Skalawag Productions

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Manager, Development of (a/an) Non-profit

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Our mission is to accelerate the development of new treatments and ultimately a cure for pulmonary fibrosis. Until this goal is achieved, we are committed to advancing improved care of patients with PF and providing unequaled support and education resources for patients, caregivers, family members, and health care providers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Skalawag Productions to accomplish?

• Video on the impact of the Foundation and its programs

SOLUTION

How did you find Skalawag Productions?

Referral, Other

Why did you select Skalawag Productions over others?

Referred to me

What was the size of Skalawag Productions’s team?

2-5 Employees

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

Videos: Impact - Broadway Belts Fundraising Video (2 MIN Core Video + Bookended Speaker additions) Using previously captured footage, simple motion graphics, and music, we will weave a personal, emotionally driven narrative of how the foundation impacts the daily lives of patients, all while moving the needle on awareness, research, and advocacy to help improve the lives of everyone in the foundation community now and in the future.

This story will be driven by the people who we have interviewed over the years. We want this piece to drive home the micro and macro impact that the foundation has. Going a little deeper on the macro impact (moving the needle) and showcasing how the foundation has a comprehensive and strategic approach when it comes to fighting this disease on all fronts. We will also incorporate a pre-recorded interview/speech as bookends if it is provided to include in the program by the client.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• We wanted to use this video to raise money during our live auction at our gala. The video educated attendees of the foundation offerings and gave us the opportunity to raise a large amount of money.

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

The team kept us on track with deliverables and quickly responded to any questions. They were able to meet on our schedules and keep the project moving.

What was your primary form of communication with Skalawag Productions?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

The team produced high quality work. Along with this they were great partners who helped guide us to make great decisions for the brand and project. They are creative thinkers and made a great product for us with a great value.

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

They were great to work with.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the coordinating editor for the Journal of Investigative Dermatology’s Methods and Techniques for Skin Research Series. We’re a journal that publishes in the field of dermatology, and the section I coordinate focuses on educational efforts to teach dermatologists about techniques used in the skin research field.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Skalawag Productions?

We had a grant proposal funded that would allow us to make videos for three different articles that had been previously published. Therefore, we hired Skalawag Productions to help us understand how to make a video and turn really complex information into an easily understandable five-minute video segment.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Skalawag Productions has helped us produce the videos we needed. Thus far, we’ve worked on three videos — they’re currently finishing the third one — and we’ve kept each video between 5–6 minutes long. All videos have been animated.

Skalawag Productions has been involved in every step of the way to produce these videos. For each one, we first provide them with the article that needs to be made into a video and introduce them to the main author of that article. From there, they write a draft of the script and provide us with a slideshow presentation showing their concepts for us to provide feedback.

As part of this process, we’re in charge of editing the script to ensure it’s right because it contains complex scientific material. Additionally, Skalawag Productions provides us with suggestions for the voiceover actors and the music, and they’re in charge of video editing and audio mixing. Throughout the production process, they work with us iteratively to keep improving the video until we’re satisfied with the finished product.

What is the team composition?

We work directly with four teammates from Skalawag Productions, including Mark (Creative Director & Founder), Monica (Creative Producer & Director), Bailey (Associate Producer & Project Manager), and Ryan (Motion Designer & Editor). Monica helps us write the scripts and does research, and Ryan helps us with the illustrations and comes to the table with a lot of knowledge.

How did you come to work with Skalawag Productions?

We were seeking highly experienced video producers to teach us and work alongside us and to develop educational videos simplifying complex material...We also met with another company. Still, we also met with another company before deciding on a partner for this project.

Initially, Skalawag Productions held a meeting with us to understand more about our brand, our expectations, and what we wanted to get out of the collaboration. Then, they put together a proposal, which helped us get the grant to fund the project.

After that, Skalawag Productions conducted a workshop where we went through some of the things we would be able to choose from. During this workshop, we got a better understanding of how they would incorporate music, voice, and artwork into the video in order to bring its complex information to life.

We also got to know each other better, which helped us realize that what Skalawag Productions could do really matched what we were looking for. We were really impressed with that workshop, so we started working together.

How much have you invested with them?

