Next Day Animations

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Communications Manager at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. I manage marketing and communications projects at Vanderbilt University Medical Center as they relate to cancer.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Next Day Animations, and what were your goals?

We have a particular focus on pushing cancer screenings with younger adults, including colonoscopies, which have an unpleasant stigma. We wanted an educational whiteboard animation video that explained signs and symptoms to look for, and to show a younger, healthy-looking woman thinking about getting one, going through the process of talking to her doctor, the prep, the procedure, and the ease and importance of it ("That wasn't so bad after all! And I already have my results!"). We want to reduce the stigma of the procedure, and remind people that the recommended age has been lowered to 45, so you don't have to be a 70-year-old man to worry about colon cancer.

SOLUTION

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

I looked for quality of animation, accessibility of staff, and cost. Our other animation vendors have required multiple project commitments, and I needed someone who would do a one-off project. My initial meeting to learn about the process showed me how professional they were and how easy they would make this for us.

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

We started with the discovery meeting for them to understand what characters we wanted to see and what story we wanted to get across. The doctors in the group laid out all the talking points (signs and symptoms, steps of the procedure, etc.) in bullet points for the production team. Then as the project lead, I met with the producers to lay out characters and voiceover choice. Then they delivered the first draft, we made edits, then I think we had a couple last tweaks to make, then they delivered final product.

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

We worked with a Lead Producer, Christine, who was wonderful at every stage. She managed expectations from both sides, kept me posted what would be needed next, and kept us on a manageable timeline with edit/feedback deadlines.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our video has gotten great feedback on our website on social media. We continue to show it on screens within the cancer center, and have even embedded it in cancer screening email campaigns we have sent out. We don't have any metrics on that, but all good verbal feedback from those that see it!

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

Christine was easy to communicate with and provided frequent updates. They always told us ahead of time if something needed to be changed so we could discuss it. We communicated over email, but it was also convenient to put our video edits directly into Frame.io for the animators.

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

They really took the time to understand the colonoscopy process from the doctors, and wanted to understand the biggest reasons why people don't get this screening done when they should. Then they used that to make a compelling piece!

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

Not that I can think of! We will definitely use Next Day Animations again.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the Justice Systems Analyst for a small nonprofit that supports youth defenders across the country.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Next Day Animations, and what were your goals?

We were working with a school superintendents association to create materials for school professionals, to help them understand the long-lasting negative effects of referring children to juvenile court. We were able to create plenty of good resources for them, but wanted a way to quickly explain the issue and get them interested in learning more.

SOLUTION

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

Fortuitously, Next Day Animations happened to send a marketing email to our ED right around the time we were trying to figure out how to get superintendents interested in our work. To be honest, I was a bit skeptical about working with a company we didn't really know much about, but Next Day was so upfront and easy to work with right off the bat. The way they walk clients through the process to quickly produce a very high-quality product was incredibly appealing.

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

First, we had an introductory meeting with a few members of the team, led by the scriptwriter. They asked us lots of questions about the work we do generally, this specific project, the language we use when we talk about our work, etc. From that, they drafted script language, accompanied by descriptions of the images that would appear. We were able to edit/request changes to both the language and the scene descriptions.

(They had done a remarkable job getting a handle on our work and our language, and we had very few edits to make.) After script approval, we met with the animation team to discuss details about images; that was followed by selecting a voice artist. The first draft of our whiteboard animation followed, with an opportunity to edit. (I don't believe we made any edits.) Then we got our final copy of the animation, along with suggestions for distribution.

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

We had a project manager who guided us through the process, and we worked with point people for the script and the animation. The feedback process was crystal clear, about what feedback needed to be provided when, and they provided timeframes that kept the project on track.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We've received excellent feedback from both defenders and school professionals about the video. Our social media posts with the video received significantly more engagement than our usual posts.

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

Everything with Next Day Animations was crystal clear. They explained the entire process upfront, they explained each step of the process as we moved along. At each stage, they would let us know when we would hear from them next, and they were never late (and were usually early). When they needed feedback from us, they proposed a timeline and made sure it worked for us and adjusted when needed.

