Epipheo

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Marketing and Operations Coordinator at COPE CORRALES. We are a family office, wealth management, and business advisory firm in Washington, DC.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Epipheo?

Investments and financial services in general always come across as very complex and hard to understand what you are getting into. With our investment philosophy, we wanted to make it clear and easy to understand exactly what makes COPE CORRALES unique. Additionally, these types of videos are not typically done by financial firms, and we wanted to immediately differentiate ourselves in the marketplace.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

After searching for vendors, we chose Epipheo because -

1. They were quick to respond, set up calls, and walk us through the entire process
2. There was a level of professionalism throughout each call and email.
3. They proactively took an interest in understanding what it is we do and what we want to explain to clients.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

The scope of work included an initial kick-off call to get acquainted and discuss the goals of the project, as well as the timeline. Following that, we went into scripting. After that, we dove into story plans which featured going through the visuals to accompany the script.

After that, we went into production planning which gave us more of the feel of the story with visuals and voice-overs. Finally, we finished with full style boards, playblast, and half rendering - building up to the final animated project.

What was the team composition?

After officially signing on, we were introduced to our Account Manager and a team of two others including a creative director and art director. We also were made aware of other individuals working behind the scene of our project.

Our Account Manager was our main point of contact to schedule calls and send revisions, while the creative and art director led meetings to discuss comments and revisions.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have not launched our video yet, as that will come in the coming weeks, however we absolutely love it. The individuals that have seen it have been blown away by the quality, and the easiness to understand the concepts.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was incredible. Having one point of contact made it very clear from a communication standpoint. Everyone was on the same page. Feedback was taken well, and it did feel like we were a team, as opposed to clients.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their approach to wanting to understand exactly what we do so that the message can reflect that, was impressive. Additionally, I think the team atmosphere they created was very pleasant as a client to work with. Feedback was taken with open arms, timelines were met and we overall couldn't be happier.

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

I think getting a better idea of exactly what made up the animation process would have helped. As an outsider, I don't know what that all entailed and towards the end when we wanted to make changes we would be aware

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO and founder of a self-improvement app.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Epipheo?

We needed help marketing our product and building awareness for the product in a way that’s attractive to millennial customers.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Epipheo developed animated videos for ads and product promotion. I provided a brand script and what I wanted my product to do. First, we built storyboards and mood boards together. Once the script was completed, they moved onto animation.

What is the team composition?

I worked with four people, including Amy (Account Manager) and an executive producer.

How did you come to work with Epipheo?

I looked at some of the other companies Epipheo has experience working with, and I  wanted to be a part of that group.

How much have you invested with them?

I spent $15,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in October 2020, and we wrapped up in April 2021.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They were very patient with me since I didn’t know a lot about the process. They were also very creative in filling in the gaps for things that I don’t have the mind for. Epipheo was able to bridge the gap between my vision and the end goal.

How did Epipheo perform from a project management standpoint?

They were great. Everything took a bit longer than planned because I didn’t fully understand some aspects of my product. The team was patient and organized. When I set a date to meet, everyone on their end was ready to move forward. We used Google Drive, Google Meet, and email for project management and communication.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their ability to create stands out. I came in with a vision that I couldn’t articulate well. Epipheo was able to bring my vision to life so I can attract my ideal customer.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, nothing comes to mind. The extra time it took was my fault.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Make sure you know your product and goals well. The project will go smoother and faster if you’re able to answer all of their questions.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the Events Manager at REST.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Epipheo?

We needed to pivot our in-person gala to the virtual space. Part of that involved having an animated explainer video open our event. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement? 

I hired Epipheo to create that video, both for the premiere at our gala and to be a piece of content that we could use throughout the years. They produced an explainer animation that showed people the basics of what human trafficking looks like. 

What is the team composition? 

I had initial conversations with one person, and then I worked with two people on the actual project.

How much have you invested with them?

It was $17,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked on this project between July–October 2020. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We were very happy with the work received. It was an extremely tight turnaround — once we signed the contract, they had to hit the ground running. Despite that, I never felt like the quality was compromised. Even if we’d had more time, I believe we would’ve received the same excellent product.

I didn’t even know if Epipheo could take me on as a client, but they did. They gave me the same amount of attention that I’d expected and knew what we were trying to accomplish. To keep on track, we had checkpoints along the way that helped ensure we told the story we wanted to tell. If needed, they were quick to make any adjustments.

How did Epipheo perform from a project management standpoint?