This project has cost around $50,000 in total, including my time, some administrative time, and Skalawag Productions' fees.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together around October 2021 on the proposal to apply for the grant, and we started working on the videos around January 2022. Our engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve put these videos on the articles themselves and on social media, including YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Our second video was the most viewer-friendly, receiving tons of views and granting Skalawag Productions an award in their field. That video has been the most successful one in increasing traffic to our brand and being well-received by the public.

The other two videos are more directed to our scientific audience. Although the third video is yet to be released, the first one did have an impact on increasing the traffic to the article on our website and creating excitement on social media.

How did Skalawag Productions perform from a project management standpoint?

Skalawag Productions’ project management is fantastic — I have nothing but good things to say about that part of the process. They’ve been great at working with us around our schedules and timelines. 

Additionally, Skalawag Productions has worked with our team and a few more people than they would usually need to in order to produce amazing videos for us. Our editors, authors, and other staff members of the Journal of Investigative Dermatology regularly work with them to guide the process, but Skalawag Productions has truly helped us manage that process.

Skalawag Productions has taken 2–3 months to produce each video, and for every video, they’ve given us really clear schedules and communication. Their team constantly sends us reminders and follows up with us. Moreover, they’ve been very flexible whenever we’ve had to go off schedule.

Throughout our engagement, Skalawag Productions has provided us with Zoom links for our meetings, calendar information, and other tools for us to provide feedback every step of the way. They’ve kept everything organized so that we can go through the project smoothly. We use Wipster to provide feedback on the videos and use email to communicate.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Skalawag Productions has done a lot of research to learn about our objectives and produce excellent videos, which is impressive. Additionally, during the vetting process, their workshop was outstanding. They focused on getting to know us and providing guidance, which was very different from what the other company we interviewed did.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing Skalawag Productions could improve on. Whenever we’ve found things that aren’t working, they’ve been very open to making adjustments to correct them as we go along.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be prepared to be taken through a very well-developed process. Skalawag Productions is very good at what they do, so they’ll help you grow and stretch your idea. Additionally, keep the communication open and honest because they’re great at working iteratively, so there will be a lot of communication throughout the process.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the managing director for an identity management software company. We created a new IDM software product that helps organizations manage the user lifecycle of user accounts.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Skalawag Productions, and what were your goals?

We contracted with Skalawag to design and produce a 2-minute overview video of our new IDM software product. This video would contain a live actor and animation in the background. The goal was to have a professional sales video that outlined the strength of our product.

SOLUTION

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

A marketing firm we work with out of CO highly recommended Skalawag. To be specific, they highly recommended Mark. Mark's knowledge of his industry and easy nature to work with was the deciding factor in moving forward.

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

After our initial kickoff discovery meeting, both teams worked on creating and finalizing the script. Simultaneously, Skalawag created a casting call that provided a rich set of prospects for us to choose from.

The next step was filming. Skalawag's team set up a professional environment for the filming and provided us with remote access to monitor and provide feedback. After filming, Skalawag worked on post-production animation. After the first cut, both teams worked together to make adjustments.

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

Mark and Bailey were the two main points of contact for this project. They kept us informed and on schedule during the entire process.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The video was presented to our international offices and had very positive feedback. Currently, the video is on our website and used in other types of marketing.

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

The project management style was very professional and structured. This gave us ample time to provide input and feedback at every step of the project. While still keeping the project on schedule to meet our deadline.

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

We were very impressed with their knowledge of the video industry and time management. Each project phase had milestones we could easily meet and not feel overwhelmed.

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

More video examples of our industry and possible animations would have helped us decide what we wanted. Overall they did a great job explaining the animation, but more examples would have been helpful.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the VP of advocacy and programs for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. We're a patient advocacy organization working with patients with pulmonary fibrosis. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Skalawag Productions?

We hired Skalawag Productions to create videos that provided educational content to patients and families while telling the stories of people living with pulmonary fibrosis. Our goals were to provide greater education to the community and increase awareness of pulmonary fibrosis. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We engaged Skalawag Productions throughout the years for a number of video projects. They did a combination of animated and filmed videos. The team worked with us to brainstorm ideas and bring together a storyboard. We provided them with a basic overview of what would be covered in the videos, and their resources worked on fleshing out ideas and styles. 

