Commotion Engine

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the product marketing specialist at Payscape, a financial technology company specializing in payment and processing solutions for small to medium-sized businesses.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Commotion Engine?

We launched a new product, Payscape Registration, early this year and needed professionally designed marketing videos to explain its features and solutions. 

What were your goals for this project? 

We wanted to develop three explainer videos to use for social media, email marketing, and other internal purposes. The videos would help promote our new product.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

An internal employee referred us to Commotion Engine, and we selected their services after speaking with a few agencies. 

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

Commotion Engine produced three explainer videos to promote our new registration product. Each video begins by outlining the pain points of manual registration that schools, camps, and other organizations experience. Then, they dive into an outline of Payscape Registration and its features, benefits, and solutions as well as the target audience.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process? 

Commotion Engine used a helpful storyboard feedback process where we could write in comments for specific elements in the videos. They were very responsive and followed up with questions and clarification.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We are only just beginning to use the videos but are confident that they will drive conversions and engagement across our marketing channels. 

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs? 

The workflow was very effective because we maintained consistent communication to ensure that they understood our goals.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

It was a great experience working with their team. They were patient, willing to listen, and very flexible throughout the whole production process. 

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, nothing comes to mind.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the CEO of Big Leap Creative. We’re a non-profit foundation whose mission is to promote excellence in education and broad-based community support.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Commotion Engine?

We wanted to create a video to explain how Idaho schools are funded.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to educate the voting public in our county as to why we have school levies. 

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We greatly enjoyed a video they did for an education alliance in New York.

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

To start, they created a draft script based on our messaging brief, which we revised into a final version. Then, they developed a storyboard and style sheets and provided us with voice-over options. One day ahead of schedule, they delivered a draft video. After incorporating our feedback, they handed over the final 90-second product.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

They were highly collaborative every step of the way and fixed whatever problems arose.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It's too soon to tell its true impact, but we’ve already had over 1,800 organic views on Facebook. Viewer feedback has been almost unanimously positive.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Working with their team was incredibly easy. We used a storyboarding app and Dropbox.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They were open to feedback and resolved any issues in the drafts. They exceeded our expectations.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I can't think of any.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the marketing manager for SafeRide Health. We provide a healthcare logistics platform to manage non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Commotion Engine?

We engaged Commotion Engine to create a 90-second explainer video to help prospective customers understand our offerings.

What were your goals for this project?

The video needed to explain our services and their value to customers in an easily digestible format. It had to reflect the future of our product while enticing viewers to learn more.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I searched for vendors who created explainer videos in the healthcare sphere. I compiled a list of four agencies and two freelancers who I then made introductory calls with. Commotion Engine, as an agency, could manage the whole project end-to-end. Their portfolio also matched the type of video that we wanted to bring to life, and they accommodated our budget concerns easily.

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

During our intro call, we described our company goals and vision for the video in greater detail and provided a draft script. Commotion Engine conducted several rounds of revision on scripts, storyboards, and style frames. The team then oversaw the entire video production process from start to finish. We had a specific style and set requirements that the video needed to meet; they accommodated us easily and ensured that we had final say in any decisions. They gave us options for narrators and music. They also suggested specific steps based on their experience making similar videos, which we appreciated.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Micah (Content Strategist and Digital Marketing Director, Commotion Engine) was our main point of contact. He led a larger team behind the scenes. Commotion Engine responded to feedback promptly and provided several rounds of revisions at every stage.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have yet to launch the finished video, but it has garnered positive feedback from internal stakeholders. Our leadership team especially likes how the video conveys our message. The production style also matches our voice exceptionally well.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Commotion Engine communicated effectively throughout the entire process. We collaborated via email and found it extremely helpful to have a single point of contact from start to finish. Micah centralized feedback and presented it in a comprehensive way to both our team and his. The Commotion Engine team used Boords to make storyboards and Frame.io for video collaboration. Both tools have built-in feedback mechanisms that made each revision process more straightforward.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Commotion Engine turned around a high-quality video ahead of schedule and under budget.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, we’re highly satisfied with the quality, speed, and value of Commotion Engine’s work.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the co-founder and CEO of Epic CleanTec, an environmental technology company that is reinventing sustainable water treatments and sanitation for cities.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Commotion Engine?

