Dot Films

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the deputy manager of visual media at River. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Dot Films? 

We hired Dot Films to help us produce marketing videos. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We had an event in February 2023, and it required a 24-minute film divided into six parts — Dot Films created two videos for us.  

What is the team composition?

We mainly worked with four people, including a producer, a director, and a production controller. 

How did you come to work with Dot Films?

My team reached out to nearly 30 studios, and about 15 responded to our email. In the email, we briefly explained who we were and what we sought. Dot Films promptly responded to us on the same day. We called them the next day, and then the engagement started rolling. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spent close to $100,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

The project lasted from November–December 2022. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The videos differed from the regular kind of videos, but that was the approach we wanted Dot Films to take. Put another way, they understood our brief well and delivered it properly. We posted the videos at a stage event during a press conference. 

How did Dot Films perform from a project management standpoint?

Dot Films finished the project within the proposed budget. They were cooperative and flexible enough to come and work in our office. Everything was done on time. 

On top of that, they were the best of the four production houses we’d worked with on the launch. They were great at communicating and super responsive. We mainly used emails to talk to them. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Dot Films had a truly structured process, which impressed us. The team gave us a proper plan of what they wanted to do — they did it creatively and always developed better versions of our inputs. The entire creative process was collaborative. As a startup, getting someone who understood our brief and could make something unique for us was fun and interesting. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there weren’t any. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the deputy manager of marketing for House of Abhinandan Lodha; we’re a consumer technology real estate company. We have virtual tools for people to explore land virtually.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Dot Films?

We were selling a land parcel located in a relatively unknown coastal fishing village in India. It’s a beautiful area that not many people are aware of. We wanted to build up the location and showcase its beauty to the world, so we engaged Dot Films to help us promote the destination.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Dot Films created a promotional video to advertise one of our land parcels. First, the team created a concept to showcase the beauty of the location. Then, they organized a two-day photoshoot with two models. We provided preliminary information, but the team also traveled there for three days to research the area and scope out shooting locations. 

Then, they used video cameras and drones to capture the content of the models going on a journey to enjoy the area. They were also responsible for adding stock footage and music to the filmed content to produce the final advertising video.

What is the team composition?

We worked directly with Yashi (Co-Founder) and a director of production, but they brought a production crew of 6–7 people for the shoot.

How did you come to work with Dot Films?

We found Dot Films through a recommendation from a colleague.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $25,000–$50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked on this project from September–December 2022.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They created a high-quality film that met our standards, and we’re pleased with the end result. The promotional video has engaged our audience because we’ve been able to showcase the beauty of the location virtually. Additionally, clients have shared positive feedback, making the video valuable for our sales process. We’ve shared the film on our website, YouTube, and official social media accounts.

How did Dot Films perform from a project management standpoint?

We discussed the budget ahead of time, and Dot Films delivered the project within budget. Everything went according to plan, and they delivered results on time. They were very responsive to our feedback. We used WhatsApp for calls and Frame.io to share videos. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Dot Films had great ideas, and I was impressed with the quality of their final output. Their thought process aligned with our vision, and they delivered great work with minimal direction.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s always room for improvement, but they did a great job. I would encourage them to keep trying new things.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I recommend approaching the project with a solid idea of what you want so that Dot Films can help you achieve the final output.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm Executive Producer. I coordinate between local production companies and the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Dot Films, and what were your goals?

We wanted to do an authentic Indian production.

SOLUTION

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

We chose the production company based on their portfolio, and we believed they could fit to the job.

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

In the first stage we sent a brief to the production company, then we set expectations and moved on to the casting stage and choosing the location. Dot Films was available for any changes we wanted.

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

Yashi, the producer of Dot Films was in contact with me throughout the whole process. She made sure to keep me updated on any progress and any changes.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The results were uploaded to the Artlist footage catalog.

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

We communicated through emails and Google Meet meetings. They met the entire schedule we set.