They then collaborated with us on filming the videos, editing them, and creating the final products. Skalawag Productions used their own equipment and handled editing and audio mixing. 

What is the team composition?

We worked with five people from their team, including their founders, producers, and videographers. 

How did you come to work with Skalawag Productions?

Skalawag Productions worked with one of my colleagues at a previous firm. At that same time, we went through an RFP process and looked into a number of providers. Ultimately, the quality of their videos was the best fit for our audience. 

What is the status of this engagement?

Our projects lasted from January 2018–January 2022. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The most popular video that we did with Skalawag Productions had over 178,000 views on YouTube. We also had thousands of views on other videos they created. On top of that, our patients said that the videos were truly helpful for them in terms of understanding and managing the disease. 

How did Skalawag Productions perform from a project management standpoint?

Their project management was good. They responded to our needs, delivered on time, and stayed on budget. To communicate, we used phone calls, emails, in-person meetings, and product management software. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

I was truly happy with the final product they delivered. The videos were engaging and appealing — we were happy with what they’d done. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there weren’t any. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

You have to shoulder a decent amount of work. As the client, you should offer ideas to the Skalawag Productions team. You’ll also need to help edit the video and give them feedback. Their resources do a good job, but you must tell them what you want for your project. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m an executive for a small CPG business.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Skalawag Productions?

We needed video content.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We had a strategic planning session with Skalawag Productions where we talked about what we were looking for, and they refined everything we gave them based on the time and budget we had. We provided them with our brand and photography guide, and an initial list of shots which we revised together. 

We moved on to a virtual video shoot, and they delivered the final product to us. Skalawag Productions provided all of the equipment, the set, and the studio. 

What is the team composition?

Our main point of contact was Mark (Founder & Creative Director), but we worked with a team of about four people. 

How did you come to work with Skalawag Productions?

They reached out to a colleague of ours previously, but it wasn’t the right fit at the time. They followed up with us later, and we sat down and interviewed with them a few times before deciding to move forward with them. 

How much have you invested with them?

We invested around $25,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with them between May–September 2022.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve seen an increase in the amount of engagement we’ve had on social media. 

How did Skalawag Productions perform from a project management standpoint?

We had a few issues on the first shoot that we completed with Skalawag Productions, but they were open to hearing our feedback. They made adjustments, and the second shoot ran more smoothly. We communicated through email and used Excel. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

We appreciated the initial strategy session that we had with them. They helped us to understand what was reasonable to expect within our budget and time frame. They laid everything out clearly so that we were all on the same page regarding our expectations and approach to creating content. They were also very open and responsive to our feedback. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

We think that they could improve their communication upfront, and more clearly communicate a timeline. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be realistic about your expectations, and clearly communicate the deliverables you need. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the brand director for a protein snack company, meaning I oversee all our creative content as far as consumer touchpoints for our website, social media, and PR.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Skalawag Productions?

We were looking to bring our brand story to life through a video on our website. It had to contain our overall history of product offerings.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

After onboarding them, we shared our company history with them and then went right into product. We brainstormed creative ideas about how the video should be brought to life, and they put together the storyboard, scripted the product, planned the timeline, and moved into filming and post-production.

They did the video in a documentary style; it was a combination of interviews and live action, as well as footage of our product being used, like a lifestyle video.

After the video was finalized, they produced a number of cut-downs that we’ve repurposed for social media. This project was the kick-off for the last year-and-a-half of our relationship.

What is the team composition?

I’ve worked with five people: Mark (Owner), a product, a director, an editor, and a few interns.

How did you come to work with Skalawag Productions?

I vetted a few different partners and identified them as the best fit for our needs.

How much have you invested with them?

The total cost is just under $120,000 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working together since April 2021.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The video is an evergreen visual that lives on our website. It is not only educational for our retail buyers and customers for brings our story to life in a really entertaining way; we’ve received nothing but positive feedback on it. Skalawag is very easy to work with and is dedicated to their work.

How did Skalawag Productions perform from a project management standpoint?