We hired Commotion Engine to produce an explainer video for our website, presentations, and general marketing purposes.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to give a detailed explanation of our industry into a short video that is both informational and inspiring.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We researched and talked with many creative agencies. We ended up going with Commotion Engine based on their portfolio and willingness to work with our budget. Their team was persistent.

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

We worked with Commotion Engine from the initial discovery stage, through scripting and storyboarding, and to the final animation and revision process.

What was your vendors’ project management or feedback process?

I worked primarily with David (Director of Operations, Commotion Engine) and Micah (Content Strategist, Commotion Engine). They worked efficiently and responsively. I appreciated how willing they were to take on multiple revisions.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We now have a sleek explainer video that we will use to ramp up our marketing efforts in the new year.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The engagement was seamless. We used work-sharing platforms that made it easy for our teams to communicate and collaborate on each stage of the process.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Commotion Engine worked quickly, internalizing our feedback and producing a high-quality piece of work. I was impressed with how fast their team grasped our business and turned it into a compelling visual.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We would’ve liked an expert writer to beautify the language in the video, but this was minor, and the result is still fantastic.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the marketing manager at a SaaS company that offers software for healthcare providers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Commotion Engine?

We hired Commotion Engine to produce an explainer video that would introduce our complex platform to prospective clients.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to create a video to send out to potential clients, embed on our site, and use in advertisements to overcome the initial barrier that many people feel when approaching our company. There is confusion over what we do.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I compiled a list of video companies that had previous work in a similar style of what I was going for and narrowed down based on budget and communication when asking for a quote.

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

Once we selected Commotion Engine, we sent them our pre-written script, and then they sent over storyboards for review. They also had us choose a voiceover artist from a compiled list. Then, their team showed us still images that detailed the overall illustration style. From there, they animated the video with music and voiceover. After a final review and giving feedback, we received the completed video.

What was your vendors’ project management or feedback process?

Their team asked for feedback every step of the way. We were happy with the level of communication we had with Commotion Engine.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The video is finished, and I know it will be a valuable asset to the company.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was perfect, and it was incredibly easy to work with Commotion Engine. I felt included in the process, but at the same time, didn’t worry that their team wouldn’t get the job done. We communicated through email only, which works perfectly with my schedule.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The entire process was seamless and led to an amazing final product.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I can’t think of anything. Commotion Engine gave us excellent work.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the portfolio marketing specialist at Trimble, a global technology company primarily focused on developing GPS applications for industry.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Commotion Engine?

We engaged Commotion Engine to help us create some educational videos for a few of our different product lines to help our customers understand how different products work together, so they could better use them in the field.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Commotion Engine produced three animated explainer videos, ranging from two to three minutes each. We provided the scripts, and their team rewrote some of the content to make it flow well with the storyboards they created. After we approved the final script, they provided full production and voiceover services.

What is the team composition?

I primarily worked with Micah (Content Strategist and Digital Marketing Director, Commotion Engine), as well as a few others on the production and the animation of the videos.

How did you come to work with Commotion Engine?

Another member of my team had worked with them previously and recommended them. After our first project went well with them, we decided to keep working with them on other videos as needed.

How much have you invested with them?

The three most recent videos they've worked on amounted to about $25,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We work with them on an ad hoc basis. Our first project took place in April 2017 and our most recent video wrapped up in October 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The feedback we've received on the videos Commotion Engine produced has been very positive. Their work has been invaluable to our entire sales and product team. They've helped us effectively explain highly complex products to our customers and done an excellent job of translating our ideas into concise, digestible storylines.

How did Commotion Engine perform from a project management standpoint?

Micah was extremely responsive and their team completed the videos in a relatively short timeframe. Any delays were generally on our side.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Commotion Engine produces high quality work at an excellent price point. Other videos we've done with other agencies have been much more expensive.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything; they met all of our expectations.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Take the time to thoroughly explain the goal of the video you're trying to produce and collaborate closely with them on the storyboarding process. I'm confident they'll knock any project out of the park, because the videos they produced for us required minimal iterations.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the chief marketing officer for The Alternative Board (TAB). We’re a global company that helps and advises privately-held business owners through coaching and business owner advisory boards.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Commotion Engine?

