Levitate Media

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the VP of Marketing at an accounting software company based in Long Island, NY. We create software solutions that help professional accountants grow their practices and better serve their clients.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Levitate Video?

We have two core software solutions, and it takes more than a sentence or two to explain our key differentiation from our competitors. That's where product explainer videos come in - and that's why we hired Levitate.

What were your goals for this project?

We hoped to see better engagement from our target audience. Specifically, we wanted to increase the percentage of site visitors who scheduled a demo on our website, as well as a potential increase in time on site.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I interviewed 8-10 vendors, and selected Levitate based on a combination of factors, including their experience working with technology companies like ours, quality of portfolio, cost, and project management approach.

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

For each of the two product explainer videos, Levitate did an excellent job of getting to know our business, through interviews and background research. They then created an initial proof which I approved. We then worked on script and storyboard together, with several iterations of changes.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Levitate had a single project manager assigned to our work, and she was excellent at managing week-to-week communication with me, and coordinating multiple rounds of feedback through the process.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our videos have been viewed over 10K times, and those views have lifted our demo conversion rate significantly. We continue to use those videos now, almost three years later.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

I was very satisfied with the communication and workflow between Levitate and my team. Weekly expectations were clear, and we received clear warning when a deadline was in jeopardy.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Not all video vendors are equally adept at understanding a client's needs and creative development. I felt Levitate was the rare partner that actually strives for (and meets) excellence in both areas.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Of course clients always wish the project cost was lower, and we're no exception, but I felt the price was fair when I signed on, and even moreso after seeing the quality of work.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

UST is designed to help save your organization critical funding while taking the guesswork out of day-to-day operational challenges. UST’s workforce solutions help ensure that nonprofit organizations are utilizing the proper UI payment option, minimizing unemployment claims liability, increasing employee engagement, maintaining compliance with employment law, and enhancing goodwill with former employees.

UST provides 501(c)3 nonprofits with direct access to HR consultants, dedicated unemployment claims representatives, and outplacement services to ensure that your nonprofit can focus on your mission-driven initiatives.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Levitate Video?

We are a not-for-profit business working to help nonprofits save time and money with their day-to-day challenges and run on a constricted budget ourselves. Video is the highest performing marketing tactic out there but we have no experience in video production or the resources in-house to learn—enter Levitate.

What were your goals for this project?

We hope to see an increase in traffic to our website with more online submissions for information on our services/programs.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We researched vendors online but had also worked with Levitate in 2014 and they offered best pricing and turn-around time so we decided to work with them again.

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

Having worked with Levitate in the past, it was helpful knowing they had another point of reference in understanding who we are and what our business does. Once the details of our project were outlined, we created a script which Levitate used to create the storyboard design.

We reviewed and made edits to several versions before landing on the final look and feel. What we ended up with was a one-minute impact video that provides bite-sized information on who we are and how we help nonprofit organizations.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

We primarily worked with one contact who collaborated with his team to produce the product.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We are just in the beginning stages of launching the video but anticipate it will do well in driving more prospects to our website which will hopefully in turn create more leads.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Timing on this project took a bit longer than what was originally outlined but we were also working around several holidays. Communication was consistent and our main point of contact was very responsive and timely in providing us updates. We're definitely looking forward to working with them again and have already signed another contract for production of additional videos in the upcoming year.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Working with Levitate was easy. We never felt stressed, unhappy or frustrated. Our contacts were always willing to answer questions and remained available to us throughout the entire process.

Are there any areas for improvement?

The only we'll be looking for in future products is a more realistic time frame so we can better plan out our internal processes and expectations to our Board of Trustees.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Vice President Growth for a correspondent Mortgage Banker

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Levitate Video?

We hired Levitate to animate portions in a video we produced ourselves about tips to do/to avoid during preapproval stage for a mortgage.

What were your goals for this project?

Provide value to end user with tips on what to do and not to do once a lender preapproves a buyer. Most importantly, provide education and insight while still maintaining a friendly and uplifting beat!

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Worked with Levitate before on other similar projects.

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

Take our existing video and integrate animation to improve the deliverable of this educational video to our end user; the home buyer.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Very involved and flexible. They struck a good balance with project management and the creative deliverable.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Video is used and integrated into our CRM at an enterprise level and is sent to all of our potential homebuyers

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very effective. Very involved and flexible. 

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They struck a good balance between project management and the creative deliverable.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Not at this moment I can say there are any.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a senior marketer at Agile Frameworks, a software company that provides collaborative, cloud-based corporate, field, and lab information management enabling profitable engineering for the construction and engineering services sector. I was responsible for reviewing and editing the video script and providing feedback on the video drafts.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Levitate Video?

We hired Levitate Video to create a video for a national conference (Geoprofessional Business Association) that would be shown during a luncheon of which we were a sponsor. We understand the power of video, but we are a very small marketing team. We don't have an in-house video resource for production and editing, so we looked for an external video resource that could do this project. We also were under a tight deadline to get the video completed.

What were your goals for this project?

