Darvideo Animation Studio

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a freelance producer and writer, partnering with companies and agencies to make their vision into media!

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Darvideo Animation Studio, and what were your goals?

My client requested a fun and stylistic 30 second animation to show the benefits that working online offers.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Through my network, I had heard good things about Darvideo. I compared them to some similar animation providers but when it came to style, budget, and quality of work I knew I had to go with Darvideo.

Describe the scope of their work in detail, including any steps and the final deliverables.

After receiving the scope of the project from my client, I came up with an idea. It was only in my head, I had a call with Julia and she understood my vision and gave me confidence that they would make exactly what I had in mind. We then discussed budget and logistics and got moving.

I filled out a brief and sent a script and then got assigned a project manager to let me know how the project was coming. Flawless communication and amazing updates. I was never wondering where we were at on the project or if it would look the way I wanted.

This was especially important because I was answering to a client of my own. They made the whole process easy and efficient and I was so happy with the end product.

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

I worked with Julia Kotlyar and then the project manager Kate Dobrokhotova.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Their work gave me such confidence when presenting it to my client and they loved the result.

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

I loved the project management style. They gave me the workflow and timeline as the project began so I would know what to expect when and the places I could make changes. They were very efficient and would come in earlier than expected on many of the checkpoints. They use Basecamp as well, which makes communicating and giving notes easy especially with the time difference. Amazing system.

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

Their creativity, communication, and efficiency. It is hard being the middle man between my client and my contractor but they made it so easy and enjoyable! I never doubted once that they wouldn't deliver something amazing.

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

None! I loved working with them and look forward to more projects in the future.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Founder at a group photo sharing company. We make it easy to collect photos from a group for any kind of event.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Darvideo Animation Studio, and what were your goals?

We wanted a quick introduction video to the product to show customers on our homepage. Hoping to answer some basic questions we get asked a lot about how it works.

SOLUTION

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

Was already on the lookout for video production companies when we received a linkedIn email asking if we had need of their services. After looking through their portfolio we chose to use them.

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

First off we picked a video that was most like what we were after from a portfolio of projects. Then we wrote a preliminary script, which they converted into storyboards. After a few back and forths on edits we moved into choosing color/animation schemes and voice over artists. Various drafts were made until we reached the right result. After sound design we were delivered the file in the format and length we had asked for.

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

Our project manager did a great job of keeping us updated with progress and on schedule. They had a tool to leave feedback on the video during various drafts which they would then incorporate into the next version. Turnaround was fast and efficient.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The video received positive feedback from our customers the day it was launched and is being viewed regularly.

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

We were provided regular updates and communicated over BaseCamp which worked smoothly. Everything was on-time or early.

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

They had great suggestions and were incredibly quick to incorporate feedback into subsequent drafts.

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

We had a time zone difference but it was really more of an advantage than anything else. We would submit our feedback and find the new version of the video waiting for us when we got into the office the next morning.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm a Product & Content Marketing Specialist for Hexigone Inhibitors. Hexigone Inhibitors manufactures ‘chemically intelligent’ corrosion inhibitors for smart coatings; which are safer and up to ten times more effective than market leading alternatives, according to industry partners.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Darvideo Animation Studio, and what were your goals?

Our chemical product is a bit complicated, so we wanted to create a video that could explain our product's features in an easy-to-understand way. Our goal was to have a short video showcasing the product that we can also share on social media channels as well as to show our potential investors.

SOLUTION

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

I was looking for a video production company and then I was contacted by Julia K., producer at Darvideo on LinkedIn.

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

I submitted a script and supplied some proposed visuals which then Darvideo based their animation on. Communication across the whole process was perfect and they went out of their way to help us get it right.

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

We worked with a project manager - Anna - who outlined the project and kept us on schedule. After each milestone, we would give her our feedback, and she forwarded it to the animators.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The video hasn't been published yet, however, we intend to use it on American Coatings Show 2022 and share it on our social media.

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

The project manager was easy to communicate with and provided frequent updates. Anna was a star, she was very helpful, light-hearted but also professional and organized. If the team needed to change something, they told us ahead of time so that we could discuss it. We mostly spoke through Basecamp and we exchanged emails.

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

I think that the communication was impressive, I have never had such a good experience with any other design agency. They were easy to talk to, everything run according to the schedule and we are very pleased with the final product.