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

We were very impressed with how quickly they understood our work, our language, and our priorities. They were able to succinctly and powerfully explain complex issues in a compelling way.

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

I honestly cannot think of anything.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the director of assessment at a higher education/health professions nonprofit.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Next Day Animations, and what were your goals?

We have worked with Next Day Animations several times over the last five years to create explainer videos to assist users of our products in using them properly. The specific project identified started as a four-video whiteboard and 2D animation series explaining proctoring best practices, and has since evolved to include five linked videos as our operations in this space has evolved.

SOLUTION

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

We were looking for a mission-aligned marketing firm that had a unique design style, creativity, and strong project management.

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

We started with a discovery meeting to talk about our goals for the project - the first four videos. We had specific needs for what we said, so we drafted the first scripts and added ideas for visuals. Next Day worked with us on an iterative review, cutting what we wrote and adding engaging visuals. They were very flexible in working with our internal review process following the final draft before beginning the animation.

We went back to them twice to add new videos, relying on them for more of the scripting work as we got more comfortable with their knowledge of our work, tweaking for the highly technical language required to prevent misinterpretation.

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

We've worked with a variety of teammates over the years. Sage, Laura, and Wade have been our primary contacts.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our members have loved the videos and learned a lot by them. They have integrated them into their internal training processes. We have also received excellent feedback from security auditors who see all sorts of proctor training resources.

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

Their timelines are aggressive, which is great for keeping things on track. They are also quite flexible to account for internal and volunteer-focused reviews that may create delays in the timeline. Their project management and communication styles are highly collaborative and collegial, and they deliver on time.

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

They created an endearing, enduring brand for our work that users love. They do an excellent job of balancing professional and engaging tones. And they care about their clients.

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

It would be great to adjust timelines early on, especially if we don't have a hard delivery deadline. They were flexible at every stage of the project, making them easy to work with.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the senior marketing content manager for a cleft lip and palate charity.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Next Day Animations?

We wanted to reinforce our model and show all the services we provide year-round.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They created a short, punchy whiteboard animation to show the difference between our organization and others. We started out with a US version that was one minute long. It shares a patient before and after surgery.

It also shows what else a cleft patient needs to thrive including speech therapy, orthodontics, and nutrition counseling. The idea is to drive donors to our website. Our communications team put together the initial script and collaborated with Next Day Animations to produce the final version. From there, they created test character art. They sourced voice actors and recorded in different languages as well.

From that original version, we regionalized to 11 different languages where the main character was representative of that area. We have one version that’s uploaded on our website. We also have outward-facing versions that we can use for paid ads and paid social media.

What is the team composition?

We worked with Sage (Production Manager), Hannah (Operations Manager), Dayna (Illustration Lead), Wade (Lead Producer), and their finance team.

How did you come to work with Next Day Animations?

We put out an FPO to 6–7 different whiteboard animation studios. We ended up hiring Next Day Animations based on quality and price. We know we can count on them to deliver the style we’re looking for.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in Summer 2016, and we wrapped up our most recent project in May 2021.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They performed fairly well. The videos are great because we don’t have to hire actors and we can do each video more affordably. The videos also hold people’s attention more than a regular advertisement.

How did Next Day Animations perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re very good to work with. With whiteboard animation, there are many details you have to get right. They’re really good about making sure everything is right. When we do come across an issue, the team swiftly finds a solution. We use Dropbox to approve files, and we also use Frame.io to give feedback at the exact minute marker.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Next Day Animations genuinely cares about our cause. Each video works well, and the representatives working on the project have sent me holiday cards and emails asking how we’re performing. Whenever we give feedback, they always implement changes without complaints. It always helps the end product.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I can’t think of any negative feedback for them.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Next Day Animations is excellent, especially when you factor in price and quality. They offer the best value in whiteboard animation videos.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I work for a collaborating group of local medical practices, independently owned and led by our physicians. We formed the company as a framework for growth and sustainability of independent physician practices that focus on patient choice. By enabling physician practices to remain independent, and encouraging patients to be active participants in their healthcare decisions, we preserve true, patient-first care.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Next Day Animations, and what were your goals?

We wanted a video to break down what i-Health is to both employees and the public. There has been a lot of confusion, and we thought this could help make it clear.

