London Video Stories

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am an Assistant Desk Officer at the Culture and Education Department of the German Embassy in London.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire London Video Stories?

In light of the German presidency of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance the German Embassy in London was planning a video contribution regarding the “Future of Holocaust Remembrance”. Due to Covid-19 we had to change our initially planned “forum-format” to a “video-format” which should be available to a broad public as well as school classes.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to mark the 75 years of the end of the Shoah and at the same time use this anniversary for a discussion of the future of Holocaust remembrance. With the passing away of the last survivors and “Zeitzeugen” and the current rise of populist and anti-Semitic movements in Europe and the world this topic becomes sadly more relevant by the day.

SOLUTION

How did you select London Video Stories?

My team searched online for video production companies in London and selected 4 providers based on their portfolio to get in contact with. LVS offered the best proposal out of the 4.

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

The German Ambassador to the United Kingdom, the current President of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, the Chief Executive of the Holocaust Education Trust, a Kindertransport refugee as well as young British and German volunteers amongst others offered their views on the topic of Holocaust Remembrance and spoke of their commitment to this cause. London Video Stories filmed, edited, and produced one main and two shorter videos for our homepage and the Embassy´s social media channels. Mihai was professional throughout the project and gained the interviewees trust. His communication and collaborative efforts made the project run smoothly. Mihai supported ideation, conducted interviews, and incorporated feedback during the editing process.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Mihai was able to film some of the interviewees in person and some via Zoom. The production was in line with the Covid regulations of the UK Government during that time. He was also responsible for the post-production work. We worked together throughout the planning stages of the video as well as in the finalization of the videos. After filming, we have discussed our wishes of how the videos might look like and LVS was able to provide us with multiple rounds of rough drafts which we were reviewed by our team. All our feedback was implemented immediately.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have received positive feedback on our social media channels as well as from our partner organizations. One of our partner schools is using the video for day-to-day teaching.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Mihai was 100 percent committed to the project. We communicated in person or via Zoom on a regular basis to make decisions on style choices like music or the right voice over. Our team was able to comment directly on the draft videos via Vimeo. All suggestions were discussed immediately and implemented in time. We were incredibly happy with the workflow between our team, the interviewees and London Video Stories.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their team was very flexible, creative, and resourceful. He knows a lot about video production and is very professional even in a very formal setting like the Embassy´s. His communication and planning skills are fantastic and it is also a lot of fun to work with Mihai.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No. We were very satisfied with the work.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a fundraising volunteer for the Bromley Little Theatre (BLT) - an amateur theatre company and a registered charity that stages numerous theatrical and music events throughout the year.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire London Video Stories?

BLT is aiming to widen it's appeal to the local community by staging music gigs as well as straightforward theatre. The theatre had to close in March 2020 because of the Covid 19 pandemic. The project was to video a music gig for broadcast to a wider audience whilst keeping to the covid restrictions in place at the time.

What were your goals for this project?

BLT wanted to reach its audience whilst keeping to Covid restrictions by recording a music performance in the theatre and broadcasting via YouTube.

SOLUTION

How did you select London Video Stories?

I searched on Yellow Pages online for a local company to Bromley that was willing to take on what was for us an unusual project. I received an enthusiastic response from Mihai Andrei of LVS who was full of ideas about how to undertake the project.

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

Initially, Mihai made a short promotional video edited from existing clips and stills for loading on the BLT channel as a trailer for the main event.

The process of the main video took place over three evenings in August 2020: clearing and setting up the stage at BLT; setting up the three static cameras, lighting system and rehearsals; finally recording the video itself with an additional mobile camera.

Mihai effectively directed operations on all three evenings. He organised and provided a projector to light the stage with special effects and directed the two performers to take up their best positions. An associate was present on the performance night to provide stills and the hand held camera for close ups.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Mihai provided an edit of the video a few days later; myself and the two musicians were able to make comments and request changes and a final edit produced and made available for sound mixing and mastering (done separately).

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The video was premiered on YouTube in September and was fantastically well received. Everyone who saw it said they thought it looked and sounded wonderful and it set the musicians and the theatre off very well.

The video and comments contained a link to a Justgiving page that viewers were invited to contribute. This generated a significant sums by way of contributions (not possible to distinguish from other sums).

