Explainly

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m one of the co-owners of Shasta Power, a private equity-funded solar development company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Explainly?

We needed someone to provide us with video production services.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Explainly provided us with three tiers of animated video production, including two-dimensional animation, video length, and additional production services.

Their process had us pick a tier, decided on the length of the film, and negotiated an agreement. They then set us up with a Trello account as the main project management dashboard with the entire timeline of the project, as well as the storyboard, script, voiceover progress, animation drafts, and design.

We then collaborated on the entire production process and once that was done, they edited the video and delivered the final product.

What is the team composition?

Our main point of contact was Madhuri (Senior Project Manager), but we also worked with a large team of about 12 people.

How did you come to work with Explainly?

We started with an internet search, but we also had an ad consultant who helped us decide on our explainer video’s production team.

We decided to go with Explainly based on their positive reviews, pricing, and quality of production.

How much have you invested with them?

We invested about $13,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from November 2021–January 2022.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our feedback for the quality of the video is high as they did a phenomenal job of providing us with great content and opportunities for changes along the way.

Moreover, we really liked the video as there were some clever nuances to the animation and they were always willing to edit some aspects of the video.

How did Explainly perform from a project management standpoint?

They were spot-on from a project management perspective despite having some organic delays like the holiday season.

Trello was our centralized location for communicating, providing feedback, and identifying edit points, but we also used emails and video conferencing to interact.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I would say it’s the quality of their process, as it also encapsulates their efficiency and value. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything they need to improve on, other than reassuring their client that they can help produce their ideas even if they lack the creative skills to do so.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I would advise them to have a clear vision of what they’re trying to accomplish beforehand so they can achieve better results.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I run a production company which does live action and animation for clients. I'm the president of the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Explainly?

To do an animated explainer video for one of my clients.

What were your goals for this project?

To deliver a high-quality 2D animated video that met the clients' creative vision.

SOLUTION

How did you select Explainly?

I interviewed about 6 different animated companies and was impressed with the professionalism and immediate understanding of what I needed to accomplish.

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

The video was an explainer video for the non-profit organization that is a client of mine. It was a 2:15 video with a script that I provided and visuals I suggested. We worked closely to match the visuals the script and went back and forth on style frames and illustrations until I and the client were happy.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

They provided a clear way to leave feedback, addressed the feedback quickly and effectively. I was impressed with the smoothness of the process.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We don't have any data on viewership yet, but the client was thrilled with the project and the way it turned out. The success for me is predicated on my client being happy with the process and product, and they are.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very effective. They were quick, responsive and understood my notes right away.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The professionalism, the quick changes, the initial grasp of the concept and the great communication with the project manager.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Just regarding billing. They expect payment very quickly; I would suggest a Net 15.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am VP of client services at a scientific engagement agency serving the pharmaceutical industry, also spearheading our marketing function.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Explainly?

We needed a video that introduced our firm and services to a new audience for lead generation purposes.

What were your goals for this project?

We sought to create a compelling video that easily explained how we address client pain points.

SOLUTION

How did you select Explainly?

Explainly came recommended from a colleague.

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

We already had a vision, script and assets but needed a partner who could bring it to life - from storyboarding to animation to production -- in a quick timeframe.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

The project management process was so smooth via Trello, to easily share assets, see the timeline, get notified when things were ready for review, and log approval. We worked smoothly through the three rounds of feedback.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We are about to launch the video with our marketing campaign and new website, and am confident it will generate interest in our services as well as serve as a great tool for brand awareness.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Our project manager at Explainly was super responsive and flexible. We also had a clear view of timeline and next steps at every juncture of the project.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Our team was very patient and flexible, and overall it was a very positive collaborative experience. They have their process down pat!

Are there any areas for improvement?

We were very satisfied with this partnership.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the marketing manager of a career management platform for executive talent.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Explainly?

We hired Explainly to create a product video that succinctly described our main tools and resources and how we're unique in the market. We wanted the video to motivate potential members and position our company as a solution to the career challenges they may be facing.

What were your goals for this project?

We had various goals for this project - firstly we wanted to be able to provide a visual explanation into the company that we could use across a range of social media platforms (mainly LinkedIn) as well as on our website and in our email campaigns.

We anticipate the video will have a positive impact on increasing our brand awareness and membership sales moving forward.

SOLUTION

How did you select Explainly?

We researched various companies for this project - ultimately Explainly offered a great mix of creativity and quality and were within budget. The team were extremely helpful and responsive and it felt like they understood our vision from the get go.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Once we decided on the scope of the project (overall budget, length etc). we were asked to fill out a questionnaire. From there, the Explainly team created a script for the video.