They’ve never missed a deadline and are always upfront about schedules. Their people are always receptive to feedback as well. I honestly have no complaints. Zoom, Google Meet, and email suffice for communication, in addition to Google Docs and Sheets.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re not just an execution production partner, but they truly collaborate with all teams to bring their story to life in a creative way. People can expect a collaborative partner that brainstorms with them and finds unique uses for their videos beyond what was originally planned.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I honestly don’t have any suggestions.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Know you’re going to get more out of them than simple execution support. They’re going to be a true creative partner and act as an extension of your brand.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of Better Blends. We make gut-friendly protein powders.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Skalawag Productions?

We wanted to create multiple videos that helped explain our products to customers. We plan to utilize these videos in our omnichannel marketing campaign.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

To start off the project, Skalawag Productions held a workshop strategy session to get a better understanding of our company and products. After that, they proceeded with the entire production process, from planning and scriptwriting to filming and editing. The team created three videos for each stage of the marketing funnel. One of the videos featured our founder’s story, and the rest were published on our online platforms, including TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook.

What is the team composition?

We worked with everybody from their team, including Mark (Founder & Creative Director).

How did you come to work with Skalawag Productions?

I connected with them when I had just opened the company in Chicago. We decided to work with them mainly based on the quality of their work.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $15,000

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together on this project from April–September 2022.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The videos they made were very effective for our digital campaigns. After implementing the videos, we immediately saw an uptick in conversions and increased our sales by 36% during the first month. Moreover, our sales improved by 17% with a lower ad spend in the following month.

How did Skalawag Productions perform from a project management standpoint?

They usually delivered videos ahead of time and were very easy to work with. For instance, we asked them to create certain aspect ratios for different types of video formats, and they were able to get me those within a few days. We communicated with them virtually for the most part.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We were impressed with their ability to deliver quality and budget-friendly work ahead of time. Their team was also very professional and amazing to work with.

Are there any areas they could improve on?

No, they did a great job.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

If you’re going to invest in creating TikTok videos, be very mindful of the versatility of the videos and make sure that they focus on your product’s benefits and what differentiates it from the competition.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a co-founder of PinPoint Collective. We leverage qualitative and quantitative research to understand our client’s audiences and consumers. We try to understand consumer needs so our clients can leverage our insights to improve their marketing, find new touchpoints, or build new revenue opportunities.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Skalawag Productions?

We were introducing a new offering to our clients called Shared Voices. We wanted to combine qualitative and quantitative research efforts to develop a new structure and methodology incorporating crowdsourcing. 

We were experiencing challenges because our new methodology was unique within our industry, so we were taking a significant risk and hoping our customers would see value in the offering. We hired Skalawag to help us shoot an informative video for our new offering.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Skalawag has helped us shoot an informative video to show our customers. They’ve handled each step, starting from strategic planning up to execution. They‘ve guided us through the video production process from start to finish, acting as a sherpa. 

First, they led us through the storyboarding process and helped us write scripts. They also shared music and wardrobe options with us ahead of time to ensure the video aligned with our brand. Then, they provided us with a shot list, helped us choose a location, and brought their crews on-site to shoot content. During the shoot, they provided us with feedback and artistic direction. 

They pulled together several creative assets to achieve the final output. After the shoot, they edited the content; when they didn’t have the necessary content, they found stock images and implemented those within the video. They developed messaging around the context and value proposition to create a compelling output that encourages people to engage with our new methodology. 

The team has created a few different versions of the final video so we could cater the content to other channels such as Instagram, LinkedIn, and our landing page. They’ve communicated our new offering to clients by explaining the product and why people should take advantage of it in an entertaining, concise way. The most extended version of the video resides on the webpage we created for Shared Voices. 

What is the team composition?

We’ve worked with four different team members, including directors, camera operators, and people who helped with the script-writing and music. 

How did you come to work with Skalawag Productions?

We had heard of Skalawag through one of our colleagues, so once we developed our new offering, we reached out to see if they could create a video for us. 

We wanted a partner who could succinctly communicate information regarding our new offering to differentiate us within our industry. After meeting with them, we felt they were the right partner to take on the challenge. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested about $20,000 with Skalawag Productions, which includes everything from soup to nuts. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with Skalawag Productions in June 2022, and the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Skalawag has been invaluable throughout the launch of our new offering. They’ve taken a complex idea and clearly defined it to people in a digestible way, which we appreciate. They’re great storytellers, and they’ve helped us hone down on essential factors to communicate to our customers. Their efforts have helped us reach a wider audience. 

