Vignette Creative

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Executive Director of Farm Rescue

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Deere & Company (www.JohnDeere.com) is a global leader in the delivery of agricultural, turf, construction, and forestry equipment. We help our customers push the boundaries of what's possible in ways that are more productive and sustainable to help life leap forward.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Vignette Creative to accomplish?

• Enhance John Deere's brand and reputation
• Complement John Deere's corporate social responsibility strategy
• Recruit volunteer firefighters and emergency responders

SOLUTION

How did you find Vignette Creative?

Referral

Why did you select Vignette Creative over others?

• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned
• Experience with corporate brands

How many teammates from Vignette Creative were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

John Deere retained Vignette to cast, write, direct, and film a documentary on the importance of volunteer firefighters and emergency responders -- "Odd Hour, No Pay, Cool Hat." This film represented one of John Deere's first brand films, and it was intended not only to shine a light on the importance of community volunteerism, but also enhance John Deere's reputation with key rural customer segments. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• In creating this project, we set goals consistent with its purpose, namely inspire more volunteer firefighters and emergency responders. 
• We partnered with the National Volunteer Fire Council on the film, and we integrated the film into its "Make Me A Firefighter" campaign. 
• We designed a distribution approach that permitted local volunteer fire departments to have access to the film free of charge for recruiting and fundraising efforts. 
• The documentary produced hundreds of local showings.

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

• Vignette was extraordinary in project management, particularly in terms of overcoming obstacles posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and related disruptions. 
• Vignette was clear in their communications with John Deere and all other participants.
• They included us in the process appropriately and frequently.

What was your primary form of communication with Vignette Creative?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Although ther are many impressive and unique qualites about Vignette, two stand out:

1. They are wonderful people, which allowed them to develop amazing connections with the subjects of the documentary. These connections allowed the Vignette team to capture compelling, human, and dignifying content. 
2. Vignette Creative has brilliant artists with top-notch photography and videography skills. The fact that "Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat" has been picked up on public television highlights Vignette's rare abilities.

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

None ... they were the perfect partner.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a producer at an advertising agency. We focus on the video game market, like marketing materials, trailers, and social media content.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Vignette Creative?

One of our biggest clients asked for a Halloween-themed sheet for social media showcasing all of their products, including a new launch they were doing, and wanted materials to promote it.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Vignette Creative did photography production for us. We provided them with the creative process we made in the UK, and they came in to take care of the whole production process of a photoshoot we were doing in the US. They managed the logistics across the two time zones to organize the shoot by finding locations, decorations, catering, cast, equipment, and a crew.

In addition, even though they were executing our creative idea, they collaborated with our team on how the photos looked to embellish the material and ensure we got the best product by giving their input. Moreover, Vignette Creative team got involved with makeup, transportation,

Regarding the material, it was a photo shoot of a family going out trick or treating, and Vignette Creative captured every key point we asked them through a sequence of photos.

What is the team composition?

We worked with Gary (Founder), Louise (Senior Creative Producer), and Larkin (Production Coordinator).

How did you come to work with Vignette Creative?

We were leading a tender process to find a partner in the location we were filming in. We contacted 5–6 different production companies. Still, we chose Vignette Creative because their proposal was simple and seemed knowledgeable and organized. We also had a good feeling about them because they were enthusiastic about the project and listened to what we wanted. They also knew the area we were filming in, which was important.

How much money have you invested in this partnership?

We spent around $60,000 with them.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from June–August 2022.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It was a smooth shooting process, the product looked beautiful, and we got great results. In addition, one of our customers was with us on set and was delighted with how everything went and the content that Vignette Creative got. Moreover, their knowledge of the area’s talents is impressive, and casting is one of their strong points.

How did Vignette Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

They delivered everything on time and within budget, as requested. In terms of communication, we had time zone challenges, which would usually be a problem based on my previous experiences working with US companies. Nonetheless, Louise and I had video calls and used emails, which functioned well for us — their team was even willing to stay after hours to make everything work.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Louise’s attention to detail was impressive, and we appreciated that. They were also personable and quickly understood our brief, which enabled them to deliver exactly what we needed. In addition, they welcomed our traveling team because it was our first time in Seattle, so they gave us recommendations for places to see and things like that.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I didn’t think there was something they could do better — They’re a small company that’s looking to expand. Overall, they did a brilliant job putting everything together, and working with them was a lovely experience.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Work collaboratively and take their lead because they’re quick, seamless, and experienced.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the COO of Acoustic Sounds, Inc.. We specialize in vinyl records. We also reissue titles from all kinds of genres, remaster them, and press them on vinyl.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Vignette Creative?

