Mountain House Media

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am an Associate Professor in the School of Music Theatre and Dance at Ithaca College. I teach and co-direct the industry showcase for graduating seniors.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Mountain House Media , and what were your goals?

• Final Product – A 50 – 60 minute Filmed Performance Showcase of a mix of solo singers and paired cinematic scenes.
• Possible Bookend Graphics
• Performer Chapters or Access via Time Codes
• Material Credit
• Titles
• Full Audio / Sound Mix
• Color Correction
• Musical Solo
• Shoot Days @ 2 Days Estimated 24-27 Numbers @ under 1 minute in length / Coverage
• Recorded Rehearsal & Two takes per song.

Multi-Camera set up. With Wide Master and Medium Close up. With Full Audio Recording (mic piano and singer) Story Edit of Each Song Scene Shoots over 5 to 6 Days filming during 2 hour class period Plus, one Saturday Option? Time TBD Estimated 10-13 / 2 Person / 1 Minute Scenes Light Set up w/ ability to move locations on Campus or Possible Outdoor Location Simple Coverage w/ Wide Master Shot and Coverage of each Actor. Story Edit of Each Scene

SOLUTION

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

When it came down to making our final choice to go with Mountain House it was their enthusiasm for our project that sealed the deal. They brought an eagerness that matched our excitement for the project's potential. We felt confident in how the final product would look based on the evidence from their website and we felt they were proposing imaginative solutions. They also were collaborative in meeting our budget while at the same time maintaining the quality product we sought to produce.

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

The video production process included a few pre-production Zoom calls to sort out location logistics, camera set-ups, and scheduling. We had a very tight timeline for principal shooting and used our time as efficiently as possible. All scenes and songs were rehearsed ahead of time. Locations were photographed and shared. We even filmed scene rehearsals and shared these videos with production to facilitate the smoothest shoots possible.

We filmed all of our song solos for two days in the college theatre. There was a three-camera set up with one camera on a gimbal. The rest of the scenes were filmed over two additional days. Those scenes were filmed with a two-camera set up, and the process was very “run and gun,” so to speak. We scheduled on-campus locations on one day and off-campus locations on a separate day for the least amount of travel. During the editing process, we created a specific running order for the final edit. There were a couple of editing passes with notes before the final Showcase video was completed and delivered on schedule.

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

We worked with a few individuals, but when it came to production, we worked most closely with the head of the production. He met with us ahead of time for pre-production to help create a schedule for our principal shooting days. He also was our main contact for the editing process, which was very convenient with real-time software that streamlined our feedback process. This was very valuable given our other teaching and academic responsibilities.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We had very positive response and feedback from NYC industry professionals that praised the production values and quality of the final product. Our students were also over the moon with the final product. This is traditionally a live event, and due to Covid, we shifted to a filmed production. We believe the quality of the final product truly inspired our students and provided them with something they could confidently share.

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

Their project management style was very present and utilized technology for efficiency. Zoom calls were set up promptly to discuss needs and schedules. They followed up with emails in a timely but not pushy fashion. As mentioned, their use of editing software shared with the client provided a real-time experience that reduced redundancies and produced a seamless workflow.

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

We found their enthusiasm most impressive. They came across as a young company but a hungry company. That hunger was not one of desperation for clients but excitement to tackle the challenges of a creative project. They brought ingenuity to problem-solving, and their style and work ethic matched our expectation levels and production values.

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

Nothing comes to mind. They were very flexible and accommodating of our requests. We are very specific in our needs and in our aesthetics. We felt they began intending our style and expectations and adapting to deliver accordingly.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO and founder of a staffing and recruiting firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Mountain House Media?

We needed more video and photo assets for marketing purposes.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Mountain House Media shoots a variety of videos on a green screen and captures different photos we can use for our digital marketing campaigns. We have a success manager that walks us through the process and helps us in developing a creative plan.

On top of that, they help us with wardrobe, makeup, shooting equipment, and everything we need to ensure that our shoot is a success. After the filming is finished, Mountain House Media’s coordinator manages all of the digital and filming assets.

What is the team composition?

Around 7–10 people are in charge of our project, including coordinators and a success manager.

How did you come to work with Mountain House Media?

We found them online, and we talked to them for 30–60 days about our project. Then, our relationship grew from there.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve probably spent just under $100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in August 2019, and we continue to collaborate.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve definitely gotten business because of their work; our close rate has dramatically increased and our pipeline has expanded 10% in just being able to use Mountain House Media’s work.

They’re the only company in upstate New York that uses a technique called virtual production; they have a giant wall studio that has the next generation green screen. With their support, they've created assets that work all the way across our business instead of just finishing a small and narrow concept that we originally wanted to start with.

How did Mountain House Media perform from a project management standpoint?

We primarily communicate through email and text, and they have a unique platform for all of our assets. The team is always on schedule and on budget. On top of that, they have a very fast turnaround, and they can handle many things flying in at once. Since they have a dedicated success manager assigned to our project, everything’s going pretty smoothly.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re very focused on the business and not just the technology, and they push us to get things done as opposed to hiring agencies to do their work. Above all, we don’t have to reach out to them to know what’s happening because they already inform us ahead of time what we need to know.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I’m drawing a blank here because our experience is pretty good.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Layout your big picture plan for them, and they’ll help you execute it as quickly as possible.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Great Lakes Gaming, video game event organizer and production company. Ben Garvey CEO and President.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Mountain House Media , and what were your goals?

To create our very first Kickstarter video to showcase our upcoming gaming lounge and current offerings.

SOLUTION

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

Mountain House Media has state of the art technology and located locally in Rochester. The team was growing fast with a lot of talent and I trusted them to make me something epic.

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

Create a script that describes our mission briefly, but focuses on the project for the lounge. Show off what we have done since we started and how we plan to make 2022 our year on floor 22. Show case the renderings of the lounge and the view from Innovation Square.

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

Jeremiah, always communicated and fully explained everything. No questions left unanswered.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Check out the GLG website for more details. GLGamingLounges.com

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

Text and email. Didn’t need to explore more complicated forms of communication.

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

Quality, quality, quality. There’s nothing else like MHM.

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

Not at this moment!