They performed strongly here. We worked so closely together. The team moved us along, giving us clear expectations so that we could meet their deadlines. I also liked that they communicated clearly so that we could accomplish our goals.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Ultimately, we had a product that we were really proud of. We were creating a video about an extremely sensitive topic, and I appreciated that they took the time to learn about who we were as an organization. They didn’t come in with preconceived notions.

Even though they’d done work for other anti-trafficking companies, they didn’t say, “We get what you’re trying to do.” Instead, they said, “Tell us your story. What is it about your organization that sets you apart so that we can help you tell that story?” The time spent getting to know us was reflected in the final product.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The price point was a huge barrier for us. We made it happen, but it would’ve been beneficial if they had a price break for nonprofits vs big tech companies. That is to say, I paid the same as if I were at Google or Amazon. 

My entire budget for the event was $20,000, but $17,000 had to go to the video. If they really want to help nonprofits, then they should try to make that work more accessible to those organizations.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Do the work with your team first so that you know what you want before you pitch the project to them. We did that work in advance, so they were able to expedite the project. I’d also add that you should be open to making adjustments to your vision. Epipheo did give us some feedback on our idea to fine-tune it, and I’m so glad that we took their advice.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of marketing for Genesis Archery. We produce introductory level archery equipment.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Epipheo?

We wanted to build up our nonprofit partners. This has given me room to work on internal projects. We want to educate others on archery and, hopefully, encourage them to get into the sport.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They created videos and material that would attract new sponsors and boost credibility for our existing nonprofit partners.

What is the team composition?

I’ve worked with three touchpoints and one salesperson.

How did you come to work with Epipheo?

I was familiar with one of their sister studios, and they referred us to Epipheo.

How much have you invested with them?

We spend about $10,000–$15,000 per month.

What is the status of this engagement?

We kicked off the project in January 2020 and we continue to work together.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The caliber of their work is just unparalleled. They only produce top-notch content, and, as a result, we’re able to increase our content standards.

Our nonprofit partners have received more support from their boards as well because they’re able to demonstrate their message. It has caused growth already, and we still have room to grow. After our first few projects went so well, we decided to keep them on retainer.

How did Epipheo perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re good at managing touchpoints in order to keep up the schedule. The process has been repeatable and consistent across at least 10 projects so far.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They clearly care about what they’re doing and it shows in their work. They come to work with a winning mindset and always want to ensure we have a strong collaboration.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Nothing stands out to me.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Take your time to explore potential animation styles. It’s really easy to start working on something, and then discover a new style that you prefer, in which case you’ve missed an opportunity. So do your due diligence and explore every option, even if you need to pay for a few extra hours.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the VP of The Salvation Poem Foundation. We’re a nonprofit ministry devoted to sharing the gospel.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Epipheo?

We hired Epipheo to produce a video series based on a book that we have.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Epipheo did an initial three-minute video, the first in a series of 10 three-minute videos. They’re 2D animated videos that take the content of the book that we have and distill it down into easily consumable chunks for a broad audience. We’re in the middle of the project with them.

My team handled the scripting and the voice acting. They did the music production, the animation, and all of the mixing and rendering.

What is the team composition?

We work with six people from their team.

How did you come to work with Epipheo?

We had reached out to the BibleProject, the nonprofit ministry that makes videos about the Bible for free. We asked if they’d be willing to partner on this video project, but they said they didn’t have the capacity. They suggested that we reach out to Epipheo, because the founder of the BibleProject actually founded Epipheo as well. We took a look at their portfolio and decided we wanted to try doing the project with them.

How much have you invested with them?

The total project is over $200,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in April 2020, and it’s ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They’ve done great work, and the pricing is very fair. We’re very pleased with the quality of the animation. 

How did Epipheo perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re very timely. They clearly communicated what was expected of us and what they were going to deliver, so there were no surprises. We knew what we were going to get, and we got exactly what they said we’d get. We primarily communicate through video conference calls and email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

What sets them apart from other video production companies is that they offered their own artistic take on what we were doing and yet still made it ours. They made the video better than it would have been had we been producing it ourselves. Instead of just a simple work-for-hire, they’ve actually added quality to the project. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. I’ve been pleased with everything: the timing, the speed, the quality of the work, and the communication. It’s all top-notch.

Any advice for potential customers?

They’re good to work with.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a manager for a Fortune 500 facilities services company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Epipheo?

We engaged Epipheo to create an end-of-year video to share all our accomplishments with our employees.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Epipheo created the recap video using mostly animation. It was an internal video that we uploaded to a private Vimeo account to share at our 500 locations.

We had collected a lot of images and tech that we handed over to Epipheo. They then created a storyboard that summed up our achievements within three minutes. They kept each event distinct and with a good pace that was easy to follow.

