Groundbreak Productions

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the marketing director for Propeller Powered which is a SaaS business specialising in Cloud Based Workforce Management and Compliance Solutions.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We hired Groundbreak to create 2 online video adverts to help promote our app and service. Our goal was to create to professional videos. 1 for our contractors and another for our landlords. The aim was to get more enquires.

SOLUTION

How did you select Groundbreak Solutions and what were the deciding factors?

We looked at the portfolios of multiple Manchester based production companies and were impressed by theirs and after getting in touch with them we decided they were suitable for our requirements. The quality of their work and friendly team was the reason we decided to go with them.

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

We had two videos produced and the process was the same with both videos because they were the same live action style with some elements of animation. After we had a brainstorm with their producers and we were certain everyone was on the same page we left them to write the script. We went back and forth with the script until they were signed off.

Next they supplied storyboards for us to sign off. Which we did. The next stage was agreeing on filming dates and casting. They supplied us with actors to choose from. We then booked filming days in and they turned up with their film crew on those days and filmed the adverts. We received first edits about a week or so after the shoot and mock-uos of the animation. Finally we received the finished adverts once we’d made a few small amendments.

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

We worked with 2 producers, and it was a good process. 1 producer was more involved in the build-up to the shoot and the other producer was more involved after the shoot. We spoke to them both throughout, but they seemed to specialise in different stages of the production. Feedback worked well. Any amends or changes we wanted to make to the script, storyboard or edits were actioned with no fuss.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have noticeably had more enquires in our app since we launched the adverts so they have been a success and hopefully will continue to be. It is easier for our sales team to quickly show off what our app is capable of which has also been a big help.

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

Their project management style is good communication throughout which they were keen to be on top of. They used a combination of email and google docs for actioning feedback depending on how extensive it was and what its purpose was. We also had regular video meetings to keep up to date on the production.

We gave notes using vimeo to the edits themselves which was a very simple and effective process.

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

I liked that they were easy to work with and always gave an honest opinion. They were a pleasure to work with and passionate about making videos. That stood out. You could tell they cared about the outcome.

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

We enjoyed the process and are delighted with the final videos.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the owner of a small product design company that creates greeting cards, posters and bags etc.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We have often needed adverts for social media for brand awareness or regarding specific products to increase sales. We also needed a brand video for our website. Certain times of year are more important like Christmas when we commissioned a Christmas advert for example.

SOLUTION

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

We looked for a local video production company who understood our brand and budget. Having spoken to a few companies Groundbreak were fun to deal with and gave good advice so they were a good fit.

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

We started with a strategy brainstorm to make a decision on the amount of videos and where and when they would be used. They then created storyboards and scripts when appropriate (for the Christmas advert). Once I had approved the storyboards we agreed on filming dates and they took care of locations etc. Once filming had been completed they would edit a first draft of each film and I would give feedback until I was happy with each video. They created multiple videos for me over multiple years and the process was always straightforward.

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

I worked with the head of production mainly because that was my point of contact. And on the video shoot days my point of contact was the producer. Feedback process was simple really. I would be asked to sign off aspects of each video and then they would work on it until I was happy with the final videos.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

All of the videos got really good traction. Especially the Christmas advert which boosted sales significantly that Christmas. The brand video on my website just makes us look much more professional which was the plan.

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

You have one main point of contact and they use google docs for feedback usually and Vimeo for reviewing videos.

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

They were full of ideas and always wanted to make the videos as good as they possibly could be for the budget.

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

I was happy working with them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I work in Business Development at Dynamic FM

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We required a quality video for our website home page and something that could be used as part of our marketing collateral. The aim was to create a video that showed us as a credible player in our sector and something that would impress our current clients by enhancing our brand and be used as a tool to attractive new clients.

SOLUTION

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

Having looked around on social media and google we found a few firms that looked good. I chatted to a few and asked for a proposal. Groundbreak and one other company stood out regarding their ideas for the video. Cost was also a deciding factor as they were slightly cheaper than the other company we liked.

