Gardner Productions Group

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I was the executive VP of the Canadian Friends of The Hebrew University, a nonprofit organization that serves as the fundraising arm of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Canada. I’m still working with them but in a part-time capacity.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Gardner Productions?

Our relationship with Gardner Productions goes back many years. Originally, we were looking to create videos that highlighted our fundraising goals and needs. We also wanted to share with our potential supporters what they could give money to and what they were giving money to.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Gardner Productions helped us with video production. I was never on site with Stephen (President & Executive Producer), but I know that he and his team helped us with a number of things in Toronto. They also filmed a very good video in Israel, and we used both materials for different things.

They were very good at cutting, pasting, and dividing the material to create different videos. We kept working together, and they created around 15–20 videos in total for us.

What is the team composition?

Stephen was our main point of contact. We worked with at least two other people in Toronto, but I don’t know if he brought a photographer to Israel or hired someone there.

How did you come to work with Gardner Productions?

For the first 10 years, around the late 1990s, we worked with a few different companies to help us with video production. Then, our communications director at the time found Stephen. I’m not sure who found whom or how they met, but we started working with Gardner Productions.

How much have you invested with them?

The preproduction cost varied from project to project. For example, the production in Israel was obviously more expensive than what we did in Toronto. However, the average project cost was between $10,000–$20,000, depending on how extensive the production was.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together around 2005, and the last video we did together was in 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Gardner Productions always went above and beyond the call of duty. In the last production we did, the major donor and honoree was being difficult to work with, but Stephen was very patient. He smiled, persevered, and came through with flying colors. The videos they did for our fundraising dinners were always impressive, and the reactions were always very favorable.

How did Gardner Productions perform from a project management standpoint?

Gardner Productions performed very well, and there was never an issue with our communication. Stephen was very hands-on. He was always a phone call away, and we sometimes met either in his office or ours.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Having worked with larger companies, I loved Gardner Productions because they were a smaller one, so they offered a very hands-on approach. We didn’t have to wait a long time to get anything back from them.

I also always found Stephen to be very responsible, and he always knew their capabilities. If he said that something would be done in two weeks, it was. If he told us that they couldn’t do something within two weeks, we knew what to expect.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t have any constructive criticism to add. We went back to them time and time again; if we hadn’t been happy, we wouldn’t have done so. We would work with them again in a minute.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Have honest communication, provide details about your goals and expectations, and be open to creating a positive, back and forth environment.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

As co-founder of a Toronto-based content marketing agency, we specialize in business-to-business brand development, marketing strategy, and content development such as video, podcasts, blogs, websites, white papers, and advertising campaigns.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Gardner Productions, and what were your goals?

The project required volunteers from different areas around the world to test our client's new mobile app. We invited Gardner Productions to participate in the social media campaign by helping us create a video that generates awareness of the new mobile app and encourages trials of the mobile app in a short period of time.

SOLUTION

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

Having worked with Gardner Productions in the past twelve years on numerous projects, we have confidence in Stephen and his team to achieve the objectives of the project and develop a compelling video that excels at storytelling.

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

We provided Stephen's team with an outline and approved script for a 60 second animated video. Gardner Productions told ownership of the art direction and storyboard process, and delivered a storyboard for client review and approval.

They began the voice over talent search and provided us with a short list of recommendations. Once the client approved a v.o. artist, Gardner Productions quickly developed an animated sequence for client review and approval. Then, they produced the entire video animation on time and on budget.

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

We worked primarily with Stephen Gardner. The feedback process was structured as rounds of revisions as to consolidate inputs from various stakeholders in the project. It happened very smoothly as Stephen has the experience to communicate his ideas very effectively.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The campaign containing the video surpassed expectations. A larger number of participants downloaded the new mobile app and provided the desired user data and engagement rate.

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

Gardner Productions provided us with a production schedule based on the launch date presented by the client. Email and telephone were the primary communication tools for this project. The timelines were tight and every team member delivered quick turnaround to meet the client deadline.

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

Working with Gardner Productions enabled all parties involved in this project to achieve success.

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

This project like many before with Gardner Productions went swimmingly, a great customer experience.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the SVP of Material

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Global fully integrated consultancy working with bluechip clients to map insights to growth defining actions.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Gardner Productions Group to accomplish?

• Client Awareness/Brand Equity

SOLUTION

How did you find Gardner Productions Group?

Referral

Why did you select Gardner Productions Group over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Gardner Productions Group were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Video brand assets (original and stock) 

Short & long form social edits

Industrial use brand sizzle video

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Creative and resouceful financial options/solutions

Fast and modular appraoch for max flexibilty of production and assets

Ownership personally involved on the ground end-end

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

On-time, personal & proactive communication

Timely and meaningful problem solving

What was your primary form of communication with Gardner Productions Group?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting

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

Gardner Productions Group is a production house with heart and passion. Dedicated creative craftspeople with cutting edge skills and knowledge of AI and other emmerging technology. Their focus is on making it work and are genuine partners delivering solutions without compromise.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Gardner Productions Group could have done differently?

Great Partners!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am a Consultant of StrategyCorp Inc.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Consulting firm

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Gardner Productions to accomplish?

• Relay our client's community impact via short explainer videos

SOLUTION

How did you find Gardner Productions?

Referral

Why did you select Gardner Productions over others?

• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Gardner Productions were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Gardner productions helped us develop three 1-2 minute explainer videos for our client. Two videos were animated, one used only live-action footage, which was filmed and directed by Gardner productions. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our client was thrilled with the outcome of this project. These videos were shared throughout the company and publicly on social media as well. Each video was very well-recieved by senior team members at the company. 

