PIGEON STUDIO

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

LIT Videobooks makes documentary versions of best-selling non-fiction titles. I am the Director of Production, so I oversee logistics on all projects from concept to delivery.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire PIGEON STUDIO, and what were your goals?

We hired Pigeon Studio to complete the full-frame animation for the videobook wanting. Our goals were to complete the animation in under 6 weeks, in the style of the visual deck we sent them.

SOLUTION

How did you select PIGEON STUDIO and what were the deciding factors?

We selected this vendor based on quality of their work, price point, and their great team communication.

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

The process included multiple phases of animation (storyboards, animatics, final animation, etc.) through a number of weeks. This required extreme attention to detail on each requested asset and learning our approval system for each round, and then sending final files in the approved delivery specs.

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

We worked mostly with Daga. The feedback process was wonderful; they organize their own files and also adhered to our systems. They sent constant reminders and updates and communicated clearly and quickly.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project is not live yet.

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

Their project management style was top-notch. They communicate well on Slack, organized their files internally on a great spreadsheet with a color-coded system, and still used our Frame.io process to follow notes and feedback. All deadleines were met on time.

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

Their quality of work is excellent; creative, visual storytellers who take notes well. Their timeliness, internal organization, friendliness, and attention to detail stood out in the workflow.

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

No, we really loved working with them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm a Global Marketing Manager for Truvant company. We accelerate client business across every stage of the product delivery value chain.

From supply chain and manufacturing strategy to package design and development to production and packaging operations, we work closely with your team to deliver high-quality, flexible, efficient, and sustainable contract manufacturing and packaging solutions.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire PIGEON STUDIO, and what were your goals?

Our challenge was "How to explain in the simple words the complexity of our solution and services"

SOLUTION

How did you select PIGEON STUDIO and what were the deciding factors?

Range of customers Pigeon work with and the project they deliver. + Location (Poland)

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

Our cooperation starts with the 1h meeting where we describe our company, what we want to achieve and what we need. Based on that Pigeon create a short description of how they would like o approach this project. Then was the creation of: -Script -Chossen type of lector -Graphic design presentation -Storyboard -Sounds effect -Making the animation Every step was clearly explained with a focus on the comments from our side.

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

With a project manager. The communication process was fast, clear and simple.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We face very positive feedback from the clients and prospects that see the animation. And most important, they understand what we provide in the time under 2 minutes. We can't achieve that with the talk or presentation.

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

Simple, clear and straightforward.

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

Their high level of expertise and accuracy in providing advice and feedback about our idea has been impressive.

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

Hard to tell. For the online communication, I don't have any remarks.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm a Marketing Expert in Traficar company - the most popular car sharing system in Poland available in the largest Polish cities such as Warsaw, Kraków, Tricity, Wrocław, Poznań, Łódź, Katowice and many others. Thanks to the application, users can have a car exactly when they need it.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire PIGEON STUDIO, and what were your goals?

We wanted to show our clients why it is worth using Traficar and how it stands out from other means of transport. However, we wanted the advertisement to be unique, unconventional and encouraging to get to know the product. So, the decision fell on Animation, which we realized with the studio.

SOLUTION

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

We were looking for a company with extensive experience in the implementation of Animation. By analyzing the offers and the portfolio delivered to us, the studio made the best impression on us.

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

Each stage of cooperation was at the highest level. Studio Pigeon took care not only of punctuality, but also the highest quality of service at every stage of creating the animation. We started with a meeting where we analyzed our needs. Then we chose the main Animation graphic, which was to be the basis for creating the entire project.

Subsequently, we received Timeline updates (if necessary), as well as animation fragments or voiceover samples. Each stage was clearly separated and we were informed that what we decided today would not be changeable anymore, so we were not surprised by the additional costs.

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

We worked with the Project Manager, who was not only in touch with us, but was also a liaison between us and the animatrers and made sure that we were informed about all suggestions and comments, and received them from our side.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The animation received only positive feedback and is also eagerly watched by our customers. This was the goal we wanted to achieve!

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

The contact with the project manager was excellent and the cooperation was very smooth. We received all the animation samples via Dropbox, while the timeline was sent by e-mail (pdf).

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

PIGEON STUDIO excellently manages time, listens to the client, and does not leave the client unanswered if any questions arise — despite the closure of the project.

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

At the moment, I do not see such a need.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the founder and CEO of an accounting software. We're building an accounting software that focuses on accrual account so companies can be GAAP compliant with the IRS.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Studio Pigeon, and what were your goals?

We hired Studio Pigeon to create digital access such as character avatar creation and an intro explainer video. The goal was for them to design characters that match our branding.

SOLUTION

How did you select Studio Pigeon and what were the deciding factors?

Studio Pigeon was a referral from another startup founder that previously used them.

