Umault

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of marketing and communications for the NIU Foundation.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Guy Bauer?

We hired Guy Bauer to create a video to launch our scholarship campaign. We wanted a compelling and exciting video that would encourage alumni to engage and donors to give.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We had a script and storyboard. We needed Guy Bauer to bring the video to life, by bringing their value and creative talent. Their team put the video together, using all of our students, campus buildings, and mascot.

What is the team composition?

We worked with at least five to six people on this project. Our team included Guy (President & Founder, Guy Bauer), a project manager, several camera operators, and a post-production team that edited sound and music.

How did you come to work with Guy Bauer?

I found Guy Bauer online. Their sample videos drew me in with beautiful camerawork. They have a gift for telling a story and evoking emotion. Everything on their site was well produced. I reached out, and our first conversation and their proposal were outstanding. Guy Bauer’s ideas were exceptional and showed an acute understanding of our business and goals.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $30,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with Guy Bauer between October–November 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We haven’t launched the campaign yet, but external and internal feedback has been positive. We showed the video at our signature gala with about 500 alumni and donors present. It sparked great applause, and everyone loved it. Guy Bauer did everything they promised. The exciting video reflects our university and community.

How did Guy Bauer perform from a project management standpoint?

From the moment I hired them, I didn’t have to worry about anything. Their responsive team had everything covered, from creating ideas, fleshing out the script, and scheduling. When we had weather issues, their team worked around that. Guy Bauer is filled with excellent problem solvers that exhibit a positive attitude.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Guy Bauer is a smart and brilliant team. It’s probably one of the best experiences I’ve had with a video production company. While watching their demos, I knew that they could produce our videos and I was right. Working with Guy Bauer was one of the best professional decisions I’ve made.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I don’t think so.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I work for a large professional services organization. I do multimedia development (e.g., videos and podcasts) for our thought leadership.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Guy Bauer?

We wanted to launch our very first MOOC (massive open online course). Our executives were nervous because it was something we'd never done before. We didn't know exactly what it would entail, so we wanted a partner to lead us through the process.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Guy Bauer created a series of videos as part of our MOOC offerings. While we’d never done a MOOC before, we did have a lot of thought leadership on the topic of additive manufacturing. They worked with us to figure out how to best structure each lesson and video. They advised us on what would work in terms of how, when, and where we should film, as well as how much time to spend on a single presenter versus guest experts.

They did all the filming and all the post-production for our education pieces. They put together the supplemental on-screen graphics to enhance the lessons. They also create standalone videos throughout the company.

What is the team composition?

I’m in contact with the whole team, including production people and post-production designers. Guy (founder, Guy Bauer) is my main contact.

How did you come to work with Guy Bauer?

I’d previously worked with Guy before he set up his agency.

How much have you invested with them?

My department has spent around $750,000–$1,000,000. It’s definitely more across the rest of the company.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in 2013 and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Guy Bauer is integral to the MOOC’s success. The videos are actually interesting to watch. There’s a real cinematic value rather than merely filming a PowerPoint presentation.

They not only ensure that we get all the footage we need, but they also put it together in a way that is better than we could have anticipated. They’ve created the benchmark by which we do everything else in this field. We're planning more projects with them in the future.

How did Guy Bauer perform from a project management standpoint?

Their team performs well. The projects get done; deadlines are never an issue. Guy will push back when he thinks that we’re missing an opportunity. That’s a good thing to have in a vendor. He knows the limits but also wants to make sure we’re doing the best we possibly can.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They constantly over deliver. They do more work than they charge us for. They're really good.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The relationship I have with Guy is one where he can give me a lot of pushback. There are a few times when I wish he wouldn't, but most of the time I think that it's a good thing.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Just work with them. That’s it.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I worked at a laboratory instrumentation company that specializes in analytical instruments for the life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and other industries. I was responsible for laboratory automation segments.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Guy Bauer?