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

The company is located in the heart of India and can do authentic projects on the other side of the world. They are talented locals who knows the area.

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

After our work together, we sat down to retrospective meeting and talk about how we could improve the work so that we could get even better results in the next project we will do together

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the creative director and Co-founder of a marketing and events agency based in Mumbai, called Magnanimous. I am also the founder of a sustainable clothing brand called "I Am Animal". We are 100% organic, vegan and fair-trade certified brand in the business of designing and digitally selling athleisure and active-wear clothing.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Dot Films, and what were your goals?

To execute my vision for, a brand launch film for our first collection , I knew that i could not compromise on the talent and skill required to create something spectacular. After having with worked with their team before, I knew that Dot Films, was a league and class apart from any other agencies that ive worked with. Their team

SOLUTION

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

I required a highly skilled and stylish DOP and crew to execute my vision and i knew that the team at DOT were the only ones for the job. I also knew that, besides bringing the right DOP, i would get unparalleled support in terms of planning, and overall execution with the DOT films team. In addition, the caliber and dynamics i wanted to achieve in terms of edit, needed to be on point. The guys at DOT always bring their A-game, and the kind of passion that lacks in most agencies these days.

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

The first step was to ideate and create a concept for the film for which we spent 2 days together, bouncing off ideas and references. Post which, we went hunting to secure the right locations. Then casting and finalising styling which was foillowed by a very thorough breakdown of screenplay. Once screenplay was sorted, we had to plan a very tight and struct schedule as we had a time constraint at the outdoor location.

Thanks to great planning and timely solutions and super improvising we were able to capture and film a massive 16 shots in what i like to call a "record-breaking time" :). Post this came the edit, both offline and online. This is another segment where DOT shines. Outstanding team effort with incredible support through and through this process

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

My point of contact for the entire process was Mr Shrey D. from Dot Films. An exceptionally talented young gentlemen, who ensured my vision was met, come what may. I was also liaising with Mr Piyush K. for planning and commercials.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The film was loved and appreciated by many people and played a major role in showcasing the level of style, language and positioning of the brand. It continues to be spoken about within the industry as a unique, fresh and very stylish brand film. We managed to capture the vibe and philosophies of the brand perfectly.

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

I got to learn alot from this team with regards to process and planning. As an event planner, i thought i knew the production game like the back of my hand, but working with this team proved me wrong. From the professional outlook, insights, meeting, strict adherence to timelines and deliverables and even the new tools that i have picked up from this project, The experience waas nothing short of remarkable.

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

Their level of passion, dedication, and commitment to creating something great was unmatched!

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

Expansion of team to more cities. We could use a-lot more of this level of creativity , drive and passion.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the creative chief at the Experience Co. Our company is about six years old, and we’ve been trying to increase the creative economy of India. We do creative residencies, traveling for about eight months out of the year.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Dot Films?

It was always challenging to convey our project insights within a four-minute video. We were unable to identify how to solve the problem. Our main intention with ​​Dot Films was to establish a storyline and structure that gave our audience insights into our projects.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

When we kickstarted the project, we gave Dot Films a full project brief highlighting our request to storyboard our processes. Our in-house team usually dove deep into what each project did in their explanations, but we wanted a macro-level perspective for our explainer video. 

Each of our projects had a very different intent behind them, and each day highlighted a different aspect of a person’s creative process. We wanted to showcase each of those days on film. Then, we documented the emotions and sentiments about our previously hosted projects and gave the results to Dot Films. 

Once they had all the relevant information, Dot Films spent a week handling the pre-production, which included script writing. Then, Dot Films filmed and edited the video, which took about three weeks. Since we had specific needs, Dot Films provided some of their own equipment and also rented some. 

What is the team composition?

We’ve worked with two teammates from Dot Films, the creative director and the director of photography. 

How did you come to work with Dot Films?

I met Yashi (Co-Founder & Creative Producer) while on vacation. The engagement started because they were working in Goa, which was where our project was. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested around $1,200 with Dot Films, which incorporated the travel and equipment rental allowances. 

