Raconteur Animation

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I work as a client marketing manager for a marketing agency

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Raconteur Animation, and what were your goals?

We hired Raconteur Animation to design a custom animated Rubik's Cube for their marketing and website use. This design showcased the company's core solutions as well as its logo and came out amazing!

SOLUTION

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

The incredible work portfolio was truly the deciding factor in choosing this company. Couldn't be happier with our decision to go with them.

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

As we work on behalf of our client, we scheduled an intro call with this company to discuss face-to-face what we wanted within a week or two we had a first draft and it was exactly what we wanted. Throughout the process, we hardly had to make anything but small changes.

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

I worked with AJ primarily and what a wonderful job he did. For any further animation jobs, I will be encouraging all of my clients to utilize this company.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Every time I sent our clients the design they only got more excited about the finished designs. This company had the designs right the first time and as we got closer and closer to the finish line it only got better.

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

We first met over zoom to go over what we needed and then from the animation. From there we comunicated via email. They were always prompt in getting back to us and so helpful not to mention fast.

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

They were willing to make any small changes our client requested and they were able to make those changes so quickly that it was amazing.

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

Nope! They were absolutely wonderful.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a department VP at Deep Isolation, a leading innovator in nuclear waste disposal solutions.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Raconteur Animation, and what were your goals?

We hired Raconteur to render our new canister for nuclear waste disposal. The goal shifted a bit throughout the project, but we needed animations of our canister for an educational and marketing video of our technology.

SOLUTION

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

We were recommended to Raconteur through a design agency.

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

We started with a meeting to review the drawings and photographs of the canister. Raconteur used the drawings to build a rendering. Once approved we moved to create low-res style video snippets for approval on accuracy. Once approved, they created high-res video to place into our educational video.

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

We worked with the project manager and the renderer in tandem. It was an efficient process and they turned feedback around very quickly. They both communicated very well. At all times, I knew the status of the project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Based on their work with the original designs and updated designs, we have engaged them for an additional effort because they were easy to work with and turned out quality work in a style that matched our brand.

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

We used email and Dropbox to communicate status and review files.

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

They were really easy to work with and delivered quality work with little fuss. They get it.

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

Not at this time.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Galactiv is an in-space services startup focused on creating satellite servicing technologies for assets in geosynchronous orbit. I am a Co-founder responsible for business development/marketing/branding.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Raconteur Animation, and what were your goals?

We sought out a 60-second animation (sizzle-reel style) of our technology in action. Our goal was to create a visualization of our satellite "bus" servicing (repairing) a satellite in geosynchronous orbit. Our goal was to use this asset in our marketing/pitch deck materials as a way for potential investors to better understand our mission.

SOLUTION

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

We interviewed a number of animation companies and located Raconteur Animation after being referred to them via a startup-focused Slack channel. We really enjoyed the personalities/boutique-style Raconteur Animation offered in addition to them having a strong portfolio.

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

1. Discovery meeting
2. Delivery of sketches of what we wanted the animation to look like
3. Weekly check-ins to ask questions/refine
4. Delivery of draft product
5. Confirmation that the product is what we envisioned
6. Full rendering
7. Delivery of full renders

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

We worked with Joe and Dylan - feedback was conducted over video calls where they would share their progress and what things were looking like.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We placed the video on the homepage of our website (Galactiv.com) and also on our social media channels as we announced our maiden mission goal. The positive/awe-struck feedback we received confirmed the product was a success.

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

Working with Raconteur Animation was a breeze! We used email for one-off questions/requests and video calls for demoing progress. Timeliness was a priority for us, and Raconteur Animation delivered the project ahead of schedule.

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

The 1:1 nature of working with Dylan to refine the nuance of the animation was great! He and Joe were great, professional personalities to work with. The boutique nature of the company made us very happy we chose Raconteur Animation.

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

Nope - Raconteur Animation absolutely crushed it!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm Head of Growth at The Swarm, we're a recruiting software. I lead our marketing activities.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Raconteur Animation, and what were your goals?

We were looking to create an impressive representation of our platform. The goal was to represent a company's network in 3D, in an appealing and digestible way, and show it in a way that stands out and breaks through the noise. We also wanted to introduce the software UI and make it clear what the value prop was.

SOLUTION

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

We've worked with Raconteur Animation for a number of projects in the past and keep coming back because of the outstanding quality of the animation, and the great process Joe on his team have developed.

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

We started with discovery, going over our goals, timeline, budget. Then Raconteur presented a few options as far as look & feel. Once we nailed the style, Raconteur went through 3 rounds of edits, from low to high-fidelity. They were flexible to make final edits work for us, and we didn't feel rushed.

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

I worked with Joe and his team throughout the process. The feedback process was easy as I had a chance to give direct feedback during review calls, and send async feedback via Slack once I had time to review the latest version in details.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We've managed to build our waitlist of 1,000 companies, partly thanks to the video that gives people a quick and easy way to understand the product. I think it stands out dramatically from other videos out there, and it gives us an edge in terms of user acquisition.

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

We used Slack to communicate, with weekly or bi-weekly meetings. Timelines were respected, it took 6-8 weeks to complete the project.

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

I was impressed with the quality and versatility of their 3D animation and how they handled sound effects and music.

