Rocketwheel

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the VP of Marketing for a fintech company that delivers digital payment solutions to underserved populations and markets where traditional financial services have failed to provide affordable and convenient options.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Rocketwheel?

We were launching a new product that would change the traditional way employees got paid so there was a great deal of education that would be needed to inform both employees and employers of the benefits of this innovative, new solution. We decided to leverage the power of video to accomplish our mission.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to inform and educate our clients and their employers on the benefits of the new solution.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We reached out to our network and asked for referrals.

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

The video was a 1-minute explainer on the benefits of the product and how to use it. The production process was fairly simple and straightforward. I had a concept for the video and wrote a first draft of the script which we used as a starting point. Konstantin and his team then took that and used their expertise and experience to turn it into something that worked for the video and animation.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Konstantin and his team were tremendous during the entire feedback process. They provided great suggestions and where always willing to find ways to meet our vision. It was a smooth process and was done in a timely and professional manner.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The videos were extremely successful in the launch of our product. They allowed for much faster and greater adoption and were used extensively during the sales and implementation processes.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was very effective. They always delivered in a timely and professional manner. Communication was always clear and precise. And they were always easy to get in touch with regardless of time or day of the week.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The most impressive thing was their ability to take our vision to another level that we couldn't even imagine.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, the process was flawless. We have used them several times since and have referred them to others at every chance we get.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Akamai Technologies - Director of Product Marketing

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Rocketwheel?

We had several new offerings that were technical and we needed high quality videos to help us illustrate and explain the use case and value propositions for our customers and prospects.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was to create a series of explainer videos with consistent look and feel, that complied with our brand guidelines, and were effective in driving adoption of our new line category of products.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I found them through a vendor sourcing firm.

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

The videos were short explainers that communicated an even balance between the how and why with a clear value proposition. They were animated with professional voiceover. Konstantin and his team were hands on and helped with design, story boarding, animation, revisions and were extremely dedicated to ensure we received the desired end result.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

We used convenient SaaS tool to pass revised videos back and forth with notes to communicate around comments and updates. They also patiently spent time with us on calls to hear our feedback. Communication was seamless.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We were able to scale the adoption of the product line in a low-touch sales model, because the videos were effective in sales assisted engagements and for customer self-discovery.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very effective. No hiccups. They pushed us to move fast and they were never slow on turnaround. If anything we struggled to keep up with them. Which was a positive.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The creativity, integrity, and commitment to a quality outcome. They listened and cared about the inputs and the ideas. We had brainstorm calls to develop first draft story boards and they collaborated as if they were part of the team, on very technical topics. I felt these sessions got us a better outcome than we could have achieved on our own.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Studyo builds education technology products used by students in a variety of settings. We also provide metrics and data tools to schools. I am the CEO and have been since 2014.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Rocketwheel?

We needed an explainer video which highlighted the problem and solution in a fun illustrative way.

What were your goals for this project?

The video had to illustrate the solution in a way that required the product to be displayed so as to clearly engage schools in exploring the product with us.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Having worked with the team in the past, we love their attention to detail and true desire to understand the need and focus on the best possible solution.

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

We worked to gether in collaborative sessions to build a video which shows students being overwhelmed by their exams, represented by a student being afraid of dragons. The solution was a wizard, our product, which gave them the power to deal with each exam in sequence.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Interactive sessions every few days. Looking at comps and maquettes, adding layers as we came to conclusions and revising the vizualisations over and over.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We had a succesful campaign displaying the video and driving schools to conversations. We sold a few copies of our solutions directly following this campaign.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Always very clear. next steps were clearly defined and follow-up was excellent.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The way they can understand different markets including our very unique one and take the time to dig deep enough to truly suggest good ideas are impressive.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, we will use them again!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a senior communications professional on our corporate Marketing team. At projekt202, we provide innovative software research, design, development and marketing services for global clients, through our team of 350+ employees and U.S. and international offices.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Rocketwheel?

We were looking for a skilled, highly talented vendor who could serve as a valuable extension of our current Marketing team and our capabilities. Because the process of software design and development can often be difficult for clients to conceptualize, we needed someone who could do exactly that: breathe life into illustrating the experience, talents and necessity of our software research, design and development methodology.

What were your goals for this project?

We intended to use the videos on our website, across our external social media pages, in email campaigns to clients and prospects, and as collateral pieces for our staff to share and promote.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We reviewed and contacted several video vendors for this project. We selected the Rocketwheel team based on several factors: their portfolio of past work, their willingness to receive (and provide) feedback, budgeting, and their understanding and grasp of our project's goals and needs. The selection decision was made at the very top of our organization by our CEO.

