Grand Union Creative

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the VP of sales and marketing of Revcor Inc.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Grand Union Creative?

We wanted to improve brand awareness, bring out our organization’s culture, and highlight the value-based solutions we offer to our customers.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Grand Union Creative did a corporate video for us. Initially, we got together in person and set out a timeline. Then, we adhered to the timeline leading up to the crew coming here and doing an initial walk-through. They came back the next day with a whole crew and did the filming. They were in charge of the audio and video editing and mixing.

The video was about a minute and a half and included some animation.

What is the team composition?

We worked with 5–6 teammates, including Michael (Partner & Head of Creative) and Christian (Partner & Head of Production).

How did you come to work with Grand Union Creative?

They were a referral from a colleague who personally knew one of the individuals.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about $30,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with them from September–December 2023.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I don’t have information about the impact of the video, but Grand Union Creative met our expectations.

How did Grand Union Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

They delivered the work within budget and communicated well with us via phone calls, emails, and Zoom meetings.

Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review?

Christian came well-prepared; he did his homework on our company and knew exactly what our vision was. Then, he took the correct video with his team to incorporate our vision.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They understood the customer’s needs.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there wasn’t anything to improve.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I recommend Grand Union Creative for all your video needs.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the former director of marketing and communications of a nonprofit organization focused on executive leadership development programs.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Grand Union Creative?

We needed to create branding videos for our organization and its two programs to help us relaunch our new brand and website. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Grand Union Creative has produced three videos, each around three minutes long. The team has created informational and event synopsis videos, helping us think through the story we wanted to tell. Grand Union Creative has come up with ways to build these branding videos to convey a clear sense of who we are and what our process is. 

Grand Union Creative has laid a framework for us to follow, receiving three comprehensive videos that tell our story and share our brand. Grand Union Creative has come on site with their equipment and team prepared to get the needed materials. 

What is the team composition?

We work primarily with Christian (Partner, Head of Production) and Michael (Partner, Head of Creative), who has brought other teammates who manage lighting and cameras. We work with 2–4 teammates on any given project. 

How did you come to work with Grand Union Creative?

A teammate from my company had previously worked with Grand Union Creative and referred them to me.
How much have you invested with them?

We've spent between $50,000-$200,000 on this project.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Grand Union Creative in 2016, and our engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have received a lot of positive feedback for the branding videos, which feature some key community members, including faculty members, program participants, and corporate leaders. The team members who appear in the video are incredibly impressed and pleased with the final product's outcome. Grand Union Creative has been responsive to our feedback throughout the production process.

There is one series of videos we produced during the COVID-19 pandemic, so we had to be thoughtful about finding a space that allowed us to separate and distance ourselves safely while still being able to talk to each other.

The team recorded a conversation and produced a video under all the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic. Grand Union Creative was creative in finding a unique venue with the right furniture and bringing the correct lighting to make the production as seamless as possible despite all the challenges presented. 

How did Grand Union Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

Grand Union Creative meets deadlines and stays on budget. We have regular Zoom meetings, email communication, and face-to-face meetings.
Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review?

I want to highlight Christian and Michael, who are extremely responsive and conscientious. They always strive to produce a better product by offering creative ideas and different solutions while working with us to hit the deadlines within the budget we had set out to work with. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

I'm mostly impressed by Grand Union Creative's ability to present new ideas and build a creative and strategic deck to meet our desired goals and objectives. The team later executes production according to this deck using their skill set. Grand Union Creative helps us tell our story in an impactful and creative way, so it has more meaning. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything Grand Union Creative can improve on.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

I suggest being very clear about what you're trying to achieve. Be open to creative ideas and look at your goals from different perspectives. Grand Union Creative has the expertise to craft your video in a more compelling way.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the former Chief Investment Officer for a real estate development firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Grand Union Creative?

We wanted to create a professional, creative video within a reasonable budget.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Grand Union Creative created a marketing video to showcase a new building that our company was planning. We initially had several calls to discuss the vision for the video and the project’s underlying vision. Then, Grand Union Creative drafted a script, outlined a plan, and described the video footage imagery they’d have. 