The project was intended to show how the theatre could be used during the pandemic - this it has certainly done. Clips of the video have been used by the musicians to promote their own work on social media.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Mihai Andrei effectively directed the operation from start to finish with great communication and understanding between all members of the team. We've remained in contact and are talking about the next project!

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Mihai's commitment, enthusiasm and technical expertise. Also the way he made suggestions of how our initial concept could be improved and enlarged.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None that I can think of

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We make films about classical music.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire London Video Stories?

Filming and promoting live classical music events.

What were your goals for this project?

To get people to interact with the music and event.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

By recommendation.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Creating short films, doing all aspects of pre-production, production and post-production.

What was the team composition?

Director and Camera plus team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

London Video Stories are a brilliant company. I have now hired them several times to undertake a range of filming jobs, ranging from camerawork to all aspects of production of full films. They do a great job within reasonable budgets and with excellent time-keeping and speed. Mihai and his team are a pleasure to work with which means getting any work done is easy and fun as well. I will continue to hire them for my filming needs.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very effective with easy communication.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They have a can-do attitude and are able to follow that up with successful action.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Not that I can see.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Production, directing, editing of almost 30 educational videos. Filmed in location.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire London Video Stories?

Corporate educational videos

What were your goals for this project?

Engage a hard to engage audience over a series of 30 videos

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Briefing and selection process

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

- Script from our end - Work with editor to refine - Work with London Video Stories to plan the shoot - One week of intensive shooting and direction - Several editing loops - Submission

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Daily meetings and discussions--very close corporation (which I asked for instead of emails)

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Quote from client: "the best video series we have ever seen". Highest audience engagement of all series.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Excellent

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They bring a fabulous can-do attitude and creativity to their editing. on time delivery, high quality of work, 100% reliability

Are there any areas for improvement?

Even more editing manpower (but that's always tricky to find as people are in high demand)

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Global Client Director for Econsultancy.com. A business dedicated to helping our clients achieve modern marketing excellence.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire London Video Stories?

As a consultancy working with some of the world's leading organisations, we use London Video Stories as our 'go to' video production company. Mihai and the team are professional, flexible and deliver a high quality product in a cost effective way. We have very demanding clients with very demanding standards and London Video Stories consistently deliver.

What were your goals for this project?

Deliver premium video content for use in promotional videos and online learning modules Must be visually arresting, on brand with high production values

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We have a long standing relationship established over a few years working successfully together. We have tried other suppliers in the past but are now very happy working with London Video Stories as an extension of our team.

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

Mihai's team managed the process from script through to final edit. They provided green screen facilities and all the necessary equipment to deliver a fantastic product. Our clients were able to quickly view and leave comments in-line and flexibility, responsiveness and turn around times were exceptional.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Regular contact as and when I needed it.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

A happy client who signed off the suite of video modules leading to further work.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Simple and effective.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was impressed by their customer service, high quality, and cost-effectiveness.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Not an area for improvement but as our global clients want international work how can we scale the LVS team effectively.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a Project Manager at a media company which is home to various marketing publications.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire London Video Stories?

We hired London Video Stories after a disastrous experience with a previous videographer. The aim was for London Video Stories to film, edit and produce four high quality videos of leading marketers for a client of ours.

What were your goals for this project?

We hoped that by producing a series of quality videos for a client, we would then go on to offer this service to other clients. This was a first for us as a team so we were keen for this to be a success.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Someone else in our company has worked with the London Video Stories team before and spoke highly of their attention to detail and quality of work.