We were using this video to enhance our brand at this national conference and to communicate the importance of using our Productivity Maturity Model to help them improve their business.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Our marketing team (3 people) had conference calls with three video production companies. Our selection criteria was based on breadth of experience (types of videos they did), price and the process they followed to create the video.

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

Our statement of work was for CORE--Levitate's streamlined production process which is focused on an accelerated production cycle that takes two to four weeks. The style elements used text and still photography. We started the process with a kick-off call where the project manager interviewed our team about the project based on a "Video Kick Off Questionnaire" that she sent prior to the call.

The next steps were script development, script review and two revisions, voiceover selection, then storyboard, style frames, and revisions, then first full draft and final video. I was responsible for script review, storyboard and style frame approval, and feedback on the video drafts.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Our project manager used Basecamp as the project management tool. It was a valuable communication hub for us and helped us to quickly turn around our feedback and meet the tight deadline. Our main point of contact was our project manager--I'm not sure how many people were involved on the vendor's side. We had two rounds each of feedback for the script, the storyboard/style frames, and the video.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We don't have any specific metrics that illustrate the impact of the video, but we have received very positive feedback on it. Our stakeholder (CEO) was very pleased with the outcome.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Our project manager was very professional and a very accessible communicator. She quickly responded to questions, helped us to keep on schedule, and worked hard to make sure we received the video we were looking for. We used Basecamp as the project communication tool.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We were very impressed with the crisp process they used to manage the project. They also were excellent communicators. We had very clear expectations on the type of product we would receive from them.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I can't think of anything specific.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are a cyber-security software company which helps organizations of all sizes protect themselves against targeted attacks. Our solution portfolio delivers 360° cybersecurity and intelligence. In my position with the company, I am in charge of all brand assets and materials ensuring brand consistency throughout the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Levitate Video?

We hired Levitate video to create animated videos for our company to help our consumers better understand our products and services.

What were your goals for this project?

We hoped to increase traffic to our website and increase product sales. As well as add additional content to our social media platforms.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We interviewed many different production companies and decided on Levitate Media due to their competitive pricing options and process.

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

With each video there is a strategy call to go over the idea of the video, followed by scripting, storyboarding, animation, and finally production. The process can be as quick or take as long as needed.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Levitate's project management and feedback processes are fantastic. We are always able to get in touch with the team and they are very responsive. We've had a few fire drills in the past regarding our videos and the team was very accommodating!

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Since creating our product videos, we have seen a spike in social and web traffic. Our stakeholders and executive team love the videos Levitate has created for us.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Excellent.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their flexibility with updates to scripts and edits impressed us!

Are there any areas for improvement?

No

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

The MDS Foundation is a nonprofit focused on the education of patients and physicians regarding Myelodysplastic Syndromes, a blood cancer. I am a Sr. Project Manager in charge of our professional educational initiatives.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Levitate Video?

We hired Levitate Video to create a 2-min promotional video as a 25-yr tribute to the Foundation.

What were your goals for this project?

To create an eye catching video detailing our achievements over the last 25 years.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

One of Levitate's managers contacted us to see if we had any video needs. We had been discussing this project and requested a quote from Levitate.

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

Once we signed the contract with Levitate, the process started immediately with them getting to know us and our goals for this project. We collaborated on the script and storyboards. The final product was a 2-min video highlighting our foundation and our accomplishments over the past 25 years.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

The process took place via an online system. I was unsure if I would like this process, however, it turned out to be very effective. The communication was clear and allowed for several drafts and edits throughout the process.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I was very impressed with the final video. Our Executive Director was also very pleased with the outcome and felt that it really captured our Foundation and the tone we were trying to set.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The project manager kept in constant contact with me, providing updates and informing me of any delays. Most of the delays were on our end and not due to any issues with Levitate.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was impressed by their professionalism and ability to make this process as streamlined and as easy as possible.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I don't feel there were any areas during this project that were lacking.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Drive-To-Work is a nonprofit that helps low income and previously incarcerated individuals get their drivers licenses back. We also have a company called DTW Driving Schools. I am the marketing/development director.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Levitate Video?

We hired them to create a video describing our driving school services.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goals were to educate people on our services and spread the word. We needed more clients attending our driving school.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We were referred to them by a colleague.

Describe the project in detail.

Levitate was asked to create a short (30 second) video describing the services DTW Driving School offers, location and what sets us apart from other vendors.

What was the team composition?

Drive-To-Work had three team members involved in the process including our president and founder. Levitate had approximately four people working on the project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The video was shared on our social media pages, YouTube and both our websites. It was very well received although I am not sure we had any clients respond that they had seen the video and chose us because of it.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow between the teams was excellent. Levitate was very responsive and quick to turn around the changes we requested.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They are great to work with and offer a competitive price. They gave us a nonprofit discount.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I can't think of any.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the marketing manager for a small government contract consultant.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Levitate Video?

