Dam + West

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Founder of Speak Masterfully

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

I'm a public speaking and storytelling coach.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Dam + West to accomplish?

• Film and edit a "Meet the Founder" video that will position me as an expert in my field.
• Create a promotional video to drive clients to my online course.
• Film 3 social media videos that will build that "know, like, trust" connection with my ideal clients.

SOLUTION

How did you find Dam + West?

networking group

Why did you select Dam + West over others?

• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Dam + West were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Dam + West shot and edited 6 high-quality videos for me including:

• a "Meet the Founder" video for my website
• a promotional video for an online course
• 3 social media videos
• A speaker sizzle reel including footage they captured from a live event

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Since adding Dam + West's "Meet the Founder" video to my website, I've seen an immediate increase in both the quantity and quality of leads I'm fielding. I can't overstate what an asset these videos are to my business. All of the videos exceeded my expectations in term of quality and were delivered to me on time.

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

They were exceptionally communicative and everything was delivered on time.

What was your primary form of communication with Dam + West?

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

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

Storytelling is incredibly important to me. Dam + West delivered videos that were not only beautifully produced, but also narratively interesting. They really cared about capturing my voice. So many video production companies put out videos that look exactly the same client to client. That's not Dam + West. With them you'll get a one-of-a-kind product that's unique to your brands voice--not a cookie cutter template.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Dam + West could have done differently?

Nope. They were a pleasure to work with from start to finish.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m an executive at a financial services company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Dam + West?

We wanted to make a video for our company.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Dam + West did video production for us based on a mixture of our requirements and their advice and expertise. They interviewed some of our customers about their experience working with us. Their team also added messaging to tie those separate stories together with additional B-roll footage of their environments.

What is the team composition?

We worked with two members of their team.

How did you come to work with Dam + West?

I’ve known one of their owners from previous personal experiences.

How much money have you invested in this partnership?

We spent $50,000–$200,000 with them.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from April–May 2022.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We showed the video they made for us at an awards dinner with the leadership of our organization, and it received great feedback from our executives.

How did Dam + West perform from a project management standpoint?

Project management was perfect in terms of delivering on time and within budget. Communication was also great; we used Zoom, phone calls, and email as the main tools.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were committed to achieving our expectations, so they took care of everything we asked them — their team was great to work with.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I didn’t think there was anything they could improve on — this was one of the best experiences we’ve had.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m one of the co-owners of Bridg to Balance, a private group practice offering mental health outpatient services for individuals and families.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Dam + West?

We needed help with creating short videos of our different clinicians to support our marketing efforts. With these videos, we wanted our consumers to learn more about the different clinicians we had in the office as a way for them to connect with those clinicians.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Dam + West helped us produce the videos we needed. Initially, we met with them to discuss the project, what we were looking for, and what we wanted to accomplish. From there, they came back with some ideas of how we could address the videos and which topics we could include, and we presented those ideas to our clinicians.

After getting our clinicians’ approval, Dam + West came to our office, brought their own equipment, set everything up, and filmed the footage we needed. During this process, they helped our clinicians to practice what they would talk about and gave us guidance on various things, including which style of clothes to wear. After the production phase, they were responsible for editing the videos, handling their audio mixing, and delivering them to us.

What is the team composition?

We worked with two people from Dam + West: Ramsey (Co-Founder, Producer & Director) and Danielle (Co-Founder & Producer).

How did you come to work with Dam + West?

An SEO company we were working with introduced us to Dam + West. Curiously, we already knew Ramsey because he ongoingly helps us with editing a podcast we have. When talking with him about what we were hoping to do, he told us about his video production company.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $3,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together on this project from October–December 2021, but we’ve maintained an ongoing relationship with Dam + West.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Dam + West delivered very professional and high-quality videos, which we posted on social media. We were very thrilled with the project’s outcome because these videos ultimately helped us connect with more clients and grow our practice.

How did Dam + West perform from a project management standpoint?

Dam + West stuck to our budget and worked with us to meet our needs. Additionally, their turnaround time was great, and they were very communicative and responsive. As for communication, we exchanged emails and had in-person meetings, Zoom meetings, and phone calls.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We really appreciated how hands-on and attentive Dam + West was; they were very approachable, flexible, and willing to listen to our ideas while also providing us with great ideas and feedback themselves. Their team worked closely with us to understand us, which ultimately helped them create the videos we had envisioned. Moreover, they were very helpful in guiding us throughout the process, which made us have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. We were 100% satisfied with their work, and it was a wonderful experience overall.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Work with them! — you will be grateful that you did. They will take your ideas, run with them, and create something magnificent.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm a professional singer, songwriter and musician.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Dam + West, and what were your goals?