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

Once we gave the go ahead for the process to begin a treatment and script were written and sent over to me for approval. There were a few changes needed for the script but I was happy that they had gotten the essence of what we wanted to achieve with the video. We agreed on filming dates.

Groundbreak advised what we needed to capture in order for the video to work. And we filmed all of the agreed footage on those days. Next we received a first edit of the video without any graphics or animation. Just the footage.

I gave our feedback and then we received another version the following day. At this point we sent over our logo etc and font so that they could start on the graphics and animation aspects. We then received a third version of the video and I gave some more feedback.

A few days later we received an amended video which we were absolutely delighted with. Groundbreak then created a few versions for us for different platforms.

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

I worked with Sean and Matt who are both producers. The feedback process worked well. I collated all notes from our team and fed this back to Matt or Sean. We then received an updated version a day or so later with our feedback actioned. It was an easy process.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project was a success because we are delighted with the final video. We have used it for its main purpose, and it really adds a quality dimension to our website. Which in turn has enhanced our brand. It has also been used for multiple purposes in meetings and in marketing which has been a great bonus.

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

We had a deadline set by our MD and this was met. The video was delivered a week earlier than our official deadline. The only timelines really were for the script sign off, filming and final video deadline. All of these were on time. Communication was very good. They were easy to get hold of and responded within an hour or so to any questions. Everything was clear throughout really.

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

The final video was the most impressive thing. They told us they would create something quality and impactful that captured our brand and they did.

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

We had a really good experience with Groundbreak.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a marketing manager for a digital transformation company. We are a leading technology and engineering consultancy for business. Trusted by our clients, we collaborate to deliver complex, innovative technology, engineering and industry solutions that millions of people use every day.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We hired Groundbreak productions initially to create a series of videos that would be used to aid recruitment as well as provide credibility. The goal was to help a recruitment drive and use the videos to showcase our skills generally. Due to the success of the videos and in achieving all our goals, we created multiple series of videos. Topics covered in the videos ranged from B2B IT consultancy, Saving NHS money, ITV and DVSA, to name a few.

SOLUTION

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

I did a thorough search online and looked through multiple showreels and portfolios of Manchester-based video production companies. I shortlisted a few due to the quality of work and then gave them a call to arrange an initial chat. I decided that Groundbreak were easy to deal with, strong communicators and very professional, so I decided they were the right fit for us.

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

I gave an initial brief to Groundbreak and sent a proposal/treatment with a breakdown of costs and timeline. Once the live-action style was agreed we then collaborated on the questions for the interviews. I had specific points I needed to get across, and they had expertise in the phrasing of the questions and how to get the best responses. They also suggested a specific style of shooting the videos involving unseen interviews as VO’s, which I thought was a good idea.

While this was happening, Groundbreak was organising the other aspects of pre-production such as; logistics, locations and crew. Once everything was organised, we filmed the content over multiple days in different parts of the UK. The filming was a smooth process, and we got everything we needed.

Then Groundbreak took the footage back to their studio and started editing. I was given the first cut for each video to provide any feedback and ensure it was going in the right direction with pace and messaging. Then additional amends if necessary until I was delighted with each video. Then I was given a final version of each video mastered for the required output.

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

I generally worked with Groundbreak’s Head of Production, Matt Hunt. He was very personable and gave me confidence throughout the process. Regarding feedback, if there were any issues or challenges, he quickly found a solution and workaround.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The quality and consistency of the videos show progress. This was our first proper experience in utilising the power of video content, and it has undoubtedly added to our brands' credibility. Our recruitment has improved, which is another positive success story.

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

Their management style was relaxed. They wanted the process to be enjoyable and not too corporate as they made videos that weren't too serious. I had excellent communication with Matt Hunt via email, phone and wetransfer with edit notes. He was easy to get hold of and always tried to answer any query as quickly as possible. Regarding timelines, we had deadlines for the videos, and they were all met.

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

They clearly care about the videos they create and are passionate about their work. It was clear that they wanted me to enjoy the process too.

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

There's nothing I can think of in regards to improvement, I chose the right production company for us. They made me feel comfortable with everything the whole way through and I got exactly what I wanted