We hired Levitate to create a short explainer video to help website visitors and prospective clients better understand the specific government contract that we help them obtain. They created the original video for us in 2017 and then helped us update the video to reflect changes to contract in 2019.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was to have a video that clearly and effectively communicated what the GSA Schedule Contract is, how it benefits companies, and how companies can obtain the contract.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Levitate initially approached us. We selected them after reviewing their portfolio and negotiating pricing.

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

For the original video, we were provided a kick off questionnaire to complete. Since our industry is pretty niche, we wrote most of the script and then they helped us clean it up. After finalizing the script they provided a story board. The voice over came next and after finalizing that we moved to the animated video.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Each time we worked with them we were assigned to a project manager. Both project managers were very responsive and engaged throughout the process. It was very easy to provide feedback using the software platform they use.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We've had numerous compliments on our video and we utilize it throughout our marketing efforts.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow between our team and Levitate's team was pretty seamless. We had a lot of ideas for the animation after their initial draft. We'd provide the feedback and revision requests and they would have revised animations for us with a few days at the latest.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They were very easy to work with, accommodated all of our requests, and were responsive throughout the project. They helped build our vision and bring it to life.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I can't think of anything I would have changed.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the VP of Marketing for ZEDEDA Inc. ZEDEDA, the leader in edge virtualization, delivers visibility, control and security for the enterprise and industrial IoT edge with the freedom of deploying any application on any gateway and connecting to any cloud/on-premises system.

Organizations can easily reduce costs by up to 90% and eliminate the complexity of today's disparate and non-integrated IoT solutions while managing their connected operations at scale through a single pane of glass.

ZEDEDA is a venture-backed Silicon Valley company, headquartered in San Jose, CA, with offices in Bangalore and Pune, India. For more information, contact info@zededa.com.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Levitate Video?

We use 2-minute animated videos to explain complex concepts as simply as possible,

What were your goals for this project?

Top-of-Funnel introduction content for prospects to quickly understand different aspects of our value proposition.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I have used Levitate for these types of videos for almost 10 years now. Originally, years ago, they were recommended by the head of web development of the company I was with at the time.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

We hired Levitate to develop videos for our corporate overview and for a high value use case explanation. We used their CORE services. The CORE service has two rounds of revisions during scripting and two rounds of revisions once we present the rough draft of the video.

Levitate developed a full storyboard after the script had been approved to insure alignment on the specific style of production. The production cycle was to take two to four weeks. Levitate created unique videos by configuring pre-existing graphic assets to produce the final videos.

What was the team composition?

A program manager and a production lead were my 2 contacts.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Levitate created quality, short videos that allow our sales team and demand generation teams to send short explainers to their prospects and ease the first meeting discussions. We also use the videos on our website to explain in simple terms what we do and why we do it to someone trying to learn more about us.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Product management was responsive. The project management tool (BaseCamp) is non-intuitive and proved to me to be a hinderance rather than an advantage. It was much easier to pick up the phone and talk for 30 minutes than exchange messages.

Short conversations cleared up miscommunications that took days over email/BaseCamp. Summary here - end result is excellent but workflow was rough.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

As communication is cleared up, the speed and quality is very very high. They're much better than most video production services I have worked with in the past.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Communication during rounds of feedback needs to be improved. The tool used to manage the content was very non-intuitive and didn't update me when I needed to review materials at all.

We ended up using email and phone calls where necessary so the tool seems to be technology for technology's sake and more of an impediment than an advantage.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Marketing Manager at Stout. Stout is a global advisory and consulting firm specializing in Investment Banking, Valuation Advisory, Dispute Consulting, and Management Consulting services. We serve a range of clients, from public corporations to privately held companies in numerous industries throughout the world. Our clients and their advisors rely on our premier expertise, deep industry knowledge, and unparalleled responsiveness on complex matters.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Levitate Video?

We hired Levitate to put together a 1 minute explainer animated video to better promote and illustrate an interactive self-assessment our Legal Management Consulting group created.

What were your goals for this project?

We hired Levitate to create a video that will promote and explain Stout's Litigation Readiness Assessment. The video is intended to accomplish three goals: 1. Increase awareness and completion rate of our Litigation Readiness Self Assessment 2. Explain in better detail through visuals how to complete the Litigation Readiness Self Assessment 3. Increase awareness of our Legal Management Consulting team as a whole

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

A Levitate sales representative reached out to our CMO, and after meeting with the Levitate team and evaluating their portfolio, services, and pricing, decided they were the right fit for the project.

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

The video is a 1 minute animated explainer video. The Levitate team reached out for a quick informational call and I provided a creative brief and draft script. The team then edited the script for us to better suit the video, provided style frames, then story boards, voiceover options, and then a final cut of the video. There was a review process for each step of the entire production.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Everything went through a single production/project manager, which made things very seamless. All feedback could either be sent directly to the project manager or through a project management platform. We were allowed 2 revisions for each production stage.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The entire process was very easy and the project manager was fantastic. The final product was great and we have been able to use it for many different promotions in various marketing channels.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was very effective—easy and seamless.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The project management and production process - they were so helpful and responsive.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Not at the moment.