We needed a company that could produce a video showcasing our company’s story, what we do, what makes us unique, and how committed we are to quality and transparency.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We started the engagement by having several meetings to develop the vision for what the video would include. Vignette Creative then came here and spent several days interviewing staff and going around capturing images and footage of all of the different parts of our business. They were extremely thorough in helping us tell our story and sharing their insights on how we might do this most effectively.

After they left, they worked on the video and sent us a rough draft through email. We went through the draft with them and went through several rounds of edit to come up with the final video, which was about 28 minutes long.

What is the team composition?

We worked with three people from Vignette Creative, including Gary (Founder & Creative Director) and Cameron (Senior Producer & Editor).
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How did you come to work with Vignette Creative?

Vignette Creative reached out to us previously to do a documentary about the owner of our company. We were already familiar with the quality of their work, so when we had the idea to do a promotional video, we thought that they would be the best candidate.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $70,000 on this project.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from March 2022–August 2022.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The final video exceeded our expectations by a pretty good margin. We already thought that it would be powerful and effective in telling our story, but the feedback we've received has been overwhelmingly positive. Many customers, colleagues, industry associates, and friends have commented on the quality of the production, narrative, and storytelling and how well the video flowed.

Overall, it was a very smooth experience. Vignette Creative demonstrated exceptional professionalism and obvious talent. We knew we were working with the best, and we were not disappointed in the least. They delivered beyond our expectations.

How did Vignette Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

Vignette Creative performed very well in terms of project management. They delivered the project on time and within budget. The owner himself was readily available by phone and email. We talked regularly. They had a point person who managed all of the logistics and made everything very smooth. They made the entire process incredibly easy for us.

We typically communicated through phone and email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Vignette Creative’s strength is their ability to capture the essence of a story and relay it in a stunning, beautiful way. I don't know how we could have gotten a higher-quality video — I just can't even imagine it being possible.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I don’t think so. Surely everybody's always got some opportunity to improve, but from our standpoint, it looked pretty perfect.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Vignette Creative is very sincere and committed, so if you want to get the most out of the engagement, I would encourage you to engage with them and really open yourself up to a deeply personal connection because they will be receptive to that.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I was the chief merchandising officer of Blue Nile.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Vignette Creative?

We hired Vignette Creative to help us with video production for a platform to communicate with our customers.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Vignette Creative produced a series of short stories in video form for us. They were in charge of creating each story, hiring the talent, and producing the videos from the beginning all the way up to postproduction and delivery. We used those videos on our site and social media.

What is the team composition?

We worked with the founder (Photographer, Director of Photography and Creative Director) a videographer, and a producer. They were all very hands on and engaged (and passionate) through out the entire project.

How did you come to work with Vignette Creative?

I had previous experience working with the founder of Vignette Creative on a smaller nonprofit project. I thought that his work was fantastic, so I contacted him again.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from April–July 2016. It was a three-month process.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The videos created by Vignette Creative exceeded our expectations, as did the views and results we got from posting them on social media. I no longer work for that company, but I believe that the videos are still available on their site.

How did Vignette Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

Vignette Creative’s project management was spot on. The team was timely, highly communicative, and very collaborative. Additionally, they hit all of our goals and never went over budget. As we were locals, we had an in-person collaboration, and we communicated via email and phone calls.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Vignette Creative is an incredibly creative team. I’ve worked with them on various projects, and they’ve always exceeded my expectations by bringing an idea to life and creating an emotional story. Additionally, one of their best capabilities is working on large-scale projects while keeping the story personal and meaningful. Their videos never come across as commercial.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

The way to get the most out of Vignette Creative is to come in with a clear perspective of what you want to achieve and how you envision the deliverable. Additionally, let them run with the production and don’t overmanage them, or else you’ll lose the magic they can get out of your project.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Sr. Director of Brand Strategy at Avalara. One of the areas I oversee is Video Production.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Vignette Creative, and what were your goals?

We did two bigger projects with Vignette. One was employee stories to show that employees led interesting and fulfilling lives outside of Avalara. Vignette's job was to take those people and passions, and develop beautiful, compelling stories around each one we shot. We also had them work on a separate photography/video project with customers. To take candid photos of customer operation as well as video b-roll.

SOLUTION

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

I had a working knowledge of Vignette ahead of time and knew that they would produce beautiful images -- both still and in video. The fact that they were willing to work within my budget parameters was a huge help.

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

We worked internally to find good employee and customer stories to tell. When I felt we had good stories, that were visually compelling, I would turn over the contact information to Gary and his team and they pretty much ran production from that point forward. I would see a rough cut of the video and then we would work through a few revisions until we were all satisfied with what we had.

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

I worked with Gary directly, and his producer at the time, Brian. I couldn't have been more happy to work with everyone at Vignette as they are just quality people, professional, and make the process enjoyable.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The work that was produced was fantastic. Some of the work had relatively limited utility over time because employees or customers that we focused on separated from Avalara over time. But we still use b-roll customer video and photography today, many years later.