We hired them to create explanation videos for our products and services.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to create a short, high-quality, engaging video that would give prospective clients an understanding of TAB’s products and services.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I solicited quotes from vendors online and narrowed it down to three choices based on experience, client testimonials and price. During the interview process, Commotion Engine gave me the confidence that they not only knew what I needed, but could also handle multiple language iterations of the video.

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

They initially created an introductory “about us” video and later made another video that explained a specific tool we offer. In both cases, we furnished their team with a script outline that they edited into final form. They created the storyboard, shared it with us for approval, and then produced each video. Once the video was ready, we were able to make tweaks and edits before the final version was produced. After finalizing the English version of each video, each one was subsequently translated and given a new voiceover. Commotion Engine handled this process and sourced voiceovers for us to approve.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

We initially went back and forth by phone, but I gained so much confidence in their team that we moved entirely to email. This system is more efficient for my scheduling needs and I appreciate that they’ll accommodate my preference.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Both projects were well-received globally by all of our offices. We now use them as part of our everyday communication with prospective clients. We’ve also seen an increase in visitor retention on our website.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Their project manager was very proactive. I never had to go asking for updates, and that’s rare in my experience with other vendors.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They’ll adapt to your needs and are highly responsive to every request, even via email. They’ve also proven incredibly trustworthy when it comes to managing our international edits. With previous vendors, I’d have to manage the whole translation editing process in order to ensure that we received decent service. Meanwhile, Commotion Engine is so great that I can send our staff directly over to their project manager with only a virtual introduction.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I can’t think of anything.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the solutions marketing manager for Leidos, which is a Fortune 500® IT, engineering, and science solutions and services firm. We deliver a wide range of customizable, scalable health solutions to the defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and health markets.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Commotion Engine?

We were looking for a trustworthy vendor who could quickly deliver an engaging, cutting-edge video at a reasonable cost.

What were your goals for this project?

We needed an eye-catching, concise video to tell the story for our Health Group in multiple environments. Not only would it be on our website, but also during the 2018 Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society conference. Given the live element, we wanted a video that was comprehensible even without narration. We also wanted to use clips from this video for a presentation in our company’s booth at the conference.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We’d worked with them before, so we were confident they understood our brand and our business. Prior to starting this project, we also reviewed work they’d done for other customers in this space. Based on our experience with the Commotion Engine team, we knew they would deliver a professional video, on time and on budget.

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

Once we accepted the proposal, our team held a conference call with the Commotion Engine team to discuss our project goals. We provided a draft script and they collaborated with us to flesh out the details and flow. After that, they created a rough cut for our review and we provided detailed feedback. They also provided voiceover options so we could select the right tone for the audio. Even though there was narration, we also needed to ensure that viewers could digest our video’s message without sound, as it would play in a noisy environment. Common Engine helped us refine the imagery in order to achieve that goal. They ultimately delivered a video that we shared on our website, YouTube channel, and at a live event. In addition, they also developed a presentation for use in our company's booth that included clips from the final video.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

We worked collaboratively through Google Docs, but also exchanged emails and spoke directly whenever needed. It was easy to keep track of the project and provide feedback. Their team was very responsive and advised us on the best options to achieve our goals.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The supporting presentation they developed using our video’s clips was a hit at the event. We also received excellent feedback on our session, as well as on the full video. Our internal stakeholders and external viewers were impressed with the way we developed the Leidos Health story and at the professional look and feel of the video.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was easy to communicate with our project manager, who was extremely responsive. They thoroughly understood our brand, as well as the style and types of imagery and b-roll that would work best for this project. They allowed us to comment directly on the video as part of the review process and even afforded us a few last minute changes to the story.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We were extremely pleased with Commotion Engine's expertise in video production and the creativity they employed to get our message across in a concise, image-driven story with supporting b-roll footage. They were also very patient and thoughtful throughout our collaboration. It felt like they were an extension of our marketing team. They guided us in the right direction toward a professional end product that worked well both live and on our website.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No. We were very satisfied with their work and I’ll definitely use them again in the future.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the recruiting manager for a proprietary trading firm. I’m also in charge of a lot of our marketing material.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Commotion Engine?