We wanted a video that would build brand awareness and visibility for one of our automated platforms.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

When we started working together, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with the video. We decided to tell the product’s story by showing how it performs and helps customers achieve their goals. We concluded that the story should be a series of interviews with our internal people. We wanted to give the spotlight to our application scientists and principal engineers, so we structured the interviews with informal, open-ended questions designed to let these people talk about their own experiences.

The first video was an astronomical success and we were given a huge budget to make 7–10 more videos. When I left for a different company, I did two more projects with them that were virtually the same. We rebranded the facility and strengthened brand awareness before a new product launch. They brought a still photographer who shadowed the whole video and contributed awesome photos for our other print media. That provided even more value for our money and the materials they produced were useful in future projects.

What is the team composition?

At the beginning, we worked directly with Guy (Founder, Guy Bauer). We formulated plans and then he brought in one or two principal photographers, videographers, and the makeup artist. As the company grew, they added a lot of other talented people to their staff. We engaged a project manager and a still photographer.

How did you come to work with Guy Bauer?

I did an internet search and came up with three potential options. Guy was just starting his company and we were one of his first clients. He was honest and his prices were reasonable. I connected with him and wanted to give him an opportunity. I wanted to work with him on every video project that came after.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about $40,000–$50,000 on my work with them at both companies.

What is the status of this engagement?

I worked with him in 2011 and 2012 at PerkinElmer. Then, I worked with him in 2013 at my other company.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our projects were wildly successful. Guy is an expert in photography who uses great techniques to generate leads and build brand awareness and momentum. He chose really fantastic music and his editing was phenomenal. He had a talent for picking the right quotes and putting them against beautiful panoramic shots and great lighting.

He was a terrific interviewer. Some of the people we chose were unaccustomed to the spotlight and were very nervous. It’s hard to be candid if you’re not used to makeup artists and bright lights. He got every interviewee to open up and tell their story.

One unmeasurable result was what these videos did for our internal team. These projects fired up everyone who participated in our videos and thought the experience was amazing. For some, the process cemented their internal identity and motivated them to do great things. It was one of the finest marketing experiences of my life; everyone was amazing.

How did Guy Bauer perform from a project management standpoint?

Project management was one aspect that grew with his business. As the volume of projects grew, he hired more staff. Every person I interacted with was professional and in tune with the mission. We never had any issues with execution. I don’t think he would tolerate anyone on his staff who didn’t meet his standards.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have an uncanny understanding of our story and mission and always knew exactly what we wanted. I can’t say enough about Guy. He was always fair and everything about my experience with him was first-class.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I’m delighted with their work. I still check in with Guy at least once or twice a year to see how he’s doing. It’s a joy to see his business blossom; he really deserves it. His photography and storytelling are iconic and I recognize his work whenever I see it on TV.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Interim CMO of Matomo

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

The Leading Google Analytics alternative - Matomo is an ethical GDPR-compliant web analytics tool.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Umault to accomplish?

• Brand awareness video

SOLUTION

How did you find Umault?

Watch another of their video

Why did you select Umault over others?

Execution quality

How many teammates from Umault were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Umault accepted the challenge of delivering a video to mark the end of the Google Analytics 3 era and drive awareness of Matomo. Key deliverable is a parody of Oppenheimer trailer featuring a crazy creator for GA4 - 2min something.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

This video has been appraised by the marketing & analytics community all over the world. +1 million views in a week time on all digital channels.

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

Project management was very strict and respected. Communication was clear, concise and exact. And yes, they responded exactly to the business needs and feedback!

What was your primary form of communication with Umault?

Virtual Meeting

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

Their creativity, passion, and professionalism were impressive.

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

Nope.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Chief Futurist of Deloitte

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are the world's leading, and largest, professional services firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Umault to accomplish?

• Create an inspiring, informative video about the future of information technology

SOLUTION

How did you find Umault?

Referral

Why did you select Umault over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

What was the size of Umault’s team?

6-10 Employees

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

Excellent prep, shoot, post, and delivery.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Views through the roof
• Reusability in spades
• Clients coming back

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

Umault simply crushed it.

What was your primary form of communication with Umault?

Virtual Meeting

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

Guy, the founder and director, was an A-Player. A true though partner.

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

nope.