Open Window Productions

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the executive director of The Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa. We’re a youth workforce development and conservation organization. We work with 450–550 youth and young adults every year doing natural resource work. Our focus is on national service, leadership development and environmental stewardship.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Open Window Productions LLC?

We want to attract young people to conservation and career opportunities in the natural resource sector. Open Window Productions LLC helps us increase our brand visibility through imagery.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Initially, we wanted to create a video that would to convey our story to donors and stakeholders. Eventually, we decided to keep them on retainer. Over the last two years, they’ve worked on 6–8 projects annually.

Doing both photography and videography, they’re focused on creating digital content that does well online. They film the people in our program and create videos that are about 1–1:30 minutes long. To support recruiting, they’ve also recorded short testimonials. Finally, they produce B-roll materials that we can mix and match.

They even brought in drones for several of our projects. Recently, they used it when we burned several acres of property in a prescribed burning.

What is the team composition?

I’ve worked with Henry (Director & Producer) directly. He does have someone assisting him now, though.

How did you come to work with Open Window Productions LLC?

Through an RFP process, we found Open Window Productions LLC. We interviewed 3–4 candidates and were looking for a team that could do more than just help us with the physical assets of our project. We also needed a partner that could help us shape our narrative and capture the essence of our brand.

They weren’t the least expensive, but we were really impressed with Open Window Production’s track record.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about $20,000, but we expect to reach $35,000 by the end of 2021.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our first project was on a campaign in June 2019 and we kept them on retainer in 2020. We recently renewed their 2021 retainer as well.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They’ve done an excellent job. When we first started working with them, we quickly discovered that Henry liked working with youth and had a good eye for a brand. It was a no-brainer to keep them on retainer Their work is really valuable for us. They create high-quality materials that were effective for the campaign we are running.

After using their materials for a year and a half to support recruiting, recruiting has kicked back up. The assets they’ve created have contributed to that trend.

Using the drones brought our work to a whole other level. They’re tactics are very innovative. Now we’re redesigning our website and hope to use the assets even more going forward.

How did Open Window Productions LLC perform from a project management standpoint?

They respond quickly. Sometimes these projects come up with little notice and they have to drive several hours to events. Recently, they had to crawl up and down a hillside with their equipment to capture the images we wanted. Seeing that, I told the rest of my team that they’re valuable and well worth the expense. They clearly have passion in their work.

We write out a project schedule at the beginning of the year. Sometimes the projects that we want to do take on don't happen because we changed our priorities, but they’ve been flexible and have moved certain priorities up in sequence because of the availability of the content.

They’ve also responsive to our deadlines. If we move deadlines because of an event or activity, they’ve been adaptable. All around, I’m a very satisfied customer.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re all about the hustle. In the past, we’ve called them about last-minute opportunities and they completely change their schedule to get the content we need. They’re dedicated to creating a story that attracts key stakeholders. We really appreciate their enthusiasm. That — on top of the high-quality work that they deliver — is what sets them apart.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They’re a small shop, so sometimes they’ve had capacity issues. Of course, they go out of their way to meet our needs, but every once in a while, they can’t get the last-minute events we’d like them to attend.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Help them understand what you do. After the first few months, they got to know our organizations and the people we work with, and their results were even better. The faster you can get them up to speed, the sooner they will be able to provide valuable insight. That context certainly helps them prioritize content.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the executive director of the Sundance Family Foundation in St. Paul, Minnesota. Our foundations support the development of pathways focusing on youth living in low-income areas and living in communities of color. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Open Window Productions LLC?

We wanted them to produce visual messages about the importance of getting young adults into careers. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They did everything from pre-production to post-production which includes scriptwriting, storyboarding, filming, and editing. They also helped in identifying distribution platforms and methodologies we should use. Moreover, the team also created one-minute trailers and memes we could post on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. 