We’ve seen a massive uptick in visitors to our Shared Voices webpage and our company homepage. We’ve seen a significant increase in social media engagement, and there seems to be a lot of enthusiasm surrounding our new product, which has led to more people purchasing from us. 

Since launching the video, we’ve received numerous emails and testimonials from colleagues in our industry who are excited about our new offering and can thoroughly explain it to us. This indicates that Skalawag has done a fantastic job with the video because it has effectively informed people.  

How did Skalawag Productions perform from a project management standpoint?

Skalawag Productions is fantastic when it comes to project management. They’ve been very thoughtful and intentional throughout the process; everything from shot lists, costume, and script language has truly aligned with our brand.

The team is incredibly talented. They’ve understood our time constraints and worked quickly to accommodate the tight timeline. They’ve checked in with us at every step to ensure our brand shines through the video. 

The Skalawag team has been very efficient, clear, and communicative throughout every step of the process. They’ve set clear expectations around whether our desired timelines are feasible and provided wiggle room around more complicated project stages, which has been helpful. 

We use Slack and email to communicate, which we appreciate because they’ve met us in our comfort zone. Our collaboration has been seamless. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’ve been most impressed by the strategic thinking behind their direction and creative assets. They don’t just produce a video for video’s sake; they set themselves apart by creating exceptional stories through thoughtful editing. 

They’ve taken the time to understand our goals and brainstorm the best way to leverage our creative channels to attract audiences and meet their needs. They’ve thoughtfully guided us through the creative decision-making process and have done an excellent job.

Working with them has been fun because they’re exceptionally talented and knowledgeable in their field. They’re friendly and make us feel comfortable in front of the camera. The project has never felt like a chore; instead, the team provides an energetic environment because they’re passionate about their work. Passion oozes from them individually, but we can tell they’ve been intentional about creating a positive company culture. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I have nothing Skalawag could improve on. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

If you want to engage a video production partner, I’d recommend Skalawag. They will incorporate your goals and be thoughtful in creating the final output. They’ll ask thought-provoking questions to help you meet your business goals and create a meaningful product.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the vice president of corporate communications and patient advocacy for a gene therapy company. We are working to advance a pipeline of programs for severe genetic diseases.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Skalawag Productions, and what were your goals?

We are a newer company, and we just introduced the tenets of our company culture. Our goal was to create a series of videos that articulated what our company culture means to employees. We also wanted to engage employees through the videos.

SOLUTION

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

We wanted to work with a vendor with excellent video capabilities but also the strategic mindset to understand the business goals we were trying to achieve. We also wanted a team of people that were easy to work with as we knew video creation is an iterative process. Budget was also a consideration, so we needed a vendor who prioritized cost effectiveness.

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

We started with a strategy workshop that Skalawag led, which focused on ensuring they understood our business goals and objectives. We then had a storyboarding phase, followed by a filming phase. That was followed by an editing phase. Then, the final video products were shared.

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

We worked with the entire team, and everyone was fantastic. The feedback process was incredibly easy because Skalawag truly listened to us and understood our business goals.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

When employees watched the culture-building videos we created, the reactions were incredible. One employee said "I get goose bumps every time I watch." Another team member said "I am so proud to work for our company." Hands down, the feedback was stellar.

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

We mostly worked via email and an online platform where we could view video and offer feedback directly. It was a super easy process. We also received timelines that ensured we knew where the project was and next steps. The Skalawag team was also always available to talk if needed.

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

They truly understand the balance between creativity and achieving business goals. I have never worked with a video team who got that balance right - Skalawag did. In the end, we received videos that were truly award-worthy and visually stunning - but most importantly, the videos we received achieved the business goals we had set.

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

I can't think of anything. Skalawag was just awesome!

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the VP of development for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. We are a nonprofit patient advocacy organization. I work on all of our fundraising events.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Skalawag Productions?

We engaged Skalawag Productions to help with our broadway bounce gala. The gala is broadway themed and there’s a showpiece element included to make it fun and festive. 