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

There weren't some of the easier video review tools (like Frame.io) at the time, but I recall the process being relatively easy and straightforward. And pretty fast overall.

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

I think the thing that really sets Vignette apart is Gary's eye behind the lens. Their framing and composition, whether in video or in photography, had a particular signature quality to them. I also think Gary is good at putting subjects at ease and asking questions that get good, natural insights. He finds good stories and tells them well.

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

I can think of nothing I would do differently -- or have Vignette do differently.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the former creative director for Hornall Anderson, a multidisciplinary creative agency.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Vignette Creative?

I was working with a client on the medical marketing category in one of my accounts. We were helping the client rebrand their electronic medical record-keeping division and launch a product within that category to help establish the new look and feel of the division. 

At the time, the usual approach for that category of medical marketing was geared towards volume and pricing as opposed to empathy. Essentially, the traditional focus was on commoditizing services instead of thinking about the users’ challenges or needs. We wanted to differentiate the client’s brand and create a more direct relationship with the users. We hired Vignette Creative to be our partner on this project, handling the video and photography aspects of branding.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We worked with Vignette Creative to establish the brand’s aesthetic. Our agency took over the graphic side, and their team handled the videography and photography side of our branding strategy. We initially hired them to create a brand video with a small number of interviewees, but the scope and budget grew into multiple videos and a photo library.

The video project consisted of interviews with real doctors about how an electronic record-keeping solution alleviated the challenges of running independent businesses, allowing them to focus on patient care. To prepare, we collaborated with Vignette Creative to execute a research plan. They created a very specific interview guide and process that incorporated our strategy and focused on obtaining the doctors’ feedback. 

Vignette Creative worked with our strategy team on the interview process to establish the brand’s tone and messaging in the target audience's voice. From there, they created a brand video and a video library that landed the business proposition using those interviews. They also created a photography library that we incorporated into the brand’s guidelines. 

What is the team composition?

We worked with three teammates from Vignette Creative, including Gary (Photographer, Director of Photography & Creative Director), a videographer, and a producer. 

How did you come to work with Vignette Creative?

Our account manager for the project recommended Gary. I chose Vignette Creative based on Gary’s pitches and the documentaries he’d previously worked on, which showed me that he could deliver on the humanistic aspect of the brand that I wanted to pitch to the client. I felt confident that Gary, a journalist at heart, understood how to talk to people, which was a key element of this project. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spent between $500,000–$750,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from around May 2011–September 2011.

After this project, we moved on to work on the pharmaceutical side of the client’s business with Vignette Creative.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The client was so satisfied with our collaboration with Vignette Creative that they continued to emulate our work, scaling it across the rest of their departments and groups. The project represented a foundational change for the client’s brand and, arguably, the industry; it flipped traditional medical marketing on its head. 

In collaboration with Vignette Creative, we created a branding package that was super empathetic, landing the brand’s business need in a heartfelt and human way. Gary and his team captured that sentiment in a very unique way. 

How did Vignette Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

The Vignette Creative team was always on top of the work, whether in the field or the editing studio. Their team would interface with ours weekly or daily, depending on the production schedule. We mainly communicated through email, and they used asset management software.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I was impressed by their capacity for human storytelling. The unique thing about working with Vignette Creative was that they were journalists at heart, so they knew how to ask questions in a way that got their respondents to answer truthfully and authentically. 

They were also cinematographers, so they were able to capture that authenticity in a way that made for a great film. Working with Vignette Creative was a wonderful and unique experience — I loved the process. I haven’t worked with anyone else who could perform the way they did.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing I would’ve had them do differently.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I would advise bringing Vignette Creative into the strategic development process early and giving them access to executive leadership. The sooner they’re brought into the process, the more they’ll be able to think holistically and present innovative solutions.

Over time, they’ve expanded their skill sets to take on much more branding work. You might be thinking of hiring them to create a video, but if you bring them in sooner, they can help revitalize your whole brand.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

As Brand Manager for Amazon, I was responsible for the creation of all brand assets relating to Amazon fulfillment, logistics, transportation, and delivery services.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Vignette Creative, and what were your goals?

We needed to launch both the Delivery Service Provider program and Amazon Shipping, highlighting the new branded vans and uniforms. We needed a host of high quality and specific video and photo assets.

SOLUTION

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

I had worked with Vignette in the past in the non-profit space and appreciated the authenticity of the content they create. Our goal was to have a behind-the-scenes feeling to the content. 

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

We met with a large group of stakeholders and collected an expansive shot list. Vignette suggested we focus on actual customers of the service. We gave them a list and they reached out to and vetted a short list for us to review. They coordinated with the customers and took care of all of the details. We were completely hands-off. 