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

I wish they would propose to me some of their ideas or vision for this animation video - it would be great for me to compare what people from outside of our organization think.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the founder of Clockwork. We give B2B tech and startup businesses access to the best independent marketers, designers, coders, and copywriters in the world – 24/7 Businesses need an agency that works as they do – all the time. So that’s exactly what we’ve created: an international team of creatives and account handlers who are ready to work when you are. Anytime. Why? Because great people are everywhere!

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Darvideo Animation Studio, and what were your goals?

We needed to find a strong animation partner to help us execute our storytelling methodology for complicated tech businesses - and when we hooked up with Darvideo, I haven't looked back. The process is simple and clear with a great structure when delivering their work. Storyboarding, voice-overs and illustration work are to a great standard - along with a very competitive price point.

SOLUTION

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

I needed to find an agency that was able to deliver high-value animation work. Not just a freelancer but a structured agency that could become a trusted partner. When I found Darvideo that's exactly what I got!

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

The process of the work is smooth. The project managers are on hand through base camp all the time and supply regular updates on timings. We go through a solid creative process of script, storyboard, illustration, VO, animation, and SFX. Every stage is clear and efficient and my clients are very pleased.

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

The feedback has been great on end products. We've worked with some high-end tech businesses so they expect high-end delivery - which is exactly when they get!

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Unfortunately, we don't have a clear ROI on videos as they're for internal use only.

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

Really good systems in place - with clear structures. I never feel lost during the process.

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

Their illustration and animation work was clearly what hooked me into working for them. I've found their communication and project management are second to none.

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

No.... all working well so far.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

ZOE International is a christian nonprofit reaching the world with the Gospel and rescuing children from human trafficking. ZOE has been operating since 2002, we now in five countries. I am the marketing manager and am conducting a campaign for Christmas that required a bit more explaining.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Darvideo Animation Studio, and what were your goals?

I hired Darvideo to create an animated explainer video. This video is meant to explain how the marketing campaign works, and get people excited about the campaign.

SOLUTION

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

Darvideo reached out to me via Linkedin. Then we communicated over email.

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

The process was very well thought out. They gathered the concept and came up with a timeline. They sent me a gantt chart. Then we selected an inspiration video. We like to control our messaging so we wrote the script. Then Darvideo gave me the story board and character concept. We did a few reviews as specified by the timeline and we were done.

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

Darvideo team did the work and teh review process took place online. I had the option to give the feedback on the video or via email.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The video was perfect for what we need it for. We will be launching the video this month.

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

Gantt chart with timeline, I was also assigned a project manger. They had collaborative online tools for commenting on the story board, character inspiration, and the video.

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

I really like all the collaborative tools, and how on top of the timeline they were.

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

It was a little difficult to communicate the concept in the beginning. We had a video call that was helpful, but perhaps maybe one more video call at some point.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I work for The Conference Board of Canada in Ottawa, Ontario. We’re one of the utmost thinktanks in Canada, providing independent research for government and the private sector. We’re a nonprofit organization.

I’m a program manager for international programs. I’m managing a project funded by the Government of Canada for helping Ukraine increase trade and investment.

Canada and Ukraine signed a free trade agreement, and the government is funding a project to implement the agreement. The aim is to help Ukrainians export to Canada, and Canadians to invest in Ukraine.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Darvideo Animation Studio?

Because of the pandemic, some of the activities of our project had to change and adapt. This had its challenges, but it also opened a few opportunities.

Because the project had already developed a guide for Ukrainian exporters on how to export to Canada, we had the idea of also developing some animated videos to help offer this knowledge to Ukrainian exporters through a different medium.

The contract was for 60 minutes of animated videos, and we first thought there would be 12 videos. It took us a long time to understand what we needed to provide, what the scripts should be, and what kind of feedback Darvideo Animation Studio should get from us.

Animated videos would present the textbook information in a very attractive and succinct way.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We came up with a script and presented it to our project teams in Canada and Ukraine. Through the process, we learned how videos are created. It was totally new to all of us when we started.

Darvideo Animation Studio had to guide us on how many words there should be in a script for a specific video length. I was personally involved in all the phases. It was a very involved approach requiring a lot of time and work on both sides.

What is the team composition?

Four people worked directly with us, including the head of the organization, a project manager, a scriptwriter, and a producer.

I believe that only one of their teams was initially working on our project, but we had a very strict deadline, so their team increased.

How did you come to work with Darvideo Animation Studio?

The Government of Canada funds our project, and the project was larger than $24,000, so we had strict procurement rules. We shortlisted three Ukrainian companies and negotiated with them.

