FUSE Create

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We’re a nonprofit focused on workforce development that works with teens from diverse populations to introduce career paths in the entertainment industry. I’m our executive director.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with FUSE Create?

We’re trying to increase our brand awareness and kick-start our social media following. The ultimate goal was to get the word out about who we are, what we’re doing, and our students’ experiences in our program.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They developed a campaign for us around our mission, which is to elevate diverse young people into future careers. The focus of this specific effort was to highlight our students’ voices and how important they are to the future of the entertainment industry. FUSE devised a campaign around student testimonials that went out on our social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) and other digital channels.

FUSE produced the videos that made up the campaign. The work also required them to develop a lot of visuals and books for us. There was also some work done on LinkedIn and some of our local newspapers.

They shot the interviews with students themselves by partnering with a commercial production company. The videos were shot outside because of COVID. FUSE secured the location and then contracted the post-production, including audio mixing.

Other services included email marketing and marketing consultation.

What is the team composition?

Patrice (Executive Creative Director) was our lead creative resource on the project. A lot of different people were involved in its many facets, including Emily (Group Account Director), who acted as a coordinator. FUSE brought everyone we needed to the table in terms of the expertise we needed.

How did you come to work with FUSE Create?

They were a recommendation from someone FUSE had worked with in the past.

How much have you invested with them?

FUSE is doing the work pro bono, as we’re a small, growing nonprofit, but the value is probably around $100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from February 2020–January 2021. Even though we haven’t done any other projects with them, they’ve connected us with opportunities — including interview opportunities — for our students and team members in some publications. They continue to be a strong friend of our program.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Their work more than doubled our social media following and delivered around $16,000 in donations to our organization.

We’ve clearly seen an increase in our brand awareness, as well as traffic to our website and social media channels. Indirectly, they’ve helped us grow our mailing list by around 200 people.

How did FUSE Create perform from a project management standpoint?

Budget-wise, there were no unexpected costs. They notified us well in advance of hard costs that we couldn’t avoid. Everything was very reasonable. Deliverables came in on schedule. Any delays came from issues with approvals on our side. We communicated over a combination of email, Zoom meetings, and phone calls.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their ability to approach issues wholistically stands out. They plan a pattern of attack from multiple angles and build a campaign with all the necessary assets to execute that plan. If they didn’t have an expert immediately available, they would bring that expertise in from their existing network. They were uniquely able to consult for us at no extra cost.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I was happy to work with them, and they delivered everything they promised.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Let them do what they’re great at. Give your feedback, and don’t micromanage them. They’re great at being a holistic partner and having conversations with you.