Once we were all aligned on the vision, they went out and took some B-roll footage, hired a voice actor to read the script, and wove it all together with the architectural imagery we provided.

Since the video was for a building that wasn’t built yet, it was a bit complicated because they had to take present-day videos and animations and mesh them with the imagery of the future building. Grand Union Creative handled everything from beginning to end.

What is the team composition?

We worked with the two founders, and one was the head of production.

How did you come to work with Grand Union Creative?

They were a personal referral.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $16,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from June–October 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Since it was a real estate development project, we used the video on a targeted basis to market the building to prospective office tenants, and it was beneficial. Overall, Grand Union Creative’s quality work exceeded our expectations; it was comparable to or better than anything quoted at much higher prices.

How did Grand Union Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

They delivered on time and within budget. We communicated well through phone calls, emails, and Zoom calls.

Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review?

We worked most closely with Christian (Partner & Head of Production).

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were very creative and professional; the team knew what they were doing. Although they were a small firm, their work was comparable to much larger companies, and we got a tailored approach.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, we had no complaints; they were great.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I don’t have any advice on this front; it was very easy to work with them. Anyone can get good results with Grand Union Creative if they know what they want.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Executive Creative Director of The Food Group

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We're an ad advertising agency that specializes in food and beverages

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Grand Union Creative to accomplish?

• To help us bring our clients story to life through video
• To help expand their brand awareness

SOLUTION

How did you find Grand Union Creative?

Referral

Why did you select Grand Union Creative over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fits our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Grand Union Creative were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

We brought on Grand Union to help us create videos for a client. Three or four for Sentry Insurance and one for Sodexo. We brought on Grand Union to help us create videos for a client. The scope of the work was fully completed videos from start to finish... everything from prep to production to post

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

All the videos were a huge success. So much so that the companies are still doing them to this day. They brought the style and tone that Grand Union and I set up and used it as a template that their in house production company still follows

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

Grand Union was 100% attentive. They delivered quality items on time and exceeded our needs.

What was your primary form of communication with Grand Union Creative?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

The passion. You won't find a group more dedicated to solving your problems and your client's problems than Grand Union.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Grand Union Creative could have done differently?

None.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm a producer at a brand strategy agency. All of our work starts with strategy, but sometimes it leads to creative execution. Our projects have included websites, videos, and other types of campaigns.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Grand Union Creative?

We needed help with a case studio video at a recycling plant, as well as some accompanying photography for the project.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Grand Union Creative provided us with video production and photography. We contacted them before we even approved the project with the client. We told them that we wanted to do a case study. We then storyboarded and pitched the work with them and got an estimate for the budget.

Grand Union Creative was involved in all the initial phases of the project. For example, they were present on onboarding calls with people working at the recycling plant to make sure that production would run smoothly on the day of filming.

We actually were on set with Grand Union Creative for two days, getting the footage captured and the audio recorded. Ultimately, their team edited the video for us as well. The team delivered a 3–4 video featuring a case study.

What is the team composition?

We worked with four teammates from Grand Union Creative, including Christian (Partner & Head of Production), Michael (Partner & Head of Creative), a videographer, and a gaffer.

How did you come to work with Grand Union Creative?

We found them through a referral. Before working on this project, we hired a photographer who worked closely with Grand Union Creative. When we asked him if he knew someone who could help us with video production, he presented them.

We were doing work at a recycling plant, and we saw that their portfolio had a lot of experience in factory and plant types of environments. In addition to their work being really great, we knew that it was really important to work with a crew familiar with navigating those environments. Thus, they ended up being a very good fit.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $60,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in September 2023, and we finished the project in January 2024. Still, I would absolutely work with them again, so I consider our relationship to be ongoing, although we don't have an active project at the moment.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our client was very happy with the project. They almost immediately started talking about wanting to do another case study, so the response to the project was overwhelmingly positive overall. As for the quality of Grand Union Creative's work, I only have positive feedback. Their work was extremely polished and professional. We couldn't have hired someone who delivered higher quality work, unless we were doing an IMAX film.