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

We started with a discovery meeting then Pigeon Studio developed a few storyboards for us to review. After we agreed on a storyboard, they did a few versions to see which one we liked best. We provided some feedback and it was finalized in the final production.

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

We worked with the project manager and everything was on schedule. Feedback was taken and implemented.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We haven't publicly shared the digital assets or video to any investors or customers yet.

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

Super easy to communicate with. Everything was done via email or zoom meetings.

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

They took time to learn about our idea and vision of the brand. They took all aspects and provided options on which direction is best.

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

Everything was as expected. No feedback on what areas can be improved.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm Marketing Manager - International at North Data GmbH. We provide structured, easy to understand, officially published company data from selected countries (specially in Europe), to anyone who needs it.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Studio Pigeon, and what were your goals?

Our product "Data Services" has always been difficult to explain to the general public, due to its complexity and abstractness. The goal was to be able to explain the Data Services in a really engaging and simple to understand way.

SOLUTION

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

I have conducted interviews with several animation studios all around Europe. Before finding a studio to work with, I had exactly in mind how the video should look from and artistic standpoint and as a digital illustrator myself, I was very critical when analysing the portfolios from each studio. After long and tiring sessions of meetings, Studio Pigeon was a "no brainer" decision for me!

I can say for sure that the deciding factors were based on the unbelievably artistic videos that Studio Pigeon has created in the past, the mix of styles and techniques, the authenticity of ideas for animation and lastly and the most important factor to me, the lack of "animation shortcuts".

What I defined as "Animation Shortcuts" after seeing it so often from so many studios around the world, can be described as: easy solutions for small movements, that "shouldn't be too relevant". For example, small hand movements and gestures are often very robotically rigged and look extremely artificial. Studio Pigeon tackles these movements very seriously, making them extremely natural looking and to me, adding a tremendous value to the final product.

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

The stages of production were very clear and well presented:

1. Preproduction: Kick-off - materials delivery, script adaptation, storyboard, Key Illustration, English VO recording, German VO recording and Stillomatic.
2. Production: Illustration Development and animation
3. Postproduction SFX & Music development

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

I had worked with a project manager and a Client Relations Director.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The Data Services has always been majorly offered (and understood) by a German only audience. Now, with the video produced by Studio Pigeon both in German and English, we are able to reach a much broader audience and the increase in the product's awareness is already noticeable, even after only 2 months of the video being out there.

Another outcome from the project that can be highlighted and often not mentioned as it's subjective and difficult to measure, is the fun factor that was added to the product. The Data Services offers the possibility for people to have access to company data through API or exports and it's very difficult to beautify it as it's challenging to make it appealing to the general public.

With the video, we were able to add fun elements to it (eg: cat slapping the ball and animated sharks) making it much more appealing to a much broader group of people and not only to tech experts.

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

We had a google docs spreadsheet that clearly presented the timeline of the project but also served as a depository of links to all the assets. This was extremely useful, as everything could be found in the same place and seamlessly updated throughout the project. Furthermore, the project manager followed everything up beautifully by email, making video calls and team meetings seldom.

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

The quality of the animations presented in their portfolio was definitely what made me decide to have the project be done by Studio Pigeon, though one of the most important aspects of it that couldn't have been identified before the project started.

It was how casual and light the communication was throughout the whole project and the feeling that everyone held themselves accountable to make sure that the final product would be something amazing. Their flexibility to navigate back and forth in every stage when some hiccups happened was second to none.

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

The only thing that comes to mind and that I have already mentioned to the Client Relations Director, was that the presentation of the project's process before the project actually starts could be more appealing and easier to visualise. Though It was clearly explained by the team and fully understood by me, I think we could've saved a bit of time on the first chat we had if the process was more explicitly presented on the website for example.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the head of production at the M5 Film production house. We produce video advertising content, usually intended for television and the Internet.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Studio Pigeon, and what were your goals?

One of our regular clients asked us to prepare a qualitative animated film explaining the principles of implementing the new, pro-ecological and ensuring safety during a pandemic service "Ekowizyta". As most of our content is live-action, we needed a partner specializing in animation technology.

SOLUTION

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

We had contact with Pigeon studio before, because we had been observing their portfolio for a long time and being impressed by the quality of their films. That is why we were looking for a suitable opportunity to establish cooperation, and the project commissioned by the client seemed ideal for this. The choice was made due to the high artistic quality of their earlier works.

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

All cooperation between us, the client and Pigeon studio took place remotely. We started with a discovery meeting via Zoom with Pigeon, us and the client, where we discussed the brief for the production of an almost two-minute video. On this basis, the project manager on behalf of Pigeon prepared for us a detailed description and work schedule for about 2 months.

The schedule assumed the work in the following order: preparation of the script and voiceover text, working VO recording, preparation of the storyboard, key-illustrations, stillomatik and finally the proper animation, with the voiceover selected in the casting and properly assembled music.