What is the team composition?

We worked with 3-4 people from Epipheo.

How did you come to work with Epipheo?

Our company constantly produces videos. We have in-house video services, but we’re always looking for third-party firms and freelancers to up our capacity and to make sure we’re keeping up with the latest trends and technologies. Some of my marketing colleagues had worked with Epipheo before and recommended them to me for this project.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about $16,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project started in May 2019 and ended in August of the same year.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The video was well-received by our internal team. Any criticisms were about the ideas that we came up, not anything of Epipheo’s doing.

We measured the project’s success by how well Epipheo could complete it independently—in other words, with minimal handholding from our end. Once we gave Epipheo the assets and our approval on their storyboard, they took the project and ran with it—which was exactly what we wanted. I would definitely use their team again for future projects.

How did Epipheo perform from a project management standpoint?

Epipheo did a good job of keeping us on task. We had a couple of starts and stops, which caused us to need a more accelerated timeline. Epipheo reached that deadline for us no problem. They communicated what they needed by what date to maintain that timeline. This kept everyone honest and on the same page. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Epipheo sent us a few video messages to convey where we were with the project and what they were thinking. I’ve not had a vendor do that before, and it was nice not to have to read it all via e-mail. It also makes sense because video production is what they do. That method helped them stand out. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

Since we’re a large company, we have a cumbersome invoicing and billing process that is multi-layered and takes a while. Typically, vendors who work with large companies understand the process, but Epipheo wanted extra assurance that they would be paid within their requested timeline. I don’t handle billing with the projects; I hand it off to someone else who takes care of it. This created a bit of challenge from my end to get them paid as quickly as they asked.

Any advice for potential customers?

Communicate with Epipheo about the intended project deadline and payment timeline. Make sure you’re on the same page about who would handle invoicing and how quickly you’ll pay them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the CEO and founder of Exodus Cry. We're an anti-trafficking organization that works in the realm of intervention and outreach as well as prevention of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Epipheo?

We've been working on some longer feature films that will take years to produce. In the meantime, we wanted to have some short videos that we could use to push our message out. We needed a vendor to help us produce those short videos.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Epipheo created a number of short animated videos on the topic of prostitution. People often see human trafficking and prostitution as two separate things, whereas we see human trafficking as one way people enter into a larger system of exploitation that is prostitution. In these videos, we wanted to tackle some of the myths about prostitution being thought of as empowering or liberating. We also wanted to expand people's understanding of the issue. Epipheo helped us accomplish our goal and we continue working with them on other projects.

What is the team composition?

We worked with 8–10 people including our project manager.

How did you come to work with Epipheo?

I saw a video from one of their founders in which they were trying to help people discover their history through visual media. I liked their approach, so I reached out to them.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in 2017 and the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We shared the videos on our YouTube channel and our social media, and we got over a million views. We're also using the videos in some of our campaigns. We received a lot of feedback and people often say the videos helped them change their perspective. We can also use the videos for fundraising and to target lawmakers and donors.

How did Epipheo perform from a project management standpoint?

We mostly use email and phone to communicate and they've been very accommodating. They always try to push us in the right direction, while still making sure we get exactly what we want. I couldn't have asked for a better experience.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have a rare ability to pull out of people exactly what they need to accomplish the goal. We shared our ideas with them and they told us what they were hearing and how they thought we needed to package that. Also, they're kind and down-to-earth. They completely understand our vision and have a passion for what we do.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

There is no better place you can go to if you really care about expressing your vision in a clear, precise, and impactful way. Epipheo will build the team around your project and walk you through the whole process. They're not the cheapest, but you get what you've paid for.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the director of marketing at Easterns Automotive Group, a large family-owned used car dealership group.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Epipheo?

We wanted to develop unique messaging to separate our company from the other local car dealerships.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Epipheo helped us establish our distinct brand voice by producing a series of video commercials for TV and digital mediums. For longevity, we agreed to use animation instead of live-action shots. We gave them a basic concept of what we wanted to achieve, but their team had creative control over the storyline and animation style. They prepared an initial script with an accompanying storyboard, and our team reviewed their work and made edits; we repeated this process until the product met our expectations. Their team provided the voiceover work in English, but they sent copies without audio so that we could record in Spanish. Ultimately, they produced four 14-second videos and two 30-second commercials.

What is the team composition?

They assigned one point of contact to our account, but we interacted with all four members of their production team.

How did you come to work with Epipheo?