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

Film maker Mihai worked with us and the client to work out what we actually wanted from them. He was quick to offer suggestions and ideas which was ideal. When the filming took place, Mihai set up his filming equipment and took time ensuring the shots were of a good quality and the interviewee also felt at ease. The editing process was also a good experience. Mihai worked alongside myself and the client to ensure edits were made in line with our vision. Even after the project was finished, Mihai was on hand for any last minute requests.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Mihai was the film maker sent be London Video Stories for our project. He was the person we worked with consistently throughout the process and also provided various edits once all of the filming has been completed. His responses via email were speedy and of great value. His multiple edits were sent through quickly and were of a high quality.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We had a rocky start with another videographer and were at the point were we may lose business. London Video Stories put us and our client completely at ease and were professional throughout. This led to the client being keen to work with us again next year and being proud to share the content on their website.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Mihai worked hard on providing edits quickly and efficiently. We used a tool to make edits at various points of the videos and Mihai was also helpful by sharing his thoughts and ideas to make the process as smooth as possible. Communication was excellent throughout and we felt looked after.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The knowledge and professionalism was fantastic and the quality of the videos was very good. I felt comfortable working with the team and confident that they would do a good job. I was happy to introduce our client to them. We all worked alongside each other well.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I was thoroughly impressed with London Video Stories work and would be very happy to work with them again in the future. The professionalism displayed and high quality of the work was incredible and on a different level compared to suppliers I have worked with before. Mihai particularly worked quickly and efficiently and was always on hand for any questions we might have. I don't have a bad word to say about this team!

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a director of a marketing company. We have two divisions, one is a publication to provide business information and the other provides e-learning solutions.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with London Video Stories?

We had been using some videos for our e-learning courses, but they weren’t very sophisticated. We wanted a higher production value with full animation and more professional filming. This led us to hire London Video Stories to do full productions of our larger e-learning courses. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Since starting our engagement, London Video Stories have created several videos for our courses and products. The videos are animated, filmed using green-screens, or a combination of both. They direct, produce, film, and edit the videos for us. 

What is the team composition?

We typically work with four people from their team, including a camera-person, director, producer, and hair and makeup individual. 

How did you come to work with London Video Stories?

In the past, they had worked with our marketing team on short animated clips for social media and I liked their work. After our marketing department recommended them, I looked at samples of the work, interviewed the team, and we went from there. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent over £100,000 (approximately $130,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in October 2016 and our engagement is ongoing. We just wrapped up a big project and are working with them on edits, currently. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our clients love the courses and we receive a lot of feedback from subscribers who are very happy with the style and production. The constant feedback is great, so we’re pleased with that. 

How did London Video Stories perform from a project management standpoint?

They have been really good, which is why I love working with them. Every single project has always come in under budget and on time. They’re easy to work with. All of my processes have been improved by working with them. For example, they’ve given me some great solutions that make the editing process much quicker. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Not only are they always available, but they also provide a very personalized service. Even for last minute things, they make time for us and I can always get them on the phone. If I need them at an event or to attend a photoshoot at a moment's notice, they can do it. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything for them to do better. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Ask to see a few samples of the work they’ve done since they’ve done a wide range of projects. After watching the different productions they’ve done, I knew I wanted to work with them. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the Operations Director of a Total Waste Management company specializing in Hazardous Waste and providing people on-site to increase rebates on all waste and reduce high-cost general waste. Working mainly in the manufacturing sector to high-end UK manufacturers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire London Video Stories?

We hired them on a number of occasions over a few years and continue to do so on a semi regular basis. Normally this would be for video case studies, media campaigns or internal communications.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goals were various but primarily we wanted to utilise case studies to highlight our track record of going above and beyond for our customers in a highly regulated and challenging market.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

They were recommended via work colleague.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

We wanted a number of videos that encapsulated various parts of our business from compliance, ethos, H&S, cost saving, innovation and going above and beyond. these were story boarded to ensure they all were conveyed in simple terms and worked with our customers to ensure the questions asked met the targets. London Video stories ensured during filming that the goals were captured and that the timings and clients were happy throughout.

What was the team composition?

From our side it was four or five, customers there were 5 and in house for them at any one time at least two.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Social media traffic increased, videos were viewed in tender proposals to good feedback and our presence in the market grew.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Perfect. they communicated very well, came in on budget and went above and beyond, which is why we continue to use them.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We liked their personal touch.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No not really.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a director of a company that handles marketing and communications and project management for a number of private, corporate and government clients.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire London Video Stories?

I employ LVS for a number of video content projects, reporting and campaigns.

What were your goals for this project?

Exposure, marketing, awareness building and reporting.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I interviewed a number of local video content production companies.

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

LVS have produced a number of videos for me and I would happily give more detail should someone wish to contact me for a reference.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Smooth and professional.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We are reaching the right target audience and getting our message out there. We are producing the content needed by the client for various projects.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

smooth and professional, very effective.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their professionalism, reliability, and creativity are excellent.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I see no areas for improvement needed.