How did Grand Union Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

Grand Union Creative was able to deliver on time and stay on budget. If something was holding them up, they were very patient and flexible. We communicated via email, phone, and Zoom equally, depending on the stage of the project. Early into the project, we mostly used email. Later, we mostly had Zoom calls. When the shooting day was close, we were in contact mostly over the phone.

Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review?

Grand Union Creative's whole team stood out, as everyone was an important player on this project. Christian led the project and was always on top of it. There were a lot of delays on the client's side, but he was always very patient, flexible, and super responsive to feedback.

Christian was also a creative person, so having a creative working in production was very valuable. He understood both sides of the project, allowing for a very efficient process. Moreover, Michael was very talented and easy to work with.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I consider them to be a very reliable partner, so I would absolutely work with them again. Something that I really appreciated about them was their commitment to the creative work. The contract specified the number of edit rounds we could use. We definitely went over that number of rounds, and their team was very generous in accommodating that because they knew that more edit rounds would make the end product better.

Still, Grand Union Creative's ability to do great work with a very small crew was impressive. A lot of production companies try to convince clients that they need a huge crew to create a great product. However, Grand Union Creative's team was very talented, and every teammate wore a lot of hats.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There's nothing Grand Union Creative could have improved on. If anything, improvements were needed on our end. We made a lot of last-minute decisions that Grand Union Creative had to roll with, and they were incredibly flexible.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Involving Grand Union Creative in the planning and storyboarding processes was very valuable for us, as they were able to identify a lot of holes in what we were planning; they added a lot of value there. If you don't have them involved in the project early on, they won't be able to do as good of work as they could do on the day of the shoot. They'll still do a great job, but they can also add a lot of value to the project if you have them involved early on.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Executive Director of The Margo Fowler Family Foundation

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping people and families affected by Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Grand Union Creative to accomplish?

• Help create a video resource library for our foundation's website
• Help create an impactful video for inaugural fundraiser event
• Take photos to be used on our foundation's website

SOLUTION

How did you find Grand Union Creative?

Referral

Why did you select Grand Union Creative over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Grand Union Creative were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Grand Union Creative helped our non-profit organization to create a robust video resource library for our website, which includes interviews and key insights from medical professionals and industry experts regarding Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Grand Union Creative also put together an outstanding highlight video that was shown at our inaugural fundraiser event. This segment helped our foundation to raise a substantial amount of money in support of a great cause.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Grand Union Creative exceeded all expectations in the work they did for our organization. I would highly recommend them!

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

Grand Union Creative's project management was outstanding. They were very responsive whenever I needed to connect with them. Project deliverables were completed ahead of schedule.

What was your primary form of communication with Grand Union Creative?

In-Person Meeting

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

Their professionalism, creativity and close attention to details.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Grand Union Creative could have done differently?

Not from my experience. Grand Union Creative is an excellent organization and I would highly recommend them!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO of Big Wig Tacos

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

​We're a fast casual Mexican restaurant in the Chicago area.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Grand Union Creative to accomplish?

• We engaged Grand Union Creative with the specific objective of crafting captivating advertisements tailored for our social media platforms.

SOLUTION

How did you find Grand Union Creative?

Clutch Site

Why did you select Grand Union Creative over others?

• High ratings
• Great culture fit

How many teammates from Grand Union Creative were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

We enlisted Grand Union Creative to spearhead the creation of video advertisements tailored specifically for our social media presence. Their scope of work encompassed every aspect of the production process, from casting and scriptwriting to filming, directing, and post-production. 

Collaborating with them was a seamless experience, as they effortlessly handled each step of the process. The resulting videos not only solidified our brand identity but also significantly contributed to an uptick in sales.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project yielded tangible results in the form of high-quality, professional videos that authentically encapsulated our brand's essence. Leveraging these videos on social media platforms resulted in a measurable increase in sales, demonstrating the efficacy of the campaign.