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

Once selected, they worked with us to create a series of illustrated explainer videos on our various practices. The process began with initial calls to discuss and brainstorm concepts for each video.

On this project, our internal staff was writing and providing the text and recorded voiceovers for each video (which ranged in length from 2 minutes to 5 minutes), though a follow-up series of five :30 videos involved the Rocketwheel team crafting the verbiage and voiceovers (reviewed and approved by our internal team).

The Rocketwheel team sketched and provided storyboards for our review and revised them throughout the process based on our feedback, then created the animatics for review based on those storyboards. Once finalized and created, we promptly received the video files for loading onto our website and comms channels.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Throughout this project, the Rocketwheel team worked in close collaboration with our internal Marketing team and project managers.

Given the nature of this project involving many practices and areas of expertise, many different people from our company were involved in sharing feedback and direction; the Rocketwheel team expertly handled this range of opinion with professionalism and finesse.

They were on the ball in not only accepting feedback, but also offering their own, relying on their expertise and understanding of our market to provide valuable insights, scope and strategies.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The first video they produced has already received more than 3,600 views on our YouTube channel, which is very high in comparison with other videos we'd previously created. Internally, everyone has been very pleased with the videos and Rocketwheel's work, and we've gotten highly favorable comments from existing and prospective clients.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Our teams worked incredibly well together. Rather than a client-vendor relationship, this felt much more like they were an extension of our Marketing team. They were extremely open to feedback and direction, and also instrumental in providing recommendations on strategic uses and approaches beyond those we'd initially considered.

With so many different people juggling commitment and scheduling involved on our side, the Rocketwheel team really bent over backwards to accommodate our needs, feedback and expectations.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Quite simply, they "get" it. The nature of our industry can often be difficult to grasp or explain in a way that fully captures the scope of what we do, but the Rocketwheel team got it from the get-go.

They made sure to ask considered, thoughtful questions to understand our goals and direction. Typically, if we had any revisions to storyboards or animatics, they were relatively minor tweaks; we never had to do a full-scale do-over on any videos or scenes. We never had to hold their hands or repeat ourselves on what we wanted; again, they get it, and they deliver.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We were and continue to be extremely pleased with their work, their communication, their creative process, their collaboration and the results. They've really gone above and beyond in delivering, time and time again.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Senior Content Marketing Manager at an enterprise software company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Rocketwheel?

We hired Videosharks in an effort to create a brief video advocating for the discipline at the heart of of software offering.

What were your goals for this project?

Awareness and advocacy.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Vendor contacted me through social.

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

Animated video. We had a kickoff call, followed by a very tight turnaround time that the team expertly managed.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Very collaborative; lots of calls and updates. Made us feel like part of the process.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Video was finished incredibly quickly and with full animation. Very impressive work and turnaround time.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very--as said before, very collaborative.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Konstantin was able to synthesize the concepts of our industry with the specific needs of our project very quickly to provide an exceptional product

Are there any areas for improvement?

None.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a Digital Marketing Specialist - aka marketing guy - at Slimstock USA. As a DMS/MG I do a little bit of everything - website admin, content producer / creator, email marketing, graphic design, video editing, etc.

At Slimstock USA we sell Slim4, a forecasting and supply planning software package that works with our customers' ERP. With Slim4, they know the right amount of inventory to order which means they have better product availability, fewer stockouts, and increased working capital. Who wouldn't want that?

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Rocketwheel?

Helping prospective customers understand what Slimstock USA does and how we do it is always our initial challenge. This is made easier with good visuals, so we wanted to get a compelling and visually interesting explainer video. Hearing someone tell you about the balance between supply and demand and the limits of your ERP or spreadsheets can only take you so far - even with my mellifluous voice. But, seeing the problem and how our software solves it makes it much easier to understand.

What were your goals for this project?

Taking prospective customers from learning our names to knowing what we do in 90 seconds or less.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We received an email from Rocketwheel that had a link to their portfolio. We looked at their work and liked their cinematic eye, visual storytelling skills and price. As we were already looking to get an explainer video, their email was very well timed. We looked at other companies who do the same thing, but most of the other vendors we looked at either had poorer quality for the same price (or more!) or were out of our price range. We chose Rocketwheel because they provided the best quality for our budget.

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

We worked with Kontantin Kanariov throughout the entire process, from initial ideas to finished product. He was always pleasant to work with and timely with updates. After our initial conversations to understand Slimstock, our product, and our USP he came back to us with a few different ideas for the video.

