to film a commercial that would be distributed on television and online, as well as footage for archival purposes.

What were your goals for this project?

To highlight the different areas of the business equally, build trust with the community and drive foot traffic.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Having seen Bus-Stop's work and known Eric, I knew the professionalism and experience they possessed.

Describe the video(s) and the process in detail.

We had connected on the visual and messaging needs of the video, carefully crafted a script, and set up time to shoot. I believe the crew came out on two separate occasions, with extras they helped find for the project. The video featured brief interior and exterior shots of the facility, that we wanted to highlight to show its beauty, customers walking in to purchase glasses and frames and browse the beautiful showcase, and patients talking to the doctors and staff and preparing for the procedures.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

I would speak with my manager about their initial impressions, relay feedback to Bus-Stop, and they would work with me to create a edits.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Initial response was very positive and created much awareness.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Bus-Stop was very courteous about our time schedule and providing constructive feedback that would help our vision in the long-run. From how a shot looked to how the audience may respond to a line in the script, they truly worked in the best interest of the company.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was impressed by the professionalism of Eric and the crew of Bus-Stop. They were transparent about the required timing, production needs, cost and output of a project. On production day, they were conscious of time and were not intrusive on the professionalism of the business.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I can't think of anything that I would have done differently with Bus-Stop.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the guitar player for a band.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Bus-Stop Productions?

We hired them to shoot videos and photos of our group.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They shot two music videos and did a photoshoot. We provided them with some initial ideas but allowed them a good bit of creative direction to make the videos even better. For the photoshoot, they took the band to a few locations to create strong marketing and promotional content.   

What is the team composition?

Altogether, there were 3–4 people on the project. They worked cameras and edited the footage. 

How did you come to work with Bus-Stop Productions?

We found that they were local to our town and within our price range, so we contacted them. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about $2,000 with them. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in April 2019, and our teams still collaborate.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The videos have performed well. I know that he is frequently entered in competitions because of his compelling work.  

How did Bus-Stop Productions perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re timely and able to execute in the ways they’re supposed to. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Everything has been impressive about working with them. We’re very happy with their work, and they’re always on the ball. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Communicate your ideas clearly, and they’ll provide you with a great product.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the artistic director of a theater at a university.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Bus-Stop Productions?

We hired them to do photography for our productions. We wanted to create a digital archive of the live performances.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Each director comes in with the main shots that they want, and then Bus-Stop Productions adds to that with their own suggestions. We run the performance from start to end, and they take pictures throughout. From there, they provide us with a raw copy of all of the photos they take and we indicate which ones we’d like edited. Then, they supply us with the final copy. 

What is the team composition?

Eric (Founder) was a student of mine in our Master's program. I knew he had this business and he was able to step in and help us out. We’ve continued to use him since then because the work really impressed us. 

How did you come to work with Bus-Stop Productions?

Eric has worked directly with us most times though there is sometimes another photographer from their team.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $1,000–$2,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together around August 2016 and our relationship continues. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I’m a fan of his work. We’re all really happy with the work they’ve done for us, or else we’d probably go elsewhere. The quality is really good. 

How did Bus-Stop Productions perform from a project management standpoint?

I’ve been pleased with how easy they’ve been to communicate with. I can quickly let them know something came up and they’re always able to help and make it work. They turn around the work quickly and get back to us with the photos when we need them. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their professionalism, promptness, and energy that they dedicate to the project make them stand out. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t have any suggestions at this time. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

It’s beneficial to let themselves have creative license with the project. Some of the best work we’ve received from them is when they spark their own ideas. When they take their own creative vision and work it alongside your vision, it’ll give you something better that you hadn’t thought of. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president of a film association. We promote and enhance filmmaking and video-making in our area.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Bus-Stop Productions?

We hired Bus-Stop Productions to tape our annual awards show.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Bus-Stop Productions placed a three-camera set-up to film interviews with producers, directors, and actors at our show’s red carpet. We hired an interviewer to ask questions about their films and latest projects. These interviews later went up on our social media. Bus-Stop Productions also filmed the event itself, which was two and a half hours long.

What is the team composition?

We work with 3–4 people. They make sure the cameras, lights, and sound are set up correctly.

How did you come to work with Bus-Stop Productions?

We’ve known Eric (Filmmaker/Owner) for many years. He’s been on our board for several years.

How much have you invested with them?

They usually charge $5,000 per year.

What is the status of this engagement?

We hired them six years ago. The awards show is generally April or May.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We knew of Eric, trusted him, and liked what we got. That’s why we’ve continued using Bus-Stop Productions.

How did Bus-Stop Productions perform from a project management standpoint?

They do pretty well.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Bus-Stop Productions is about equal with other people we’ve worked with. We’re happy with their services.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything right now.

Any advice for potential customers?

Just hire them and trust in what they do. They do good work.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

My organization is a regional, comprehensive public university with over 10,000 students. We run undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide variety of areas. I’m the associate dean of the College of Humanities Arts & Sciences.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Bus-Stop Productions?

When I hired Bus-Stop Productions, I was an associate head of the department of languages and literatures. A lot of language programs are housed under this department. One of my roles involved recruiting for our department.

I initially worked with Bus-Stop Productions to create video-based recruiting materials for prospective students and families. I wanted them to get a good sense of the wide array of the department’s offerings and programs.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Bus-Stop Productions assisted in the creation of content. We conducted interviews with current students and recent graduates. The team did all of the production and editing work. We even had subtitles within the video.

Later on, I worked with Bus-Stop Productions on another project. We created instructional modules for a grant-funded project.

What is the team composition?

We primarily worked with Eric (Filmmaker & Owner), but he also had a team behind the scenes. He also had an editing team.

How did you come to work with Bus-Stop Productions?

Eric was actually a student at the university. He came to me highly recommended as a person who had gone through our undergraduate program in communications studies with an emphasis on film.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with Bus-Stop Productions from 2016–2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The university has a tracking system for how many hits the video was getting, but that’s not something I was watching. I received positive comments from prospective families and students. The recruiting department also had a lot of positive things to say.

How did Bus-Stop Productions perform from a project management standpoint?

I found Bus-Stop Productions to be timely and flexible. With video work, new ideas and scopes can come up. When we found new things we wanted to add, their team was willing to get it done.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Eric was easy to work with. He was very personable. The type of work that we were doing involved a lot of people who weren’t used to working on camera. They weren’t actors. He was always great at making them feel at ease on camera. He let them know that if anything wasn’t working that we could reshoot it.

The team also did a great job working in different settings that had different technologies and lighting challenges. A portion of the video was filmed in a studio space that had excellent lighting and acoustics. But when the space wasn’t ideal, they were able to troubleshoot the mics and lighting to make everything look good.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Some of the work we did was in Spanish, so there was a slight learning curve for the subtitles. But it worked out well.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Have open lines of communication. They’re receptive to clients. If you have a question during the weekend, don’t hesitate to reach out because I found them very supportive.