We were able to provide edits to the script and once that was finalized the design process started. We were shown style frame options to make sure the video was going to be in line with our brand standards. We provided screenshots of our product, to be used for the animation.

We also were able to choose the voice over which we thought would be most fitting. We were given multiple review options for each stage of the process which allowed us to ensure the video was exactly what we wanted it to be.

What was the team composition?

We worked with two points of contact on the Explainly team. Any feedback we had was addressed extremely quickly.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We've received really positive feedback thus far - internally and externally. We've had high engagement rates on social media and expect this to continue.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Extremely effective. The Explainly team always stuck to their timeline and were very patient when we were delayed in moving to the next stage.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They took the time to understand exactly what our company offered. It can be somewhat confusing explaining our USP and the Explainly team were able to understand exactly what we were trying to convey in the video.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Not that I can think of

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the Product Marketing lead for cybersecurity company

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Explainly?

To created 3D animated product explainer videos.

What were your goals for this project?

We created videos for our website and social media channels.

SOLUTION

How did you select Explainly?

We did extensive research online and also asked for referrals from peers. We narrowed it down to two potential companies. We made the decision based on the proposal and budget.

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

Once we selected Explainly, they started working with us to get to know our goals and our product portfolio. We collaborated on the script and storyboarding process. The results is a seres of 6 videos for our website and social media channels.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

They use Trello boards to manage the project. We found this tool easy to collaborate, share feedback and assets.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We just launched the new videos, but so far the feedback has been extremely positive about the quality and how engaging they are. We have thousands of views!

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The project manager was extremely organized and an effective communicator. They use Trello boards to manage the project and it was very simple to collaborate, share feedback and assets.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

It was a pleasure to work with the Explainly team to create a series of product explainer videos for our SaaS solutions. They made the process super easy and took care of the end-to-end process.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We were satisfied with their work. They are extremely professional, organized and easy to work with.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

My company is a B2B IT company headquartered in Walnut Creek, CA. We provide a development platform for software vendors and system integrators. I'm the Product Marketing Manager, responsible for my company's marketing initiatives.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Explainly?

Our product is very high-tech and difficult for non-technical people to understand. We needed a video that can introduce my company and our product in an inspiring, easy-to-understand way.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to create an animated video that can introduce my company and our product in an inspiring way.

SOLUTION

How did you select Explainly?

I posted on LinkedIn and my personal social media about the need of a video production company. We were also introduced to several companies that our employees know about. Explainly's CEO contacted me and sent me their portfolios. My team and I reviewed their sample videos and proposals then decided to go forward with Explainly.

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

Once we selected Explainly, they sent me a form to fill out basic information and files. They started to learn about our company, our product, and what we hoped to achieve from the project. They then set up a project management/collaboration platform called Trello where we communicated and collaborated throughout the project. First step was script and storyboard. Then they sent us style frames, music, voiceover, animation to review. There are 2 review rounds for each step.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Each step has 2 rounds of review/feedback. Our project manager communicated and submitted deliverables over Trello. We offered feedback and comments in Trello or in the storyboard directly.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We received a lot of compliments about the video when we shared it with our employees, partners, and customers.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The project manager was very responsive and gave us frequent updates. They always provided us with the estimated delivery date of a deliverable or revision and they stuck to that timeline. They communicated very clearly about what they've done for each revision.

We were able to comment directly on the video or frames. The project manager and her team also gave us a lot of helpful suggestions when we were stuck with ideas for the frames, or when we tried to figure out the style of the video.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was most impressed with Explainly about the way they organize communication and collaboration, as well as about the quality of the animation. They have a very creative team who provided us with ideas and suggestions that were helpful.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Headquartered in New Castle, Pa., Berner combines engineering, state of the art equipment, and highly skilled workers to produce the most efficient, good looking, cost-effective, reliable air curtains on the market. We ship worldwide. I am the content marketer tasked with creating and managing all of our content that goes out into the world to market our air curtains.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Explainly?

For two videos to explain our new product, the PureAir Package which is an air disinfection system for air curtains that uses Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization to clean the air.

What were your goals for this project?

We needed a sales tool for our team to be able to show and help explain this new technology to potential customers since it can be a complicated topic.

SOLUTION

How did you select Explainly?

I did research on firms that had experience with creating video animations within the manufacturing industry. My team and I interviewed 3 and went with Explainly because of how much it was clear that their upbeat, positive company culture matched ours.