After collaborating on a script, Konstantin sent the initial storyboards. Once those were agreed on, we received rough animatics to better understand the movement overall design. We next received our choice of voiceover artists, and after finding one we liked, we chose the music. Their production process has many chances for review and revisions, so we always felt in control of the process and Rocketwheel was amenable to our feedback.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Rocketwheel gave us a timeline that had expected production milestones as well as listing the number of opportunities for feedback and revision. They were very responsive throughout the process - both in terms of response time and executing requests. Each time Konstantin came to us with options for the next stage of development - e.g. storyboards, animatics, voiceover, etc. - the offerings were quality and he gave us as much or as little guidance as we requested.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Everyone who has seen the video likes it, and the small details that were added by the team - fluid character movement, amusing details, interesting visuals - always get a smile or a laugh.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We really only worked with Konstantin, so I'm just copying my comments from two questions up. "Rocketwheel gave us a timeline that had expected production milestones as well as listing the number of opportunities for feedback and revision.

They were very responsive throughout the process - both in terms of response time and executing requests. Each time Konstantin came to us with options for the next stage of development - e.g. storyboards, animatics, voiceover, etc. - the offerings were quality and he gave us as much or as little guidance as we requested. "

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We chose Rocketwheel for their skill at visual storytelling, and that comes through in the final product. The cinematic sweep and of the piece as well as the use of visual metaphor and abstraction simply wouldn't have been possible in a live action piece. They truly understand the medium and how best to use it.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I asked if Morgan Freeman was an option for voiceover. Though I was joking, if they'd have gotten a quote from his agent that wouldn't been the lagniappe. Otherwise, everything was good.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m co-founder and co-CEO of a nonprofit called Green Our Planet.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Rocketwheel?

We wanted to create an animated video that showed how our company works in a short amount of time. We felt that animation was the best way to get across what we do.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Rocketwheel managed the entire production process including editing. Initially, we had conversations about who we are. They reviewed our site and existing videos. We talked to their team about our basic concepts and our goals for the video. Then, they submitted a rough draft of their ideas for the content. From there, we went back and forth. The one-minute video’s currently on our website, on everyone’s email as a part of their signature, and on all of our various social media.  

What is the team composition?

We worked with just one person from Rocketwheel.

How did you come to work with Rocketwheel?

I advertised for this project on a volunteering website. They contacted us and started the initial conversation.

How much have you invested with them?

Rocketwheel volunteered to work on this project.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started the project in 2017 and it took at least several months to complete.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They delivered an excellent product that we still use three years later. It was a popular video; people liked it. We still use it extensively three years later. They did an excellent job of compressing what we do into a short, animated film.

How did Rocketwheel perform from a project management standpoint?

We initially met via Google Hangouts and held a couple of meetings on the platform too. But we communicated by email primarily. Their team was excellent, and the process was timely.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re a talented group of individuals who surpassed our expectations. They provided a quality chop and didn’t cut any corners. Their ideas were well thought out and the quality of their work was excellent. They listened to us and had good ideas, so it was easy to engage with Rocketwheel.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I’m 110% satisfied, which isn’t always the case.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

We recommend working with Rocketwheel. You’ll get quality results from working with them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the executive producer for home co-investment experts. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Rocketwheel?

We were growing rapidly as a startup and needed a group that could act quickly to create internal and external marketing videos to help promote our company.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They help us with our internal and external marketing video campaigns. Their team put out two videos in a short period of time that illustrated what we did for our second round of fundraising for the startup in our science department. Some external customer-facing videos were customer testimonials of people who have used our products.

We had two different projects. One is still ongoing to some extent. We didn’t have anything on our website that showed people what we did. Rocketwheel was able to articulate ways to show what we did in Adobe Creative Suite. They also really laid out the production process, including timelines, equipment, and other aspects.

They can tell complex stories using animation and motion graphics. They were also able to help with our live-action elements as well.

What is the team composition?

We primarily work with Ivan (Owner/Executive Video Producer) who managed the project. We dealt with 3-4 people.

How did you come to work with Rocketwheel?

I had been aware of them for 3-4 years. They had a good reputation for their animated explainer videos. We put out an RFP and they came back quickly. They were the only people we found to have their stuff together.

They clearly had done this before and really had deep resources to put their best foot forward and really show what our brand could do for people. We even had a chance to speak to some of their customers to see what kind of projects they had produced in the past.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $17,000-$22,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in December 2018 through June 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They were helpful in helping us organize the whole process. During that, they were instrumental in organizing, producing, and posting the video. They were a huge help and deliver the highest quality.