SOLUTION

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

We looked for a local (Minnesota-based) vendor who could turn around a high-quality video in about a month. Next Day Animations impressed us with their samples of work and got the job done within our time constraints.

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

We provided Next Day with a script, and they helped iron out the final details and brainstormed the animation. It was a very collaborative relationship, and they were very responsive throughout the entire process. We met to kick-off the project, to discuss the script, to go over the animation direction, review edits and then the final version.

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

Jake Rudegeair managed the relationship, and he couldn't have been more fantastic. Great at following up with us, kept our project on time, very open to our feedback and changes, and went above and beyond to get us to where we needed/wanted to go.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Video has received great feedback from the staff and has been viewed over 500 times in a week.

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

Zoom meetings, prompt emails, detailed communication and realistic expectations.

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

Their creative vision. They brought to life a script that was very open-ended and made healthcare fun & understandable.

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

No changes.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I serve as Community Engagement Director at Imagine LA, a nonprofit working to end the cycle of family poverty and homelessness. I oversee all communications, development/fundraising, volunteerism, and events.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Next Day Animations?

We worked with Next Day Animations to create a video for our potential supporters and clients. We wanted the video to explain who we are, what we do, and what we stand for. It was crucial that this video capture the most important things about us in a tight video that also used our graphic ecosystem of fonts, images, and tone.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted a video that we could use on social media, our landing page, and in-person meetings that would demonstrate our mission, program, and impact. It needed to be clear, engaging, and authentic. It would empower people to take action with our organization and would be used during our year-end giving drive.

SOLUTION

How did you select Next Day Animations?

During a call, we shared our vision and goals for the project with a sales person. They, in turn, shared information about the process of making a video and about past projects that were similar to ours.

They've worked with a number of nonprofits like ours. It felt like they were our partners from the beginning, sharing excitement and mutual respect. Cost was also a factor. Next Day Animations provided the best value out of several companies we spoke to.

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

The project began with a kickoff call to go over our specific goals and understand exactly why we wanted to make our video. The whole process was incredibly easy, from scheduling to the video technology.

After the kickoff call, we went through several rounds of providing feedback on Next Day Animations provided -- starting with scripts, image samples, and flowing to the full video. Once the script was set, we had a design call.

We focused on how the animation would sound and look, in terms of voiceover, music, character demographics and colors. This is where the Next Day Animations team really shone -- they made sure our video was true to our brand and vision.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

With the design hammered out, the team created the first draft of our animation for review. Each subsequent round of reviews focused on meeting the needs we raised in that first review. After a total of three rounds of edits, Next Day Animations sent our final files, and I completed a final survey to let the team know what we loved and any ways to improve for next time.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We've just launched the video, and we're delighted with how it fits with our existing materials on the website, in our social media, and in our in-person meetings. It tells our story with warmth and dynamic energy. It captures the love and support we provide to our families, and that they are at the center of everything we do.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The process was easy and smooth with lots of communication at each step along the way.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was impressed by the great product, clean process, and mutual respect. They fully adapted to our style and direction, executing the video flawlessly.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None! They were terrific across the board.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the regional campaign manager for the National Public Pension Coalition. Our organization was created to defend and protect the pensions of public employees across the country. We work with coalitions and just under a dozen states across the US to protect the retirement security of public employees such as teachers, firefighters, and municipal employees.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Next Day Animations?

We’ve created about 6–7 videos with Next Day Animations in the past. For this particular project, we wanted to draw a comparison between 401Ks as a retirement option and pensions specifically in the public sphere.

We wanted to utilize an animated video that’d show a race where the 401K runner isn’t able to save enough to retire on. Whereas public employees of the pension are able to retire securely after a long career in public service.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We developed the script at first and gave Next Day Animations the idea of a race. However, they put all the creative effort into making this a good video. Our process starts off with sitting down with them and discussing the direction we’d like to go in as well as necessary script items. There’s a professional writer on their staff who helps with creating the full script.

Once that’s done, we go through an approval process with the script. From there, they go into the video creation phase, which takes a little bit of time. We get a draft and then go back-and-forth until the video is ready. They provide a final file to us that we upload to YouTube and push out on our end.