Darvideo Animation Studio was selected based on their offer. They seemed to be more flexible, and they provided examples of their work.

How much have you invested with them?

The project cost was $56,400 CAD (approximately $ 44,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We had preliminary discussions in June 2020, and we finalized the procurement process that July. The contract ended at the end of December 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It took a lot of time for us to understand the process. Darvideo Animation Studio was very good at explaining to us that we could make changes a number of times, but there would be additional charges after that.

We made a lot more changes from our side than the reasonably-acceptable amount, but their team was very good at working with us and guiding us through the process. They made us understand what we needed to provide in order for them to do the work. 

Because the process took a while, we had 10 videos instead of 12 in the end. The videos covered the most important topics, and we were very satisfied.

While they probably don’t amount to an hour, the messaging, topics, quality, and rendering style are all there. This was a huge success for me.

It took some time for their team to understand our message's purpose and technicalities, but they were much faster in getting adjusted than we were, probably because they have multiple clients and do all sorts of other work.

They were working just for us in the last couple of months, or at least it felt like that. They were very responsive and accepted a lot of changes from us. There are some very picky members in our team, but this didn’t deter them.

They continued to improve the videos. They came up with creative ideas that were better than ours and with solutions that were much better than we’d hoped for.

How did Darvideo Animation Studio perform from a project management standpoint?

It took us a bit of time to adjust to each other initially, but their team was very prompt.

What helped a lot was that they insisted on having one point of contact on our side. We had some initial meetings with the larger teams, which are useful for getting to know and understand each other.

After that, our team would convey our changes and requests to one person, and that person communicated with one person from Darvideo Animation Studio. In order to meet the deadlines, it was needed on a couple of occasions that two people from our side talk to two people from Darvideo Animation Studio. The fact that they insisted on having one contact person on each side helped a lot. It was a key factor in completing the work. We couldn’t go over the deadline because the government wouldn’t fund anything after that.

They had their own project management tools, and we had ours. We agreed to simplify the process. We follow the agile system of the Government of Canada, while their team has a completely different management system, which applies to the production of videos. 

We adapted to the storyboards and all the stages that animation production involves, and followed them without integrating too much. There was some adjustment on both sides.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their team stood out in terms of price, and the quality of samples they provided was at least as good as the other companies we looked at.

I believe that there was only one that was better, but it was more expensive. The samples that Darvideo Animation Studio provided met our needs.

They’ve also worked with organizations similar to ours. If we’d worked with an organization that only did commercials, we probably wouldn’t have had the good results we got.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There should’ve been a bit more trust in the beginning. Trust has to be built, but Darvideo Animation Video was a bit reluctant to provide us with clear internal metrics and costs. To draw the contract, it would’ve been helpful for me to know the key factors that determine the cost. I got it in the end, but it wasn’t easy. They understood that this was important information, and things worked well after that.

It took a couple of virtual meetings between our team in Kiev and them to make them understand that we wouldn’t prolong the contract beyond December 31st and that we wouldn’t be able to pay for work after that date. After they understood that, more members were added from their team.

The attention to detail on the project management side could’ve been better. What was obvious to us should’ve been obvious to them as well.

Although they had a project manager for our contract, that person wasn’t always available to check the consistency between videos. That factor was very important, especially for the overall logic. We had characters. Let’s say that a character is producing furniture in video one, and the same character would be producing cookies in video four. There were some inconsistencies between them.

Certain videos had too many dynamic elements, while others had none. Their team should ensure that the work is consistent on projects that involve multiple teams.

Other than that, they should continue the great work they’re doing. It was a pleasure to work with them and not frustrating.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I recommend starting by having a few meetings to build trust and then working with one person on each side. Clients should make sure that the project manager always checks the quality and consistency of the work.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I work for a marketing agency, and I’m the director of the production.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Darvideo Animation Studio?

They finished an explainer video project. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We engaged their services right after we wrote the script. As a result, they provided us illustrations, storyboarding, and animated everything for us. They did 2D and 3D animation for me. The team also did a music search and did some voiceover as well. 

What is the team composition?

I worked with two main folks from their team. One of them was Maks (Head of Marketing).

How did you come to work with Darvideo Animation Studio?

They found me on LinkedIn. I’m always cautious about people I find on Linkedin and wary of scams, but I found Darvidea Animation Studio wonderful. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $1,850.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our video product ran from September–November 2020. We also have an ongoing engagement for other projects with them. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We were so grateful for their work because the Koreans loved it — they were obsessed with the video. Our external stakeholders used it on their landing pages and social media channels. We also placed it in our portfolio and it helped us award new work — so we were very thrilled about that too.