They really helped get a response for us on Instagram and our website. We had a lot of positive responses using these videos for our next round of startup funding.

How did Rocketwheel perform from a project management standpoint?

They managed the project very well. We communicated via Skype, email, and telephone.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were available and got back to us quickly. We had no idea what we were doing. After being given a budget, they were able to tell our story. They were able to show us concepts of things they’d done in the past as well as come up with totally new concepts. Within a week, they had a production schedule and all the deadlines were met. They really had their operation together.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Historically, they had done a lot of animated explainer videos. They had some good live-action work. That wasn’t apparent on their website. We almost didn’t choose them because we thought they only did animation. They should make it clearer that they have this kind of hybrid approach.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Find examples of what you want to do. They will concept things overnight. This ability to make concepts on the fly was invaluable. I haven’t ever seen that in any group before.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

At the time that I worked with RocketWheel, I was the IT specialist and marketing design lead for a company called Rema Health Products.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with RocketWheel?

We had a big marketing project that was proposed by our head of marketing, who wanted to create a big video promo for YouTube and other social media platforms. It involved a lot of moving parts, including scriptwriting, filming, and editing, but RocketWheel handled all of the post-production editing.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Because they were the final step in the process, they acted as liaisons between us and the other companies behind the various moving parts involved. They also helped to brainstorm ideas with us in the beginning and select the various service providers that we would work with before handing the parts over to them to craft into our final vision.

What is the team composition?

I worked with two members of their team, but there were closer to 3–4 people working on the project in total.

How did you come to work with RocketWheel?

We have a mutual friend who works in videos as well, and he recommended we work with Ivan (Video Producer) on the project.

What is the status of this engagement?

I believe the project lasted for the month of June 2019,

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project was received with thunderous applause, though obviously over social media. We had a lot of raw footage leftover in the end to sort through, but I was really surprised by how well the final product came together. Everyone was incredibly pleased with the quality of their work.

How did RocketWheel perform from a project management standpoint?

Their team communicated with us very regularly so that we were always clear about where they were and how things were going. We primarily used email and phone calls to talk, but they were always able to keep us up to date and had no problem hitting all of the deadlines throughout the project.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Anyone can edit videos, but in the advertising world you really have to be able to give it that extra edge that makes it clear it was done by professionals, and RocketWheel really has that. It’s clear that they know their industry inside and out.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They made the whole process very easy for us, so I didn’t think there was any room for improvement.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

The early stage of communication is particularly important because they are very good listeners and will be able to take your feedback and implement it in the final product, but only if you actually tell them what you are thinking.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of product marketing at Veeva Systems. We help companies in the life sciences industry manage their R&D and commercial functions. The products I work on help companies with clinical operations, mostly in getting their trials up and running.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with RocketWheel?

One of our newer products had less marketing materials, so we were looking to expand out the assets to promote, including an explainer video, which they helped us create.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We have a very specific way of writing at our company that takes a little bit longer for outside agencies to pick up on, so we wrote the script for the video. From there, however, they handled everything from design, style, and storyboarding, to animation, voice actor selection, and all of the post-production editing.

What is the team composition?

I’m not sure how many animators they had working on the backend, but I primarily spoke to two people on their team. Kat (Project Manager) was our main point of contact for the video itself, and Ivan (Owner) handled everything to do with invoices and the contract for the project.

How did you come to work with RocketWheel?

I wasn't involved in the initial selection of RocketWheel because we have used them for several years, but based on their previous work, the company didn’t hesitate to recommend them for this project.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project lasted from July 2019–February 2020, although most of that time was due to delays on our end of the work.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

RocketWheel really did a fantastic job. We’re not the easiest client to work with because our approvals process is pretty long, and we had some hiccups on our end, but they worked with us to get the video over the finish line. We’re really happy with the final product.

How did RocketWheel perform from a project management standpoint?

Their team hit all of their deadlines and made sure they always followed up with anything they said they would provide. Not only that, but when there were delays on our end, they were nothing but flexible and understanding at all times. Kat, in particular, was always responsive and helpful in answering any questions that we had throughout the process.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We were really impressed by their ability to understand the complex topics involved in what our company does. They took the highly regulated, highly specific pharma and biotech information and matched our script and animations to that perfectly while keeping everything engaging and fun to watch.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I really don’t have any constructive criticism. They were easy to work with at every stage of the project.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Establishing clear expectations upfront will go a long way in helping both parties stick to the established scope of the project. The better idea you have of what you want out of the video in terms of your goals, the better they will be able to steer you in that direction as effectively as possible.