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

I think we should have discussed and confirmed the 4K output initially. This was omitted but Joe was flexible and ensure the output was going to be 4K after we talked about it.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the cofounder & CEO of Tubular Network. We've created an underground delivery system that uses delivery shuttles in tubes to transfer goods between buildings.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Raconteur Animation, and what were your goals?

We have an ambitious technology that will transform how people in cities work and live. To bring this vision to life, we hired Raconteur Animation. Our goals were to convey the impact of the technology as well as what it would look like from the perspective of human interaction. We use this video for our website, customers, and investors.

SOLUTION

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

We met Raconteur Animations as part of a startup dinner in Austin. After reviewing their other work, we decided to hire them for our animation needs.

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

We started with reviewing their other work. After seeing they had relevant experience (robotics startups), we did a discovery call. After the discovery call, we had several rounds of review. This culminated an excellent final cut that we now use across our business.

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

We worked with the animator and design lead directly. The feedback process was fantastic: they'd send us the content for review, we'd have time as a team to gather feedback, we'd have a call to share that feedback and answer questions, then they'd get to work on the revision.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We won a pitch competition, we've raised a significant amount from angel investors, and we've gained interest from some big-name customers.

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

They are great at taking and integrating feedback. Very humble in their approach to design. They use email and zoom to coordinate and implement meetings.

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

They are intensely creative and highly professional. We gave them loose direction on tasks, and they were able to turn those into compelling animations.

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

We always value speed and going faster. That being said, I realize that their services are in high demand and quality and speed can sometimes negatively correlate.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Channel Marketing Manager of a roofing manufacturing company

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are the leading roofing manufacturer in North America.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Raconteur Animation to accomplish?

• Showcase a Story on how our Company Partnered with a major National Home Improvement Retailer to introduce a product into their aisles

SOLUTION

How did you find Raconteur Animation?

Referral

Why did you select Raconteur Animation over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Skillsets

How many teammates from Raconteur Animation were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Project entailed telling a story of how our company partnered with major home improvement retailer when entering one of their key markets

Deliverables

• story boarding
• audio
• On screen Text
• 3 minute video

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Feedback from Executive Leadership

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

Yes. All Items were delivered on time. Joe and team responded to all of needs in a swift and timely fashion.

What was your primary form of communication with Raconteur Animation?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Their ability to turn a high-priority project over fast was impressive. Also, their ability to take the time to learn our business and our story quickly to help create effective content.

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

N/A

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Director of Marketing for a label manufacturing company in Oregon.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Raconteur Animation?

We have worked together on multiple projects. Each time it is to educate people on what we do and how we can customize solutions for them.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

They came highly recommended by another company we had worked with in the past.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

They developed a script and storyboard that we then worked together to fine tune. Selected voice overs and provided a finished product.

What was the team composition?

Salesperson, myself, and the team from Raconteur.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have been able to widely use these assets on our website and at trade shows.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Workflow was great! They were always available when needed to move forward.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Communication is great and the team is very talented.

Is there any area for improvement or anything that could have been done differently?

Not that I can think of.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Our company Generator Interlock Technologies is responsible for manufacturing and selling a device called an Interlock Kit. A Interlock Kit is a simple device that meets code requirements across the US & Canada to assist home & business owners with safely running a generator or solar powered battery. I am our lead national sales representative here at Interlock Kit. We are a small business located in Richmond, VA.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Raconteur Animation, and what were your goals?

We carry many different versions of the Interlock Kit due to the myriad of electrical panels manufacturerd throughout the late 1900's and 2000's. We hired Raconteur to animate our products installation process. They managed to produce a video after a few discussions that outdid our expectations. We were looking to feature the video on our online retail store's homepage & we have done that! Goal achieved!

SOLUTION

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

I contacted Joe thru upwork.com. We set up meetings to discuss what we wanted to focus on with the animation. Interlock Kit felt like the concept translated very well to the team at Raconteur during the initial conversations. To support our decision to partner with Raconteur we used their previous works as a model to aspire to. The videos that they present as their original work are quite sophisticated and these examples helped reinforce the fact that Raconteur could manage the project very well.

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

Initial discussions took place over the course of two meetings: - one introductory meeting - one discovery meeting Next a rough storyboard was put together. We then collaborated slide by slide to adjust various processes. Once the storyboard was established we discussed details like background music, lighting, transitions and other sensory related items.

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

I worked with Joe & Dylan. Best were extremely easy to work with. They have a process in place to streamline production like a well operated manufacturing floor.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Raconteur worked over the course of a 4 week period to produce an extremely quality animation of our installation process. They are experts in their field capable of understanding someone else's vision and using their talents to bring concepts into reality.

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

Timelines were met & exceeded based on market comparisons. Communication was excellent. The discovery meeting never felt like I was having to over explain our concept. The build process was swift, we progressed from Discovery meeting into the storyboard approval phase in a matter of 2 weeks. We spent another 2 weeks finalizing small details.

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

We appreciated their willingness to listen during the Discovery Process and their ability to interpret and then produce out-of-this-world content. Their production quality is exceptional.

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

I wish we could have discussed the project in person but we are states away. Cheers Raconteur.