I hired Dam + West to film the recording process of my new album, creating a series of live-in-the-studio, one-take videos.

SOLUTION

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

I have known and worked with Ramsey and Danielle for years. They have relocated to the East Coast and I was excited to hire them and have their expertise on my project.

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

We started with several pre-production meetings, describing the look and feel I wanted for the videos. I sent some of the demos so Ramsey could familiarize himself with the songs. Then, Ramsey joined the band and me in the studio. He has a music background so Ramsey was perfect and natural to be working on a music project. He filmed each take we did, acting almost like one of the band members. After each take, I would review his video take as I also reviewed the audio take. They were several long days in the studio and Ramsey was always upbeat, creative and highly professional.

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

I worked with Ramsey who was incredibly professional, but also malleable and open to feedback. He is a very enthusiastic person and my extra ideas were always met with excitement and as a jumping off point to make the project even better.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It's been fantastic to have a video version of all of the songs from my new album! People have loved getting to see how the record was made and who the musicians on the record worked. It's been an excellent promotional tool for me.

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

Dam + West were very professional and met all my needs in a timely manner.

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

Ramsey has a ton of enthusiasm and brings that to every project he works on. That, mixed with years of professional experience make it very easy to work with him!

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

I was very satisfied.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the creative director for LAGuzda Creative Arts & Services. We are a marketing/branding agency. Our speciality is moving small to medium size businesses to the next level. Although fluent in traditional medias, we strive to innovate.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Dam + West, and what were your goals?

To produce a 6-8 minute mini-documentary video working with an elderly couple who were delightful but challenging for sound and physical mobility. Quality B roll was necessary.

SOLUTION

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

I prefer my videographer to also edit whenever possible. Usually a resource is better at one over the other but not Dam + West! They are professional, fun and easy to work with. I love the “extras” they bring to the overall creativity.

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

A pre-shoot interview to determine the gist and direction for the story. Determine existing materials, and what additional B roll including scouting locations, wardrobe. Outline of script.

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

Danielle was lead producer and excellent in communication and organization. She provided stellar support staff. Ramsey was the videographer and editor. He was tireless in his attention to detail, be it lighting, camera moves and editing unnecessary breathes. Tedious but a huge and important challenge on this project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

My client was extremely happy. This video (of a series) garnered the most attention of all and I attribute much of that to the exceptional editing.

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

Dam + West were easy to work with, and we felt confident in their level of professionalism and experience. They understand the value of solid pre-production to ensure the smoothest shoot to have what you need to complete the project above and beyond expectations.

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

A tremendous amount of hard work combined with humor and a kindness that endeared the talent and staff to a far greater comfort level thus producing a superior product.

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

Honestly, I asked a great deal from them with much of it beyond the original scope of the project. As their client, I am grateful. If they were my staff, I would tell them to charge more before saying yes.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Dam + West did an outstanding job for us. Danielle and Ramsey were professional, flexible and efficient. They came up with great ideas, and in the end produced a promotional video that we’re super happy with. I highly recommend them and look forward to working with them in the future on more projects.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Dam + West, and what were your goals?

The goal was to create an internal promotional video.

SOLUTION

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

I talked to a few video production companies and felt Dan + West understood what we’re looking for best and had the ideas that resonated with what we wanted accomplished.

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

We began with a couple phone and video meetings. Then they gave us a proposal. We then fine tuned what we were looking to do. Then had a couple video meetings for planning and then they were on site to film. They then spent a couple weeks in editing.

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

I worked mainly with Danielle. Ramsey was more behind the scenes. She often checked in with me and shared ideas with me in a collaborative way which I appreciated.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We were happy with the end product, which received many compliments from business connections and colleagues.

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

We communicated mainly over video chat. Danielle provided regular updates and always met their deadlines. When there were delays it was primarily due to my scheduling/availability.

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

The idea collaboration and on-camera coaching that Danielle provides. She’s a real pro. And, her background in theatre offers a great advantage.

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

I can’t think of anything. We live on different coasts so cost would be slightly lower most likely if I went with someone local but in the end it was worth it due to the people and experience behind it.