What is the team composition?

We work with an account executive who I imagine manages a larger team of creative designers and video creators. They are our usual point of contact. We also work with 3–4 people on their team during the creation of the scripts and before we go into production.

How did you come to work with Next Day Animations?

My company has been working with them since before my time. I believe my team found them through a web search or maybe Next Day Animations had reached out to them.

What is the status of this engagement?

The engagement lasted from January 2017–June 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Next Day Animations’ videos really breakthrough and deliver results. Their animations engage with our audiences. They do a good job of creating visuals that are compelling and stand apart from the rest of the noise we see on social media every day. We have a great process and really enjoy working with them.

How did Next Day Animations perform from a project management standpoint?

Project management has been fantastic. They’ve always been really easy to work with and their editing process is great. We’ve never had any snags with them. I can’t recommend them enough.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The way they lay out their process from start to finish is great. From hopping on a call to scripting to working with their account executive to finalize and go through multiple rounds of editing, it’s all very well thought out.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, we’ve been really pleased with our work with them.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Give Next Day Animations a shot. They create great videos. Everything they’ve produced has been incredible. They get edits back to us quickly, and there isn’t a long turnaround.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the demand generation manager of the division of TransACT Technologies that sells hardware and software to food service providers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Next Day Animations?

I work with our sales team on outbound campaigns and content management. We are resource-strapped — we don’t have a big team or a large production budget –— which is why I hired Next Day Animations.

I wanted an explainer video that would be useful for both our sales team and potential customers to get an understanding of who we are and what we do in a synopsis-like, animation format.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Once I submitted an inquiry online, they sent me a creative brief questionnaire that I had to fill out so they could understand our business and project goals. They also requested logos and brand guidelines. We then had a kick-off call, where they went over the questionnaire and explained how the project would work, giving the rundown of their process and timeline.

They tailored the video to our target audience, who are VP’s and managers in the multi-unit restaurant and food service areas, specifically the decision-makers who decide whether or not to buy our products.

The project had three stages; scripting, animation, and the final product. Once I signed off on the final video, they sent me the files in a couple of different formats, as well as a document outlining how to use the video. They did a lot of the heavy lifting. 

What is the team composition?

My main point of contact was Jacqueline (Lead Producer) who served as our project manager. I also worked with Caitlin (COO) and Beny (Client Advisor), who were both involved early on in the project.

How did you come to work with Next Day Animations?

After hearing about them on a podcast commercial, I did some research. Beny sent me their testimonials and portfolio, which really influenced my decision. I then realized that they’d be great at helping me with this project. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about $6,800.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with them from December 2019–February 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I haven’t had the opportunity to use the video in a lot of my marketing efforts just yet, but I’ve received a lot of really positive internal feedback. The sales team was particularly excited about the video because it’s easily shareable and gives a good overview of what we do without having to explain it in writing or verbally. Having this piece of contact is truly a win since we had nothing previously.

How did Next Day Animations perform from a project management standpoint?

Jacqueline was great. At one point, I told her that they were moving too fast because I would give them feedback, and they would have the edits ready for me by the next day! I had given them a deadline of mid-March, but she pointed out to me that they do have a reputation for working quickly since they are “Next Day Animations.” Getting work done within a short time frame is an expectation based on their name.

They met the deadlines without any issues and the communication was phenomenal. I emailed back and forth with Jacqueline throughout the whole process. We had a couple of phone calls to go over a few things but most of it was handled via email. She was also the point person on their side, handling the process internally and making sure the team had all of the edits completed.

We used a Google doc for the script, so I was able to make edits in real-time. Next Day Animations used a video sharing tool that allowed me to comment within the video at specific times and withing specific frames. So, I used that to highlight any edits and they were able to see them through that tool. No real project management tool was needed. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Everything was on point from the get-go. The speed of service was amazing and they produced quality work in that short amount of time. I’ve worked with agencies and vendors where I’m the one following up to see if they’re meeting deadlines and making progress.

The fact that Next Day Animations was able to do everything so quickly and seamlessly was really great. The video was a high-quality product that met our expectations.