For the first project, they were responsible for filming our event in May 2019, which was also the launch of our Earn and Learn program. The program focused on creating opportunities for young adults 18–24 to move quickly into careers that could provide sustainable income. We realized that the best way to convey information was with stories about young people who had created successes. 

Additionally, we also wanted to feature the many partners we have in our 3–5 year journey including employers, support organizations, and young people as they navigate through finding their potential. We were also trying to highlight successful pathways including youths who were able to venture into great careers with short-term training. 

Then, for the second project, the team started the documentary in September 2019, and we finished it in March 2020 when suddenly COVID-19 hit and the storyline completely changed. It went from amazing opportunities out there to no opportunities for the youth, so it took us most of summer 2020 to understand what the new storyline would be. After that, we needed to refilm everything. 

They currently help us to post stories every Friday on Facebook — essentially giving our target audience a 15-minute infomercial featuring “Zoomerkammers” — which are hour-long sessions about carers and training for youth seeking entry-level pathways to middle-income careers.

What is the team composition?

The primary person we’ve worked with is Henry (Director & Producer), and we also collaborate with his two colleagues, one who specializes in social media and another in charge of editing.

How did you come to work with Open Window Productions LLC?

We found them through the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and we discovered them when we received the Responsive Philanthropy Award in the state of Minnesota for our work with communities. The Open Window team filmed us for that particular award. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $46,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

Our ongoing work began in May 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They’ve guided us from the conceptualization process to producing multiple products that we could utilize for marketing, distribution, and on public television. Additionally, they’ve been able to capture some of the disparities that we’re facing and the racial reckoning that we’re experiencing. It took a while to make sure that we’ve been doing it in an uplifting and informative way, but Open Window’s cultural competence and ability to bring critical messages have been wonderful. 

We’re also getting reviews from everyone about the team’s quality of work, and we’ve been able to utilize their one-minute videos for promotional work. Most importantly, they’ve accurately conveyed the mission and vision of our third-party stakeholders. 

How did Open Window Productions LLC perform from a project management standpoint?

They’ve given us an opportunity to share our opinions about the script, production, and editing. We’ve had a great editing platform where we post our comments. We also use emails to communicate and we check in once a month.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We hit a brick wall when COVID-19 happened, but we’ve been able to get past that. They’ve also hired voicing talents that normally we wouldn’t have been able to access. 

Their flexibility has been impressive, and whenever we give them feedback, they’re always open to changing things. For example, when we had an image we didn’t like, they gave us another choice. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

For a video organization of their size, they can be bigger and able to staff up to a larger level, they may be more consistent and have the ability to step up and do so much more. We’re already getting high-quality productions, so that’s the only area for improvement. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Hire them, and they will be happy to support you.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I work for Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa. We're a nonprofit centered on providing meaningful work for young people in natural resources.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Open Window Productions?

We contracted Open Window Productions LLC to produce videos and photos for our organization. We needed content that would serve as recruitment material for young people, as well as fundraising efforts for prospective donors.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Open Window Productions LLC created a series of seven videos, each highlighting different aspects of our organization. There was one teaser video intended to spark interest in our organization, five program-focused videos, and a final video that was directed toward potential donors. The team guided us through pre-production and provided all of the creative direction around our concepts. 

Open Window Productions LLC also captured photos from our various projects and uploaded them to our website, along with the videos they produced. 

What is the team composition?

Our main point of contact is Henry (Director & Producer, Open Window Productions LLC), though we’ve met two or three other videographers he works with along the way.

How did you come to work with Open Window Productions LLC?

One of our team members had actually seen some of the videos Open Window Productions LLC had created for another nonprofit organization and was impressed with the quality of their work. 

We interviewed five or six other local businesses, but Open Window Productions LLC stood out both for their production and affordability.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our initial contract began in February 2019, and as of now, we’ve transitioned to an ongoing monthly membership.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our primary success metric for the initial project was the completion of the videos and photos, which Open Window Productions LLC absolutely delivered on. 