We have no customers nor products to sell, so the main purpose of the work was to promote the company itself.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I told them what I was looking for and passed along some examples of work. They quickly got back to me with a quote, and we began work on a script, storyboards, and things like that.

They helped refine the script, then provided storyboards and visual support before the animation was done. They secured a voiceover artist for us and provided the full illustration animation links throughout, once we made progress and got to that stage.

The concept we were trying to explain was quite an in-depth financial matter—hard to understand by people without a finance background. They picked it up and ran with it, and did a great job.

What is the team composition?

I worked with Micah (Content Strategist and Digital Marketing Director, Commotion Engine), who was my point person throughout the project. This made things easy, as I could go to him with anything I needed. I also had a couple of calls with David (Creative Director, Commotion Engine), who was there for support and to streamline the process.

How did you come to work with Commotion Engine?

I found out about them online, either in a blog post or on a ratings platform. I reached out to them with what was an almost impossible task—creating a promotional video for us in a short time frame.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $18,000 on their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with them from August–September 2018. We've received the final product, so our collaboration is complete.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We haven’t shown the video to its intended audience yet, but I will probably have concrete feedback a couple of months down the road. The audience that we have shown it to thus far—an investment bank working with us on this project—was impressed and pleased with the work. They said that it came out phenomenally, as did some internal partners. Commotion absolutely nailed it and exceeded our expectations. We’re really excited to move forward and show this to others.

They really brought the whole thing to life; they took a complex and hard-to-understand concept, and displayed it beautifully. They got it right straight off the bat.

How did Commotion Engine perform from a project management standpoint?

They used a platform called Frame.io, which was really helpful. We were able to watch the video and leave comments throughout, as-needed, rather than emailing our feedback. It was useful and it streamlined the process.

Micah was the one whom I worked with from beginning to end, and we had seamless communication. He was easy to get a hold of, responsive, incredibly thorough, and amazing to work with.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’ve had experience working with similar companies in the past, and they were atrocious. Commotion is definitely the best we’ve worked with so far. They were professional, they stuck to the deadline, and had the ability to understand a complex topic. They adjusted it and put it into an easily understandable format for the viewer, which is priceless.

They were able to execute, the visual design looks incredible, and they really understood who we are as a company.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. They’ve done an amazing job and I hope that they’ll work with us again. We kept coming back with small change requests during the last week of the project, and even though I’m sure they wanted to get it wrapped up, they were super easy to work with.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Our project is probably a little different, in that it was a last-minute addition. I’m sure that other companies working with Commotion have more concrete ideas of what they’re looking for right from the start, and have the work a bit more planned-out.

For anyone looking into different formats for conveying a complex message, an explainer video is a great choice. They gave us the best result and I’m sure that they do even better work when they have more time.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Wier / Stewart is a full-service boutique advertising agency located in Augusta, Georgia. I'm the content producer. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Commotion Engine?

We've hired Commotion Engine to execute many animated videos. We produced an overview of a new app for Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal for the project was to explain the app's key benefits in an easily understandable way. For this video to work in multiple scenarios, we needed it to keep attention and remain informative both with and without audio. 

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We've worked with Commotion Engine before. Our studio director heard of them a few years ago. He kept his eye on them in case a client needed a service that Commotion Engine could facilitate.

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

We developed the content strategy, wrote the script and storyboard, and selected music and voiceover talent. Commotion Engine produced an amazing animation and mixed all the audio. I ensured that we stayed within our scope and maintained our goals. I also provided feedback and guidance while managing client timelines and expectations.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

We strictly worked with their content strategist, who kicked off the project. He was mostly kind and flexible with our needs and vision. We had two rounds of feedback, one internal and one with the client. Commotion Engine was fast and responsive about updates, which we appreciated.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our client hasn't released the video publically yet, so I'll keep it under wraps. However, Commotion Engine nailed our vision exactly. The client was impressed and pleased with the outcome. We will watch the metrics closely after launch.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The communication between our team and Commotion Engine was flawless. It was easy to schedule chats and provide information. We gave feedback through Frame.io, which was a useful tool.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They were approachable and kind. The only thing better than their demeanor was their amazing work. Commotion Engine is a wonderful vendor with a wonderful team. I give them thumbs up all around!