We worked with them four years ago on a similar project, so we knew that they were capable of bringing our vision to life.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $26,000 on their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

Production began in January 2019 and ended in March 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Epipheo delivered incredible content that is unlike anything else on the market. The messaging was clear and concise, the animation was innovative and aesthetically pleasing, and the sound mixing was phenomenal. They truly captured the essence of our brand.

How did Epipheo perform from a project management standpoint?

The timeline was clearly defined, which allowed them to navigate the project with ease. Instead of scheduling phone calls, they prepared videos for each milestone that showed their progress and highlighted areas that needed our review. Email was our main channel of correspondence. Their team was so transparent that we had no doubts about their success. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Epipheo exceeded our expectations for quality and creativity. Whether drafting the storyboard or executing the final product, their team always gave their full effort. It was nice to work with a partner who was on the same page.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Although they were not the most cost-effective option, Epipheo offered outstanding quality that will last us several years.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Working with a full-service video production company like Epipheo was an excellent investment because they had the resources to deliver a ton of original content at no extra cost.  

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the public relations manager at an IP management software company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Epipheo?

We were looking for a video that would best introduce our new products — the footage needed to tell our company story and journey with our client committee.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Epipheo managed all of the video production aside from the third-party voiceover artists that they worked with. We wrote the script, and they provided recommendations on how to tweak and update it.

What is the team composition?

The team has five people. My main points of contact are Tracey (Producer, Epipheo) and Chris (Managing Creative Director, Epipheo).

How did you come to work with Epipheo?

We found Epipheo after doing an extensive search on the top video vendors. After narrowing it down, I reached out to about ten of them. Epipheo had the full package.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent between $20,000–$25,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement started in November 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Epipheo was there from start to finish. Their creative team helped us envision how the messaging could become bigger and turned it into a compelling video. We’re in a complex industry, and their team obtained the goals we were looking for. Along with creating our vision, they communicated the right message to the right audience in the best way.

How did Epipheo perform from a project management standpoint?

There are some weeks where we talk multiple times a day and others where we didn’t communicate as much. We used email, conference calls, and phone calls to one person on their team. They do a fantastic job taking our ideas and merging them with their suggestions. During our first review cycle with them, their team provided recommendations for the script. We then put it ours and combined the two.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Epipheo’s team is extremely professional and responsive. We were impressed by the video file they sent over, which explained the direction they went in. It spoke volumes to us as a video vendor to see that in the first few days of working with them. In terms of listening to our requests, they were easy to work with and came up with the best solutions.

Are there any areas they could improve?

It’s great to work with a group that you can call and have them answer immediately. I also understand that they didn’t necessarily have that because of their workload. They can’t pick up phone calls every single time. I don’t have anything else for them to improve.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Clients should know the type of video they’re interested in. Take a look at their site and see all the different options. Think of what would work best for your company. Draft a script and send it to them, so they have an idea and something to work off of. I strongly recommend Epipheo.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m a senior product manager at Fifth Third Bank, one of the largest financial services providers in the US. I oversee our consumer-directed healthcare product line.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Epipheo?

We hired Epipheo to produce educational videos for our health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs). We needed to tailor the videos for the end users of the accounts.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was to provide a high-level overview of what an HSA and FSA are. We wanted to explain how they work, the differences between each account, and how consumers can benefit from them.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I received internal referrals from our marketing department and private banking team. They told me that Epipheo did quality work, that they were very responsive, and that they quickly understood products and concepts.

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

We had an initial meeting to discuss the project and what we wanted to accomplish. During this meeting, the Epipheo team explained the process clearly and what the expectations should be from both parties. From there, they scheduled a series of calls between the project start date and end date. We had several meetings to develop and finalize scripts, review proposed artwork, and make final edits to the videos. Epipheo produced six videos in total, each one lasting approximately 90 seconds.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

The Epipheo team let us request necessary changes throughout the project. As we were finishing up the first three videos, our digital team suggested that we include captions and descriptions. Epipheo hadn't done this before but worked diligently to come up with the solution within a short period. Our overall timeline was tight, but Epipheo worked hard to meet every milestone.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve been able to publish all of the videos that they created. Although it’s too soon to evaluate their impact, we’ve received favorable feedback from team members within our bank.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Epipheo honored our timelines and clearly explained each step of the process. At the same time, they were flexible regarding the changes we wanted to make. They held every call as planned, and all parties were always in attendance.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I found Epipheo to be very creative in their approach. They were always able to provide solutions on how to best communicate what we wanted to get across with each of the videos.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I can’t think of any. This was the first time that I was ever engaged with a company to produce videos, and Tracey (Producer, Epipheo) and the team made me feel at ease throughout the project. Epipheo made us feel like they were more of a partner than a vendor.