We work together with a great deal of trust, and it truly feels like a partnership rather than a business relationship. Henry knows we’re new to working with a videographer, and he's been extremely patient as he educates and guides us through the process of video production.

When our contracted work with them came to a close, we decided to extend our engagement into an ongoing partnership. As a nonprofit organization, it’s crucial that we’re good stewards of the limited funding we have. Open Window Productions LLC understands how to maximize our resources.

How did Open Window Productions LLC perform from a project management standpoint?

Henry’s key to success as a project manager is his ability to communicate. He responds quickly to any of my questions over email or phone, and if we need to adjust deadlines he’s upfront and allows room for discussion around the new timeline.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Even as Open Window Productions LLC’s business expands and they take on more clients, the team has never failed to deliver on our agreements.

Also, Henry and his team are extremely experienced and passionate about the work they do, and they’re quite capable of understanding mission-driven organizations.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing that comes to mind.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

You won’t be disappointed if you work with Open Window Productions LLC. You’ll receive a really beautiful and high-quality product, and have a great experience working with Henry and his team.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a marketing specialist at a construction company. We prefab different components of framing construction for both residential and commercial jobs. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Open Window Productions LLC?

We hired them to create a video that quickly explains who we are to the general public.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The final product was a live-action, corporate, “about us” video. We shared it on social media accounts like LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube. Their team was in charge of scripting and all the post-production work. 

What is the team composition?

Two people from their team worked with us, and we had one project manager. 

How did you come to work with Open Window Productions LLC?

I had been looking for video production companies in the area, looking at various types of videos and examples. The drone work that Open Window Productions LLC did in some of their videos was exactly what we wanted, so that drew us to using them. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $10,000 on their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from August–December 2019. We had to reschedule due to inclement weather sometimes, so that contributes to the timeline. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The owner of our company has received multiple phone calls about the video, so that’s been very exciting for us. We’re happy with how its performed in terms of views and comments. Our internal team is definitely pleased with the video. 

How did Open Production Windows LLC perform from a project management standpoint?

I only have great things to say about how they managed the project. They were awesome at walking us through each stage and running with our ideas. Any scheduling delays because of weather didn’t phase their team—they came up with new dates and ran with it. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Overall, they just blew us away with how adaptable they were to our needs. Whenever we had last-minute changes, like needing more filming days, they were extremely accommodating and didn’t make a big deal about it.  

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there’s nothing to improve. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Work with them. It’ll be one of the greatest decisions you could make if you need a video for your company. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the marketing & communications manager for Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota. GESMN is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that offers job training and customized career support to eliminate barriers to work and independence. Proceeds from thrift retail, e-commerce, grants and financial contributions fund our services that help Minnesotans get equitable access to employment opportunities and realize the power of work. Shopping and donating divert over 65 million pounds from local landfills annually and have helped us connect people to jobs since 1919.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Open Window Productions LLC, and what were your goals?

For April 2022, GESMN wanted to run a larger campaign focusing on sustainability and "green" shopping. There was also a sale on Earth Day that needed to be advertised for. We reached out to Open Door for help creating a series of commercials to air during the entire campaign, and beyond.

SOLUTION

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

We were referred to the company by a former coworker. Their previous work and skillset were exactly what we needed.

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

We started with an initial meeting to review needs and scope. They helped us write a script and storyboard. In the end, they delivered one :30s and two :15s commercials featuring shoppers at Goodwill. They handled the voiceover, as well as talent management.

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

We worked mainly with Henry, who kept us continuously updated on timing, needs and schedules. He sent files over for our review, and we provided feedback when needed (rarely though, they nailed it right away!).

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

All our retail leadership loved the ad, and we are looking forward to running it throughout the year. Our ad agency is sending us results soon, but anecdotally the sale and month had great success in stores.

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

Everyone on the team was so communicative via email and in meetings. We were always informed of the plan and updates.

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

They were so creative! They understood our vision and goals, then added so much creativity and life to it all. They were very collaborative, and it injected fresh energy into the project!

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

No, they were great to work with!