How did Darvideo Animation Studio perform from a project management standpoint?

They used a platform to share edits with me and I reviewed it that way and leave my feedback there. In terms of project management, this particular project was pretty seamless. We didn’t really have any hiccups or miscommunications. If I needed edits turned around by a certain time, they were able to accommodate that. Overall, we were very happy with their work. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their skills and the way that they were able to take the script we provided, visualize things, and suggest the movement impressed us. They also helped in giving us the dimension to the story and illustrations to animation — they were just a talented group of artists. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

Sometimes their work was not QA’d thoroughly enough since I caught little mistakes. In connection with that, just a little closer attention to detail would've been awesome. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Work with these guys and enjoy their incredible creative studio. Be ready to collaborate together on ensuring you have a high-quality product. Just have a dedicated project manager on your team that could work with them and enjoy the process.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the communications consultant for a software company that helps general contractors collect insurance documents from subcontractors.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Darvideo Animation Studio?

We were looking for a short but clear explainer video to describe what the software is for and how it works.

What were your goals for this project?

To convert prospects into software users.

SOLUTION

How did you select Darvideo Animation Studio?

My sister is an art director at a marketing agency and she referred me to them.

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

Darvideo sent us a brief to fill out so they could understand our needs. They then helped us create the script and we provided feedback until we were satisfied. Then they created the storyboard, the illustrations and the animations, adding improvements and adjustments several times on each phase.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

For every stage they sent us a link to review updates and provide our feedback.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We just finished the project and we are pleased that it communicates our software clearly and succinctly.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

These projects often take time, but Darvideo was very responsive to us, following up at each stage and making sure the project didn't lag.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They really understood our software and were able to create an excellent summary of it. They were communicative and organized, staying on top of the project every step of the way.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I would've liked to have had more verbal/video communication to help clarify certain things but there was a slight language barrier. Nevertheless, in our email communications there was no language barrier at all and we were able to get everything right. They are detail-oriented and able to execute quickly.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a content-marketer at Nektony. We create cleaning software for macOS and iOS.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Darvideo Animation Studio?

One of our applications MacCleaner Pro (https://nektony.com/mac-cleaner-pro) had got a major update, new features, and new design. We wanted to create a special video about this for our users and new customers. Usually, we create videos by ourselves. It was the first time we decided to asked for a video production company to create a video for us.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted a video to publish on the product page of the application and show up how the users can easily clean up and speed up their Mac computers with our software. We expect to increase the number of our users with a help of this video.

SOLUTION

How did you select Darvideo Animation Studio?

We were searching for video production companies in search engine. I had a list of 10 companies in Ukraine who can produce such a video. I contacted each of them and DarVideo provided the quickest answer, it has the best portfolio so we decided to work with them

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

We had a video call to describe in more detail what we want. Then they sent a storyboard for the video and after submitting we started the work. We sent all necessary details, screenshots, and logos for the video. In a while, they sent the first draft. We gave the feedback and asked to make some changes and they corrected everything we wanted in the video.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

After getting the video they sent us examples of music and we chose the best that suited us.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have only started showing up the video, so now I can't give any feedback about the results.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

All their responses were always fast and clear. We had a positive experience. We were communicating using messenger software. To give the feedback we had usually a video call so that we could think of solutions for some cases together.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We liked the results and I can recommend this company for anyone who needs also to produce a video for the products or services they provide.

Are there any areas for improvement?

It would be great if you propose more creative solutions for your clients, organize a video call for the whole team for a better understanding of the product of the client

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

OTT service provider

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Darvideo Animation Studio?

To create a short animation video.

What were your goals for this project?

To create creative, unique and lively animated video to be used on the website and for advertising campaigns.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We were referred to Darvideo by our marketing company.

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

The video featured creative design and approach in presenting the information in an interesting and understandable manner. We communicated over email. Communication was always quick and all concerns were addressed in a very professional manner.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

We were designated a project manger and she was great at handling all the correspondence and addressing any concerns that we might have had.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It was an innovative way for our company to market our services. Something which we have never done before and we believe the video created by Darvideo will have great success in our marketing campaigns.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Everything was done in a highly professional manner and all work was completed based on schedules that our project manager provided.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

All comments and concerns were dealt with immediately. Amazing communication and collaboration level. Darvideo came up with very creative approach to presenting our material.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Everything was top-notch!