What is the status of this engagement?

Our ongoing relationship with Dot Films began in October 2021.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Dot Films delivered the four-minute video, which has been published on our website and Instagram account. We look at three factors when it comes to our content. In terms of engagement, we saw a threefold increase in saves. In shares and comments, we saw a 600% increase. We’re still accumulating likes six months after posting the video. My team really likes working with them, so we’re constantly looking to plan more projects with them.

The video has definitely accomplished what we wanted. We depend a lot on our ticket sales, and our content marketing plays a critical role in our sales. We saw a decent increase in inquiries from Goa after the video was published. 

How did Dot Films perform from a project management standpoint?

We had a very strict deadline for this project, and we went into pre-production a week after we started our engagement. Dot Films broke the project down well so we’d meet our deadlines. The first 14 days went very smoothly, and then, to our surprise, our post-production went well because both teams were on the same page. They delivered the final product two days before the deadline. 

My team is very well organized and structured. We use Discord to communicate and manage the project with Dot Films in Notion.  

What did you find most impressive about them?

Dot Films was good at conceptualizing our ideas. We gave them a brief and general idea of what the film should be like. It can be difficult to deliver a concept, but Dot Films did an excellent job. They’re a young company, and I think, going forward, they’ll become B2B superstars. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

The project would’ve been more efficient if they had all the needed equipment, but I believe they’re already working towards that goal.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m one of the singer-songwriters in the pop band Junglee.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Dot Films, and what were your goals?

We needed to create our first live action music video for our band but we didn’t what to cut corners on concept and screenplay even through we were a little cash strapped. Also, we wanted to make sure it could come out looking extremely professional.

SOLUTION

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

We had heard about them through some friends.

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

We first brainstormed multiple concepts for the video with them. They then took one of those concepts and fleshed out a script for us. The concept ended up needing multiple actors so we asked our friends to participate. The shoot itself took three 3 full days and then post production about 2 weeks.

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

We worked primarily with Rhiju, Shrey and Yashi and the feedback back-and-forth was quite prompt and we didn’t need to get into any major points of feedback.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our first music video came out looking extremely professional and better than we expected. It’s currently standing at 44K views on YouTube and it was raved out by our peers and otherwise too.

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

Their project management is thorough and has a human touch, which isn’t all that cold and distant. They were honest about what they did and didn't overpromise, which was appreciable.

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

Their commitment to your cause and just general uncompromising nature.

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

They could have maybe involved us a little more during the edit phase but that’s just me.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CMO of COLLEGE VIDYA

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

College Vidya 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Dot Films to accomplish?

• Counseling
• Marketing
• IT

SOLUTION

How did you find Dot Films?

• Referral
• Other

Why did you select Dot Films over others?

Company values aligned

How many teammates from Dot Films were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Commercial film production 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

A catchy jingle based film 

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

Yes 

What was your primary form of communication with Dot Films?

Virtual Meeting

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

I was impressed with their understanding of the brief

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

Multiple dimensions for every medium 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Sr. Manager, Content of Storyblocks

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

A video production platform that reimagines stock media to support rapid video creation.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Dot Films to accomplish?

• Produce collection of video assets

SOLUTION

How did you find Dot Films?

Other

Why did you select Dot Films over others?

• High ratings
• Company values aligned

What was the size of Dot Films’s team?

6-10 Employees

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

Dot Films produced a collection of 180 video assets themed around the modern Indian kitchen and family.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Produce specified number of unique video clips (180-200).

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

Dot Films created a pitch deck with all decision points and creative ideas, which we walked through over zoom together. Production was originally one day but did spillover into a second day (at no additional cost). While the timeline did get extended, the work produced was excellent.

What was your primary form of communication with Dot Films?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email
• Messaging App

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

They had a hardworking, creative team that shared our vision for more diversity in stock media.

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

N/A