An extra challenge was the confidential/secret of the vans or uniforms. They had not been unveiled to the press, and photos leaking were a big risk. There was also a last-minute snag of finding out that we couldn't shoot real Amazon employees or Delivery Service Providers (drivers) in our delivery stations. Over the weekend, Vignette put together a cast of 20+ "real people" (not models) for the Monday morning shoot. I appreciated their flexibility, rolling with the shifting expectations and demands that are common at Amazon.

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

Gary was there with us every step of the way and his team did a great job dealing with last minute demands from new stakeholders. We walked away with a large library of quality assets that are still being used years later.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I can't provide data because of Amazon confidentiality restrictions, but I will say that across our vast and diverse stakeholder group (PR, VPs, Design, Marketing, Program Managers) the assets were well received and provided a template/measure for future shoots. 

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

Vignette did a great job outlining their process in advance so we knew what to expect. They assigned a key point of contact for me to coordinate with so I always felt like I had access to what was going on. They were flexible as we had project delays on our end, and issues with finance approvals, and were ready to spring into action when new deadlines were suddenly thrust upon us. 

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

The first word that comes to mind is nimble. They were a small but incredibly efficient group. This allows them to make adjustments and decisions on the fly to ensure that we get the best possible results and take advantage of unexpected opportunities. 

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

Nothing comes to mind. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I worked for Bluenile, an online diamond and jewelry brand. A global retailer and manufacturer with the largest online inventory of diamonds in the world. As the Head of Creative Services i was responsible for strategic creative direction- including visual, copy and UX.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Vignette Creative?

Bluenile was losing market share with traditional customer. eCommerce (SEO) driven marketing traffic generation was slowing The category had shifted, competition had grown, and the brand needed to evolve how it engaged with the new and evolving customer base and non-traditional engagement ring purchase behavior We needed a creative strategic partner to help create new content meant to re-define the brand and speak to a younger and more diverse market.

SOLUTION

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

I was looking for compelling story tellers that could create authentic, real and emotive content (video and imagery) with a very high end aesthetic. We needed a team that would work collaboratively with our internal team and be nimble and lean in their approach to make the most efficient and effective use of our budget. First and foremost we were looking for storytellers; Gary and the team present their stories in a documentary style that feels relevant, authentic and beautiful.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

The project was to create multiple media to enable Bluenile to tell stories across our web, app and social media platforms as well as use that same content for direct marketing.

• Stage 1: Concept and strategy Vignette spent time with stakeholders, makers, insights team and most of all with the customer to pull out the story ideas we considered. The approach was to shoot both video and stills on locations and work very light with minimal equipment and people.
• Stage 2: planning and execution Gary and the team scouted locations and interviewed candidates. Together we viewed the interviews, went over the scripts and identified the final individuals and couples to participate. Over a couple of weeks we shot on location (often multiple locations on the same day). Vignette's approach was a combination of documentarian interview style and some set interactions and scenes to add to our stories.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

I worked directly with Gary on creative strategy and art direction. We had a director of photography/camera person and 1 other assistant.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We successfully launched a new blog with the content and video. Our instagram, facebook and YouTube audience exploded and viral sharing was successful

The Metrics:

Traffic increased (site + social + media links) Increased user engagement (+ multi-channel visitors, significantly more sharing; #bluenile )

Significant bump in SEO ranking for keywords. led to additional sales in younger target Increased brand name recognition

Quality of content engagement improved + more pages + interaction with elements on page + video interactions

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

I have a lot of experience working with film makers and photographers but can unequivocally say that i had never experienced the type of collaborative partnership i had with Gary.

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

The Vignette team's ability to get real and emotional content from ordinary people was stunning. Gary's empathetic approach lowers barriers and open's people up. The speed, responsiveness and resources they brought not only to the set but to the planning and concept development was incredible and elevated the final output.

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

none

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the Senior Manager of Marketing, Advertising and User Experience at NW Natural. I am responsible for customer, marketing, and natural gas safety communications, advertising, the corporate website and apps.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Vignette Creative?

We were looking to gain awareness for the company's environmental positioning, projects and strategies - Less We Can.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

My ad agency discovered Vignette and sowed me their reel. Vignette's documentary style, amazing cinematography and creative direction sold me immediately.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Vignette provided concepts, direction, production and editing for three: 30 second television commercials and three accompanying long-form interview pieces for our website.

What was the team composition?

I worked with all team members including the director/creative director, executive producer, director of photography and camera crews.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We received excellent awareness of the Less We Can campaign out of the gate, including numerous added value promotions from local news media.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We had weekly meetings with their producer to assess progress and define next steps. The entire staff was completely transparent with every aspect of the project. There were no surprises.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The company handled every detail of the project and truly cared about the business, objectives, and production value.

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

The time it took to edit the pieces could have been reduced.