Studio B Films, Inc.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Brand Manager for a medical devices company based in Alameda, CA. We are an international company of about 2,500 employees with a market cap of $6B. We sell our products worldwide directly and through distributors.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Studio B Films, Inc.?

Our company started a new division in a brand in line of business. With this challenge, we brought on Studio B to help us create a user-friendly video which served as the basis of our video assets for our launch.

It was great working with professionals who truly guided us through the process and were so seamless to work with. The quality was really so great and we were so happy with the work and have continued to hire Studio B for future projects.

What were your goals for this project?

Our original goal for the project was extremely broadened after we got the video back and were impressed with how high quality it was. The original goal was to create a how-to video that we could use for current customers to understand how to use our product.

The goal was widened and the video was repurposed for promotional materials, our website, for prospective customers, etc.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I searched online as well as through word of mouth and compiled a list of top companies based on their websites. Studio B stood out for the high caliber of clients and high variety of work. Every person on the team that I talked with was so knowledgeable, professional, and fun to work with during the initial "courtship" as well as during and post engagements.

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

We created one long form video user guide and then also edited that into four seperate videos. We did:

1. Briefing
2. Script - Review and Feedback
3. Location Scouting 
4. VO and Visual Concepts layout 
5. Casting
6. Production
7. Post-Production

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

There was a producer who also acted as a project manager. They provided timelines including feedback and version updates. They responded well to feedback. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

No specific metrics yet--but has been very valuable in assisting with our launch. Used in multiple different ways than the original meaning. 

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was very effective, we are in a heavily regulated industry so they were great at being patient and accomodating last minute changes from our regulatory and legal teams. 

What did you find most impressive about this company?

High professionalism of work, huge subject expertise in production, very detail oriented and perfectonists in this area. 

Are there any areas for improvement?

There was some turnover in the producers we worked with during one project, though I don't blame Studio B for that--it's hard to keep good producers. The producers did a good job transitioning to one another so it didn't effect the timeline of the project.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

GetSafe started as a DIY home security company and is now a complete medical alert service. I am the Senior Marketing Specialist. I manage all reputation accounts and assist in maintaining the brand both internally and externally.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Studio B Films, Inc. ?

We initially hired Studio B in 2016 for a promotional video to help launch our product and brand. In 2019, we launched a Medical alert side of the company and reached out to Studio B for another promotional video. The first time they did a casting call, script, story board, shoot, etc. The second time we used the same cast, so we did not need a casting call, but utilized their other skills and services.

What were your goals for this project?

For both projects it was to give a highlight about the products and services we offer, as well as showcasing our brand and voice.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

After thoroughly researching, it was easy to select Studio B. They were in communication quickly, professional the whole way through, and had a great portfolio.

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

Both videos used the same family cast. The video detailed the services, the ease of use, and the products - with a humorous but thoughtful script. They invited me to be involved in the casting call as well as both shoots. They made me feel very included, though they are the experts.

Their communication is the absolute best! They communicated through the process, never leaving us guessing when things would get done. We just trusted them and they delivered - both times. D

uring the shoot, they were super busy, but made us feel so comfortable and had fun while working. Though I'm sure there is a lot of pressure and stress, they never let our team feel it.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Studio B stayed in communication the whole way through. They were available by phone, but most things were so clear, email was good enough. They provided details when they promised. If they said they would check in within a week, I would see an email from them as promised.

They made it easy for us to see and provide feedback for the casting call, scripts, video drafts, etc. We stayed in communication consistently with the same people, which made it easy and we built a great working relationship with them.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The Studio B video has helped demonstrate our brand and services clearly, we have the video on our major landing pages. The medical alert business has been doing very well - there is no other brand that has the quality and look that we do and Studio B definitely helped master that.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was very effective. We work seamlessly together and I can't stress enough how the consistency and communication between us went well. I loved working with their team through every stage of the project. I met with everyone on the team and all were helpful through various parts of the project - it's no surprise they are successful with the teamwork that is clearly demonstrated.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their consistency. From working with them the first time in 2016 and then again in 2019, it's great to see their consistency in all areas. Quality of work, professionalism, positive attitude, and communication.