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

We mostly worked with the project manager, who kept us informed about the progress of the work, kept the schedule, provided questions and, if necessary, communicated us with the animation director. At each stage, we - as the film producer - sent our and the client's comments. We received the results of work of the next stages via DropBox or SyncSketch, which allowed us to send comments immediately. If necessary, we organized joint calls.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our client was very pleased with the resulting animation, which was created according to the adopted schedule. The film made it possible to familiarize employees and partners of his company with the new technologies that they implemented in the company.

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

The project manager deserves all compliments when it comes to the method of communication and providing us with updates. The project was carried out in a pleasant and light atmosphere, although everyone was focused on the task all the time.

All remote communication tools were used effectively, such as DropBox or SyncSketch, Zoom and Vimeo. During the entire duration of the project, we never met in person (mainly due to pandemic restrictions and distances that separated us).

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

Studio Pigeon listened very carefully to our needs and comments, often even staying ahead of them. They justified all their moves and changes in the project on an ongoing basis, clearly explaining what they resulted from. They did not exceed the timing or budget. 

ll their artistic choices were in line with our expectations, they gave us a lot of good ideas (resulting from their extensive experience in working in this matter) and throughout the duration of the project we felt that we all sincerely care about creating the best film possible.

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

Honestly, the collaboration was so good that I wouldn't change anything about it. However, I would like each subsequent project to look like this - I got only positive impressions from it.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am Visual Communications Manager in an energy company that have core operations in 10 countries, with some 19 000 energy sector professionals with approximately 2.4 million customers worldwide across different brands, and 150 power plants. I oversee the visual communications including videos, animations, digital content and campaigns.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Studio Pigeon?

My company operates in a difficult topic and boring topic. We wanted to explain our business to younger We hired Studio Pigeon to create set of animations explaining topics such as: - how does district heating work? - how hot tap water is produced? - how does the combined and heat power plant work? - how does the district cooling work? - how we can turn wastes into energy?

What were your goals for this project?

The goal was to explain our business in easy and interesting way. The animations were part of the educational project for kids.

SOLUTION

How did you select Studio Pigeon?

We choose the Studio Pigeon in tender out of 3 others studios.

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

After getting the brief the studio was responsible for the scenario, a script and VO, storyboard and animation. Each of the stage had been approved separately before starting the next one.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

We work together on each stage of the project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The videos are part of the project that was launched last week so we do not have any metrics so far. So far the material got a warm acceptance.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was easy to communicate with the project manager and he understood our needs and our expectations.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We're impressed with the team's creativity to turn boring and difficult information into easy-to-understand materials.

Are there any areas for improvement?

the process was smooth and well managed.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm a producer at DOBRO, the production house in Warsaw, Poland. We mostly work on commercial film projects, tv spots for various brands and companies in Poland and worldwide.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Studio Pigeon?

When we were executing a big McDonald's Christmas campaign, we had an additional to the main TV spot, animated film to execute. We hired Studio Pigeon for that.

What were your goals for this project?

The animated film was an assisting project to the main brand commercial. It was supposed to catch the attention and promote the children's book that was based on the animation.

SOLUTION

How did you select Studio Pigeon?

We did a reaserch and selected few companies to send the brief to, based on their response we met with each of them and discussed the project and their offer. We also checked their proposition of the design, artists and execution plan. We shared those offers with our client and discussed them, and based on that we recommended the studio.

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

We selected the projects design, the artist that would create the story's illustrated heroes, we discussed the lenght of the story, the chapters, main events and the mood. Then the studio presented the illustrated chapters, made some corrections and started to animate the story.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

We contacted mostly with the studio's Producer for the project. At some points we connected our client's creative team with the studio's artists when the execution process was intense. The studio provided a team of artists, graphics and animation specialist to work on the film and to meet our deadlines.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

the animated film and the childrens book based on that was a huge success. It was very appreciated by our clients and the target group that it was addressed to. It was finished and delivered on time, which was a massive victory, because the timing was extremely tight it was a serious challenge.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was very effective, the team's communication, enthusiasm, sense of responsibility, and commitment made it all work out so well.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their high standards of work ethic, work flow, professionalism, and great ensamble of individuals.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are an Education Technology company that creates online products that help students love learning! Our biggest product is a math game that has over 90 million users. My role is Creative Director. I lead our internal creative team to oversee the brand and create pleasing and delightful advertising comms for our users.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Studio Pigeon?

Our math game is a huge fantasy world, but we have never really taken the time to get kids excited about the story and lore inside the game. The thinking is that if they loved the lore of the game more, they would play more and therefore learn more math. We hired Studio Pigeon to create an animated web series around some of the characters in our game so we could show students more of the world inside the game. Studio Pigeon took our script outlines and from there created all of the art, animation, and sound for the series.