Each firm we met with could have gotten the job done, but we connected with our team immediately and felt we would have the best experience with them.

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

We had meetings at first to explain this new product and technology and how it was being applied to our air curtains. Explainly uses Trello boards which made sending them informational documents, assets, and images very easy and simple.

From there, Explainly drafted up scripts for both of our videos. Once those were ironed out, they narrowed down the style we wanted and created style frame examples, and then complete style frames.

They gave us several voice and music options to pick from and each phase of the process had two edits included from myself and my marketing manager.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Explainly uses Trello Boards to conduct file sharing and content reviewing. Ben was our main contact but there was a team in the background developing the video. For each stage of the project, we had two edit rounds included in the price.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have only recently launched the videos on our website and social so I can't comment on any metrics. However, our internal sales team is very happy with it and anticipate uses it often to explain to our customers how this technology works, which was our goal when we set out to create it.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Ben at Explainly was extremely responsive and involved from day one. We had scheduled meetings that he arranged but he also was available most of the time during the day to hop on a quick call if we ever needed clarification on anything to keep the process moving forward. They used Trello Boards and the way that it was organized and utilized made for a very easy process.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The organization was one of the best things about Explainly in their process and communication. I never had to wonder where our project was at or what was needed of me or my team. We also really enjoyed the positive attitudes and willingness to learn about our product thoroughly to make the best video possible.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I can't think of anything at this point.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I was the SVP of Marketing and Communications for the American Marketing Association. We are the San Francisco Chapter

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Explainly?

I needed to increase engagement for our online channels so I asked them to help me figure out an intro video that would be cross-platform, that stand out, and that capture the attention in order to grab more eyes organically.

What were your goals for this project?

Increase the CTR of all our social platforms to our landing pages

SOLUTION

How did you select Explainly?

Explainly created a very engaging animation that was on brand and captured the attention until the end. This video is cross-platform and customizable, something that allows us to reuse over and over.

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

It utilizes the brand symbols, textures and patterns, and colors. They brainstormed with me, then they created basic storyboards, asked for my feedback and they created Round 1. It only took one or two rounds to nail it.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

We used Trello all the way, back and forth. It worked well.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The video looks great, but most importantly, it worked, it had the thumb-stopping power that I was looking for. CTR increased by 23 %. More than expected

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was mainly me and Andy Toizer and as I mentioned, we worked well through Trello.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their talent and professionalism set them apart.

Are there any areas for improvement?

N/A

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Director of Marketing at Amper, an OEE and machine monitoring solution for manufacturing companies.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Explainly?

Since our solution is a fairly new idea to our market, we needed a quick, 1 minute video that explains what we do.

What were your goals for this project?

1. Concisely explain what our company does to prospects & investors, 2. Create an animated video to use in marketing material

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We evaluated a few different freelancers & agencies.

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

First, we wrote a script that the Explainly team gave feedback on/edited down. Next they laid out a few different style ideas, then they created a storyboard that we provided feedback on. After that, we chose a voiceover artist, while the team animated the storyboard. The process is broken into very definitive parts, with check ins and feedback loops that made it easy to ensure our project was going according to our expectations.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

They used Trello, a project management system, that was super easy to provide feedback/upload screenshots and communicate with their team and our internal team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

So happy with the results! The video explains exactly what we do in 1 minute.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was very effective.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The people! They were so easy going and quick to respond.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No! Great experience overall.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I manage strategy and ops at an e-commerce subscription company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Explainly?

Our company is launching a new product with a slightly complicated subscription model, and we wanted an explainer video to help customers understand how the product works and why they should use it.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted a fun explainer video that aligned with our brand to explain the new product.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I met with several different vendors and was most impressed with Explainly's work product, project management style, and price.

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

There were five main steps where we spent the majority of time during the process: script, style frames, storyboard, voice over, and animation. The review process was very simple using their project management board, and turnaround times between versions was very quick. Communicating with the Explainly team was easy.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

For each round of review, Explainly uploaded the deliverable to the project management board and I would simply open the board and review the deliverable. Then my team compiled feedback and submitted our feedback directly in the deliverable file. It was simple and easy. There were a few times we had quick phone calls to run through feedback when it was more complex.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We are still in beta and have not fully launched the product yet, but the video looks great.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Occasional hiccups but nothing major. We generally worked very well together.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The speed and quality of work!

Are there any areas for improvement?

It might be helpful to have quick 15 min calls after the first round of feedback for each new step of the process. There were miscommunications a couple of times that a phone call likely would have mitigated. Towards the end we did schedule some calls and it was very helpful.