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

Gardner productions delivered high quality assests on time. Their team was very flexible when it came to meeting our tight timelines and was very accomodating with our edits. 

What was your primary form of communication with Gardner Productions?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Their team was responsive and professional, and they were a joy for our client to work with during on-site filming. 

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

None! Looking forward to working with them in the future. 

UPDATED REVIEW

This review was published on (08/30/2022).

John Perenack
Principal, StrategyCorp Inc.Consulting

Toronto, Ontario

51-200

Nov 2021 - Jan 2022

$10,000 to $49,999

Verified

Project summary
Gardner Productions produced a video for a public affairs firm featuring a high-profile transaction. 

Feedback summary
Gardner Productions'  efforts have been met with positive acclaim. The team paid close attention to detail that delivered an exceptionally high-quality product.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm a Principal at a public affairs firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Gardner Productions, and what were your goals?

Support for a high-profile business transaction.

SOLUTION

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

Gardiner prodcutions was selected based on its reputation and sales offering.

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

This information is confidential.

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

We worked wtih Steven directly and he offered an excellent process. He was attentive to detail and delivered an execllent product.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

HIs work helped enable a high profile public announcement and successful launch.

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

Gardiner Productions offered excellent service with great attention to detail. Project was on time and on budget.

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

Gardiner delivered an exceptionally high quality product

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

No

STARS RATING

Overall rating: 5   

Quality: 5   

Cost: 5   

Schedule: 5   

Willing to refer: 5   

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of Fuse Creative Works

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Fuse Creative Works produces branded marketing videos for internal and consumer audiences.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Gardner Productions to accomplish?

• Deliver client key messages
• Maintain a difficult production schedule
• Provide clear communication and feedback

SOLUTION

How did you find Gardner Productions?

• Online Search
• Referral

Why did you select Gardner Productions over others?

• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Gardner Productions were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

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

Travel to mutliple locations in the US & Canada and conduct a series of interviews with multiple Stakeholders, making sure to capture the key messages from each interview.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Each video segment was reviewed directly by multiple clients to ensure consistencey in the brands key messages.

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

The pre-production, production & post-production process were very smooth, with clear communications and frequent check points to ensure alignment. Thorughout the process, they were responsive, providing clear updates.

What was your primary form of communication with Gardner Productions?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting

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

I felt that Gardner Productions' approach to the production process aligned with my own expectations; creating a collaborative environment where the crew could perform at their best.

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

N/A

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Principal of a consulting company

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Strategic communications

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Gardner Productions to accomplish?

• High-quality video
• Raise awareness and support

SOLUTION

How did you find Gardner Productions?

Referral

Why did you select Gardner Productions over others?

• High ratings
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Gardner Productions were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Series of videos to raise awareness and build support for the client's initiatives.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Successful videos, appreciated by the clients and their stakeholders

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

Gardner Productions provided a clear production timeline, and updated it regularly as the project progressed. Everything was delivered on time and on budget, and we we always kept informed of the project status right through to completion.

What was your primary form of communication with Gardner Productions?

• In-Person Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

They showed commitment to understanding our strategic needs and creating videos that delivered the emotional impact so important to the client.

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

All good.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Owner/Designer of KENNETH BELL SALES

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We design and import fashion jewellery from around the world

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Gardner Productions to accomplish?

• To assist with our website and marketing our business

SOLUTION

How did you find Gardner Productions?

Referral

Why did you select Gardner Productions over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Gardner Productions were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Gardner Productions were very detailed and service oriented. They assisted my marketing manager with up to date and forward marketing strategies.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• We are happy with the increase in sales since hiring Gardner Productions through our marketing and advertising campaigns

What was your primary form of communication with Gardner Productions?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

They were right on it each step of the way. Stephen was great to work with and everything we asked for was done on time. Communication is key with us and every goal was met and every email was answered almost immediately. Even when Stephen was away on business he still answered us. We couldn't be happier with Stephen and his Team!

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

The most impressive quality was the communication . Questions were answered almost immediately . It's great to work with a very service oriented company.This doesn't happen too often these days so we were very impressed with Gardner Productions.

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

I only wish we had known about Gardner Productions sooner but other than that we are 100% satisfied with the work they did for us. We have told other companies about the great work from Stephen and his Team!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Vice President of Halpern Enterprises

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Importer of wines and spirits.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Gardner Productions to accomplish?

• promotion of event

SOLUTION

How did you find Gardner Productions?

Referral

Why did you select Gardner Productions over others?

• High ratings
• Good value for cost

What was the size of Gardner Productions’s team?

2-5 Employees

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

Promotional video to secure future sponsors

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• look of finished product

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

On time

What was your primary form of communication with Gardner Productions?

• In-Person Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

They were easy to communicate with and self directed

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

none

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the Project Director of a non-profit Healthcare Collaborative.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Gardner Productions?

To create a video.

SOLUTION

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

Recomendation

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

Video production.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Positive feedback from viewers.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Their workflow was collaborative.

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

Cooperation!

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

None

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the director of Global Communications and Digital Channels for Fix Network World. Fix Network World is a global leader in collision, glass and mechanical repair services, with more than 2,000 points of service world-wide.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Gardner Productions, and what were your goals?

Gardner Productions provided support and expertise for a corporate video that was produced in 2021. We wanted to use excerpts to make a second video that targeted potential franchisees. The goal was to show the benefits of joining Fix Network.

SOLUTION

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

Gardner Productions partnered with us previously, and we were happy with their work.

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

We reviewed b-roll and provided shots that we wanted in our second video.

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

We worked with Stephen and Chris and their support and quick communication was outstanding.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our team liked the video so much we've been asked to make it for global use.

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

We used email and phone calls to work through the process.

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

Stephen's quick response to questions and emails.

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

No.