Are there any areas for improvement?

After both projects, we did not have any negative feedback or necessary improvements.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a CEO of a brand marketing agency that specializes in building high impact brands for mission driven healthcare companies, including several Bay Area Life Sciences companies.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Studio B Films, Inc. ?

I hired Studio B Films to produce a documentary film

What were your goals for this project?

To produce an 8-10 minutes documentary that takes the view on a journey of 25 years of progress for patients. This video was showcased at a symposium with 500+ participants, including the founding team of the company, investors and current/past employees. The video achieved an excellent response and our clients were pleased!

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Through a competitive search of approximately 5 video vendors. We reviewed many vendors in our network based on their work, creativity, storytelling ability, cost and proximity to the Bay Area. My team of 4 brand marketing and video producers conducted the review and our recommended decision was vetted by the client.

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

Vendor took the lead on scripting once my team set the strategy. We storyboarded the process, wrote the questions and had Studio B conduct interviews. We took a first pass at transcript review for desired quotes/individuals, but ultimately Studio B led the way with telling a story and delivered multiple cuts until we got the story to where it needed to be. I participated as lead brand strategist.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Their project management or feedback process was thorough and collaborative. They developed the production schedule and managed it tightly.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Not a dry eye in the room is the best outcome of this project. Participants were moved by the story.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Our workflow was extremely effective in part due to outstanding project management on my team and Studio B's team.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I found their ability to piece together 13 interviews into a cogent, compelling story most impressive.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I would like Studio B to lead the way on creative recommendations to enhance storytelling and have more capabilities in house regarding animation and motion graphics.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the head of marketing at a startup medtech company that works in the cardiovascular space and sells devices internationally.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Studio B Films, Inc. ?

We've hired studio B to create several videos for the our company in different aspects. They've created a technology launch video and a patient video, as well as an executive video.

What were your goals for this project?

The goal of the executive video was to get our leadership on film talking about why they joined the company in order to use if for recruitment, but also with customers and investors to help detail the ethos of the company.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I had worked with Studio B previously when I worked in the marketing agency world and remembered that I was very impressed with their work. They were at the top of my list to call when we sought out to create these videos.

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

It was a fairly straightforward process - we worked very collaboratively on a storyboard, held an 8hr one-day shoot in our offices and the output was a 5-min video that hit the nail on the head. It was exactly what I was hoping for.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

We were in constant touch with the director, the project manager and creative director. They make themselves extremely available through one-off calls as well as scheduling a regular cadence of calls that aligned with our timeline.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We were so pleased with the video that we used it for my uses aside from its original intended purpose. Its a central pillar on our current website and use it to introduce a variety of people to the company. It often sets the tone for many meetings and conferences.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Extremely efficient and professional. If there was ever an issue, they would make themselves available for immediate resolution. It was never a situation in which they would ask for a call the next week...it was always, when can you connect today?

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They are helpful throughout every part of the project, but I'm always stunned to see what they can do with raw footage to create such compelling story arcs. Also, I love working with partners who are excellent what they do, but it's also a pleasure when you like working with them as well...that's the case with Studio B.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Would love for them to bring down their costs so that we can afford to do more videos with them. That or maybe I just need a bigger budget....

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Sr. Content Marketing Manager at Stockwell – A retail technology company that builds and operates smart stores that can be placed everywhere people live, work, and play.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Studio B Films, Inc. ?

We needed an Anthem video with a strong sense of brand for our new website that explained what we do and the problem we solve for our customers.

What were your goals for this project?

We hoped to explain how a Stockwell store can be placed anywhere people live, work, and play, and how we can help customers in all of those locations by providing life's essentials when and where people need them.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

This makes the third company that I've worked for where I've hired Studio B to produce video content for us. Each time, they've exceeded my expectations. I hire them because they really help us flesh out the project during the creative process, listen to our input and needs, are both professional and delightful to work with, and always give us a fantastic product.