Are there any areas they could improve?

At times I felt like I was being rushed. I did tell Jacqueline that their speed may be misconstrued as them rushing through the project just to get it done. There were a few times where I had to ask them to make edits past the allotted rounds of revision, which was three at each stage, because the imagery and illustrations they used showed that they didn’t fully understand our target audience. 

Maybe slowing the process down a little more would’ve helped them embrace our feedback and understand our audience. That was a minor issue that we discussed and were able to figure out, so it didn’t hurt the project in any way.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the development director with RYSE Center, a nonprofit center rooted in youth organization, racial justice, and community health.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Next Day Animations?

We are building a larger center, expanding our reach, and really trying to pursue new pathways for funding and bring in partners to support our mission. Next Day Animations offers a grant in which they will make a whiteboard animation video for a nonprofit organization. We decided to apply because it was a great opportunity for us to market ourselves differently, and in a way we wouldn’t have been able to otherwise.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Next Day Animation developed a three-minute video that illustrated our organization’s mission, talked about our work, and targeted donors. At the beginning of our collaboration, their team gave us a really helpful template early on that helped us solidify our goals, values, and what we wanted to see in the video. They also encouraged us to target donors across the United States, rather than just locally.

From there, they drafted a script and we were able to provide feedback about how well we thought it fit with our organization’s message, and then they would revise.

After that, they sent us voiceover samples that could narrate the animation. Focusing on our values of inclusivity and diversity, we wanted to lift up the voices of young people of color, ensuring Black and Latinx voices were highlighted in our video. Accommodating our values, they actually used the voice of a teenager in our program as the narrator.

What is the team composition?

We had a main point of contact but also talked to the person who drafted our script and a team of artists.

How did you come to work with Next Day Animations?

We learned about the grant through a listserv and became very excited about applying after viewing their materials because we liked their animation style a lot. During our initial conversation, they were very enthusiastic about our mission and clearly communicated how they wanted to support us. We felt heard and eager to work with them.

How much have you invested with them?

It was a grant, and I’m not sure how much it would have cost.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project lasted from June–September 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The video is completed, and we have recently started sharing it online. We’ve received a lot of positive feedback so far. It summarizes our project really well and is very engaging. People have said that it does a good job sharing our story and mission. It’s a great visual marketing tool for us.

How did Next Day Animations perform from a project management standpoint?

We had really strong and open communication with them. They had a frame editing software called app.frame.io that allowed us took at the animation and make edits at any moment during the video. If we wanted to give someone glasses or change the color of something, we could make those changes right there, and their team would follow up with us immediately to ask clarifying questions. Direct feedback was very effective and helpful, making this collaboration go smoothly.

Additionally, we communicated via email and phone, and they were always responsive, making sure we kept the video production a priority for everyone. They always were checking in with us, but were patient when we needed more time.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We had similar values, and we were excited to work with them because they were committed to reflecting racial justice and youth leadership through animation. It’s sometimes difficult to connect with other agencies that aren’t as committed to our mission. Their ability to translate what we wanted into video made Next Day Animations a unique partner.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, we had a strong relationship.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be very clear about the values you want to portray. They stuck to our mission very well, but by providing feedback we were able to ensure that all of our values were illustrated in the video.  

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of Digital Marketing of a communication firm

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

An independent strategic communication and digital firm that navigates complex challenges to deliver impact and influence.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Next Day Animations to accomplish?

• Creation of an explainer video of a complicated new transportation program

SOLUTION

How did you find Next Day Animations?

Referral

Why did you select Next Day Animations over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit

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

Design of an explainer video to help citizens understand a complicated new government transportation program. Goals included explaining the need for the program, how it works, the differences between this program and previous efforts, and benefits to users over the long-term. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Creation of the storyboarding, animation, and final version of the explainer video. 

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

Deliverables were always on time, and devliered in a smart and effective way. The team was very responsive to changes that our client requested throughout each step of the process and executed on changes in a quick and effective manner. 

What was your primary form of communication with Next Day Animations?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

How quickly they were able to turn around changes to the storyboards and initial drafts of the video. 

Are there any areas for improvement or something Next Day Animations could have done differently?

N/a