What were your goals for this project?

The goal was to have students who views the episodes to log in and play the game more than they had before. We show the video on youtube and inside the game itself. When they view the videos inside the game, the goal was then to direct them to a certain level of the game to measure how effective the videos were (since they were already logged in).

SOLUTION

How did you select Studio Pigeon?

Studio Pigeon has an outstanding portfolio of excellent animation. That was first and foremost for us in selecting them. We chose them out of 4 total choices. The deciding factors were their skills (portfolio), their proposal (which outlined how they would approach the series, giving us 3 different options on how to stylize and animate), and their price. For what they would accomplish, their rates were very reasonable. Myself, our head of Brand and Communications, and one of our CEOs were involved in selecting them.

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

We created the outlines for the 5 videos internally and then handed them over to Pigeon. From there, Pigeon started with an exploration for the style of animation as well as the style of illustration. During this, they began on the animatics episode 1 to start plotting out the details of the script and timing things. From there, everything kept rolling. We landed on a visual style for the series, and then Pigeon went into visual exploration of the world and the characters (always referencing back to the source material from our game). While sorting out the illustrations, they pushed ahead on the animatics. During this time, they would provide us with work to review every few days. They worked with us to plan out a 2 day feedback loop. We were in constant contact throughout the process, sometimes using email to communicate, and other times hopping on video calls to discuss the work. My role (along with an animation expert on my team) was to look over the work and provide any feedback. Pigeon was great at defending their choices when they really believed they had a great solution. But they were also good at accepting feedback from us and making changes based on our comments. Once the animatics were approved, they moved to full animation. This was a rolling process. When one animatic was approved, it moved to the next stage while the other videos were still in the animatic process. This approach allowed us to be very efficient. Once through the animation phase, we moved to sound design and music. This was a challenging stage because it was undefined when we got there. Internally, we had only been thinking about the visuals. Not the audio. Pigeon worked with voice actors to create unique voices for each character in our series. A very tough ask since the characters are "Pets" that just make noises. And not pets like you would know. One is a magical bat, while another is a fiery horse-like creature. Pigeon found the voices for us and we loved them. Similarly with music, Pigeon did wonders with stock (which was all we could afford). You'd never know stock music was used because they adjusted and manipulated it to match the flow of each episode. When the videos were complete, Pigeon shared Pro-Res and other video format files with us as final files. We had everything we needed to make this a success!

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

We dealt with what felt like a very senior team at Pigeon. It was a small group, but I imagine that behind the scenes there were many people on this project. We set the date as to when we needed the final videos, and Pigeon created a work back schedule to make that date. From there, Pigeon stuck to the schedule well. Even allowing us to have a few days here and there of grace in getting our feedback back to them.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I am not the one who holds the metrics, so I don't have exact numbers. But I can say the project was a success. We are currently working on a bigger/more expensive series with Pigeon because the first series performed as we had hoped. Students logged into the game at a higher rate after watching the series. And they went and collected the pets from the videos more than kids who hadn't watched the videos.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was great. Pigeon did an excellent job of creating a workback that worked for us and then they stuck to it. We primarily used Dropbox to share files and leave feedback. This worked very well. The communication was amazing.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The working relationship stuck out the most. The work was top notch, especially for the cost, but you can always pay more to try and get top-notch work. But oftentimes when you work with creative companies, there can be a feeling that they know things better than you, they are more creative than you, they are the experts and know it all.... Pigeon did none of this. They worked so well with us. They absolutely were the experts, the ones who had the skills and the creative experience to get this project done, but they valued our thoughts and opinions and worked with us to create the best series we could have hoped for. At no point did we feel like they were not listening to our thoughts.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Since this was my first time going through such an intense animation process on a project this large, I could have used better training at the beginning as to how the animation process works and what approvals are needed at what stage. There were some things at the beginning that I did not comment on, not knowing this was the moment to comment, and then it became an issue when i made the comment further down the line when more work had been done.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We're a production company and artist's agent. I am the Co-Founder and Executive Producer.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Studio Pigeon?

Studio Pigeon were hired as part of the 2D animation team in our production for the Netflix series - Headspace.

What were your goals for this project?

To deliver a high quality animation within the clients budget and timeline.

SOLUTION

How did you select Studio Pigeon?

Based on their portfolio and previous experience.

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

The 2D animations were directed and illustrated by the director duo Kijek/Adamski. Our role was to support Kijek/Adamski in finding the right partners to bring their illustrations to life. Animators were tasked with specific parts of the animation, depending on the animation technique needed.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

They were very satisfied with the whole process and appreciated our flexibility and timely deliveries.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

This episode of Headspace has not been released yet.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Communication, scheduling and overall workflow was very smooth.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We were impressed with their flexibility, professional approach, creative solutions, and problem-solving skills.

Are there any areas for improvement?