During the show, we pause to talk about our mission, background, and goals and take that opportunity to incentivize giving. We needed a partner to produce this portion of the event and create a video for the ask.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Skalawag has produced the lead-up to our giving ask for several years. We start each project with an introductory call where my team shares half-baked ideas regarding our vision. Skalawag takes our initial ideas, molds them, and brings them to life in a visually compelling way. 

They work with us from beginning to end, taking us from concept to the final product, and they lend their strategic vision and creativity expertise along the way. We primarily handle casting due to confidentiality and then communicate our decisions with Skalawag. They handle everything, including script writing, storyboarding, shot lists, photography, music, and sound production. 

They help mold the speaking points and thoroughly prep cast members using interview questions. They also edit and produce the final video product. They provide the equipment and have traveled with us many times. We plan to continue using their services for future production needs.

What is the team composition?

The Skalawag team size varies according to the project, but we consistently work with Mark (Owner). We also work with Bailey (Production Assistant), a camera operator, and others.

How did you come to work with Skalawag Productions?

We found them through a referral from another team within our organization.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Skalawag in August 2019, and the partnership is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The video Skalawag produced for our most recent gala yielded about three times more in donations than we’ve ever seen. Our top fundraising total prior to their involvement was $53,000, and we raised $138,000 this year, which I credit to the video. They told a compelling story. 

They are really incredible thought partners and storytellers. They've been a driving force behind these videos and have made them a vibrant experience where viewers are pulled into the story. 

Some of these stories within the scope of our disease population are very heavy. The disease we work for has a 3–5 year life span from diagnosis. We often work with family members who have lost patients or patients whose health is deteriorating. The Skalawag team is kind and warm, and they coach patients through the production process and convey their stories eloquently. They are just a wonderful team, which is important when working with families in difficult situations. Their compassion always shines through.

We’ve spent long travel days together, and the Skalawag team is great about that too. The more we work with them, the easier it is to collaborate because they know what we’re looking for and how to read between the lines. They’re good at taking our ideas and fleshing them out according to our vision. 

For our most recent project, they were able to hand over an essentially perfect video on the first round, which saved us a lot of time. The product was so spot-on, and there was no back and forth. We appreciate the partnership. 

How did Skalawag Productions perform from a project management standpoint?

Skalawag is very easy to work with. Our most recent project was straightforward. We had one strategy call; they took our vision, storyboarded it out, and effectively captured what we were going for. They nailed it. Typically, they do three rounds of edits, and for the most recent project, they did one round of edits for minor changes. I think we spent a total of 15 minutes sharing feedback on the most recent video. They basically gave us a final product right off the bat. 

We typically communicate via email and use the Google Suite. They’re great communicators; they always reach out if they need something from us. I work in events, so my schedule can get busy, and Skalawag is excellent at keeping projects on track, which I value. They timeline the project and set frequent reminders to ensure we’re meeting goals and objectives together, which is great.

Our most recent project had a tight turnaround, and they met the deadline, which helped us out. They work around my events-focused, busy schedule, and they’ve bailed us out when we’ve had tight turnarounds. They really did us a favor on the most recent video, because we didn’t give them much time, but they figured out a way to make it work and really added value to the gala attendee experience.

The funds we’ve invested in the partnership have returned tenfold to us, and their collaboration has been valuable to our organization. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

I appreciate that they're just good people. Other vendors are knowledgeable, and they can deliver a product, but Skalawag is relatable, compassionate, and driven. Working with them is fulfilling. They have a lot of passion, and they’re fun to work with because it feels like this is more than just a job to them. They’re talented, and their quality of work is stellar; far above other partners I’ve worked with.  

Their willingness to guide us is impressive. Even when we’re working on other projects outside their scope, we can call them to go over ideas, and they help us work through things. They have been true thought partners and have made it a point to understand our mission and organization. They go far and above expectations and produce great work. They take the time on the backend to ensure they’re meeting our needs.

The Skalawag team is really helpful and provides a unique vendor experience. They have become a crucial part of our team, which sets them apart.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Short of helping me manage backend event logistics, which is totally outside their scope, I have nothing they could improve on. We’ve been really pleased with the partnership. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

My advice is to let them take the lead. They’ve made suggestions that I haven’t been sure about, but they end up being spot on every single time. Share the concept with them, let them be creative, and put their flair on it. If you give them the reins, they will provide you with a compelling, powerful result.