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

Grand Union Creative demonstrated exemplary project management throughout our collaboration. Initially, they conducted comprehensive consultations to discern the most effective strategies for achieving our goals. Subsequently, they presented us with innovative ideas and practical solutions tailored to our needs, showcasing their attentiveness to our preferences. 

Their responsiveness was commendable, as they consistently addressed our inquiries promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, their swift turnaround time ensured timely delivery of all project components, underscoring their commitment to meeting deadlines.

What was your primary form of communication with Grand Union Creative?

• In-Person Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

We are particularly impressed by Grand Union Creative's comprehensive approach to project execution. Their proficiency in every stage of the creative process, including screenwriting, directing, casting, and video editing, provided us with a seamless, all-in-one solution. This holistic approach not only streamlined our collaboration but also ensured a consistently high standard of work across all aspects of the project.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Grand Union Creative could have done differently?

Overall, our experience with Grand Union Creative was highly positive, making it challenging to pinpoint areas for improvement. However, one aspect that could enhance their service offering is the inclusion of media buying services. 

While their creative execution was exceptional, the need to engage another agency for media buying added an additional layer of coordination. Having Grand Union Creative provide this service as well would streamline the process and offer a more comprehensive solution for clients.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Senior Manager, Digital Content Creation of Kraft Heinz

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Kraft Heinz is one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Grand Union Creative to accomplish?

• Video Production

SOLUTION

How did you find Grand Union Creative?

Worked together prior

Why did you select Grand Union Creative over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Grand Union Creative were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

• Full production of a 2.5-minute video highlighting Kraft Heinz's digital transformation in our manufacturing processes.
• Three full-day production shoots at three locations across the United States, directing a small crew in a manufacturing facility. 
• Voiceover casting
• Full post-production services including editing, audio mixing, and color-correction.  

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Increased awareness of Kraft Heinz's Decision Intelligence infrastructure in our manufacturing operations
• Increased internal understanding of our company's approach to innovation
• Recognition from various industry analysts and publications for overall innovation at Kraft Heinz (Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies 2024)

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

Grand Union was very communicative and efficienct on a very tight timeline. They delivered full project management support, helping our stakeholders understand what was possible within the timeframe and budget provided, as well as holding their hand through the entire journey of video production. All deliverables were received on time. Grand Union Creative was very open to and responsive to feedback. 

What was your primary form of communication with Grand Union Creative?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

The most impressive feature of Grand Union is its agility. It's a small team and you have access to senior creatives with many years of experience in video production. They take a cinematic approach to all projects, proving that even dry corporate topics can be engaging when given the right treatment. 

Are there any areas for improvement or something Grand Union Creative could have done differently?

They are a small team, and they definitely have room for growth!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Physician of Free standing children's hospital

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Free standing children's hospital

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Grand Union Creative to accomplish?

Film 7 lively but brief videos for new fathers

SOLUTION

How did you find Grand Union Creative?

Referral

Why did you select Grand Union Creative over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Grand Union Creative were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Film and deliver 7 short videos for new fathers

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

delivery of the videos

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

They demonstrated excellent project management.

What was your primary form of communication with Grand Union Creative?

In-Person Meeting

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

Creative, economical, and fun to work with

Are there any areas for improvement or something Grand Union Creative could have done differently?

Nope--great

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Head of Growth Marketing of a website design and development agency.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Website design and development agency.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Grand Union Creative to accomplish?

• Build a content strategy for a B2B Client
• Plan and manage a coordinated, multi-shoot
• Optimize and edit photography and video for use

SOLUTION

How did you find Grand Union Creative?

Referral

Why did you select Grand Union Creative over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Grand Union Creative were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Scope was inclusive of both content strategy, content production & execution, and delivery & optimization.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Lead generation efforts for the client were up 20%YoY after site redesign and content refresh.

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

Clear, concise, and incredibly organized.

What was your primary form of communication with Grand Union Creative?

In-Person Meeting

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

Their flexibility and creative output are impressive.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Grand Union Creative could have done differently?

None