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

We gave them the script, they helped us storyboard, then shot and produced the shoot over a few weeks.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

They gave honest and professional feedback at every step of the process, even when what we were asking for wasn't ideal.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Studio B met our deadline and stayed very close to our end budget. The video was on our new website when it launched as has had thousands of views since. And weeks later, when I realized I needed additional files for social or whatever, they were still quick to respond and pleasantly get me what I needed.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very. Studio B was always responsive and helped this project stay on time, on budget, and kept all the stakeholders in the loop.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The entire team was full of genuinely nice people who are good at what they do.

Are there any areas for improvement?

If they weren't so busy, they could likely work even faster. But I guess that's just a symptom of being so professional and valuable as a creative partner.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Lawrence Hall of Science is a public science center for University of California, Berkeley. The institution creates a science curriculum for use nationwide. For this project, we created 70 videos as part of a digital science curriculum series. I was the executive producer.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Studio B Films, Inc.?

We hired Studio B to create a series of short narrative pieces as well as a series of direct, on-camera narration. Both video series contained advanced animation work and some 3D modeling.

What were your goals for this project?

We needed to create two cohesive video series that met a long list of strict criteria for our curriculum product. It also needed to match the branding guidelines and art design for the overall digital product. We wanted strong diversity in casting, realistic acting, believable locations and props, and scientific accuracy. We also needed to have quite a few of the videos made on a rolling basis as we became ready for them.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We took bids from 10 different organizations, did in-depth interviews, and spoke to references. Because we were doing such a long video series, it was critical for us to go with a solid organization with a long track record of success. Studio B stood out to us.

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

We came into the process with draft scripts, and Studio B worked with us to get them to the final stages. Their director planned all the shots, their producers planned all details and logistics of the shoot and location, and all I had to do was show up. They coordinated the casting as well.

In pre-production, I communicated our goals, and they'd provide me with options to choose from. In post-production, we gave verbal or email feedback on rounds of editing and provided specs for animations or added graphics we needed. Their editing team was fast and responsive even to our most detailed, small notes and requested changes. They let me be as involved as I wanted to be.

At the end of the project, they delivered a final uncompressed version, a compressed version for streaming, and the archived working files. They keep all their work for all clients on a backup tape, which will be invaluable if we want to make adjustments in the future.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

They have an excellent production team that coordinates all the feedback and keeps everything on track. We tried to stick to three feedback rounds for edits in post. In production, their producers coordinated all our feedback on set design, sourcing props, casting, location scouts, and costume. It was straightforward; they would set up a slide deck full of options, and we would give the go-ahead.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We got a lot of positive feedback internally from the publisher; they were so happy with the work. We also got a lot of positive feedback from review panels and school districts on the quality of the videos and what they brought to the curriculum. The level of polish and engagement in the videos helped the curriculum stand out and sell as well as it has. It's already been used by over a million children across the nation and is expected to be widely adopted.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was fantastic. We worked together for over one year, and we got into a great production rhythm and were steadily turning out videos. All their team members had great attitudes. They seemed unstoppable no matter what kinds of challenges or obstacles came up. I was constantly amazed by their talent. My team was used to checking in via Google Docs, and they accommodated us with that.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We worked with Studio B for over a year; I felt like I was part of the team and they made it very easy. They were extremely creative, and they kept the quality and momentum excellent the whole time. We had such a specific and unusual project to tackle, and they were proactive in becoming aware of our needs.

Aside from a highly creative and cinematic shooting style, they're great at sourcing quality actors, set designers, and bringing added value within our budget. You can tell everyone who works at Studio B cares about doing a job right, and that is worth every penny. They were truly just as invested as us in the project.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I can't think of any areas I would improve. The project went very well, and we were thrilled with the results.