YourFilm

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are the largest bus company in the North East of England and has been transporting people around the region since 1913. I am the communication and marketing coordinator for the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire YourFilm?

In recent years, we've hire YourFilm for various projects for route and service launches following investments into new vehicles, and more recently they helped us out by filming a video regarding onboard safety features during the coronavirus pandemic.

What were your goals for this project?

For the route and service launches, we wanted to raise awareness and get more people thinking about bus travel by changing perceptions. With the coronavirus safety video, we wanted to assure our customers that our enhanced cleaning methods and onboard measures would allow them to make their essential journeys safely and with confidence.

SOLUTION

How did you select YourFilm?

We were keen to work with a local company, and YourFilm stood out. We'd also heard good things from some of the businesses we work with, so it was a bit of a no brainer to work with them.

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

Once we selected YourFilm, we worked closely with them to form ideas. In past years, this has been done in person, but during the pandemic, it was done online and they've been a pleasure to work with. We then provided a more detailed brief off the back of the meetings/discussions, which included everything we wanted their team to capture and detailed descriptions of the shots we'd like. Their team was brilliant and provided additional ideas on top of all of ours that we hadn't even considered, and also moved us across to 'BaseCamp' where every file, message etc was contained so no e-mails or anything like that gets lost.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

It was such an easy process to work with YourFilm. Like I've said, we've worked with them on a number of projects so far and they've always delivered. In the past, a frustration of ours with other providers is the constant back and forth with amends and not capturing what we intended. With YourFilm, this has never been a problem - we ask for any amends we like, and they've always got it right in the next version, and in a timely manner too.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

With the filming of our coronavirus safety video, they've definitely helped improve the confidence of our customers. Throughout the pandemic we've received a lot of praise for some of the things we've done, and this video played a crucial part in informing and reassuring our customers that our buses are clean, safe and comfy.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

YourFilm introduced us to 'BaseCamp', the project management platform. This was a great way to work, with any communication logged in the same place, so there's never no missed e-mails. The files were also provided through this. It was a great way of reducing the amount of e-mails that would be exchanged, and I'd say it definitely improved the turnaround time too.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Firstly, it was seeing the work that they'd done previously. We already knew they'd be able to produce what we wanted after seeing their work, but once we met the people behind the cameras and the rest of the team, our confidence was even higher. The team was so easy to deal with, and always pushed things in the right direction to ensure we got the best outcome possible.

Are there any areas for improvement?

From our perspective, I wouldn't say there is. They've always been a pleasure to work with and they've always delivered on what we wanted - well ahead of any deadlines too.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Clinigen is a global, specialist pharmaceutical services and products platform focused on providing ethical access to medicines. Its mission is to deliver the right medicine to the right patient at the right time. The Group operates from sites in North America, Europe, Africa and the Asia Pacific. As Marketing Associate within the Global Marketing function, I am responsible for heading up a number of group marketing initiatives, as well as being a member of the digital team.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire YourFilm?

As part of our Love Your Pharmacist Awards initiative, where the company runs an awards campaign for hospital pharmacists across Europe, we had recorded a series of interviews over video call with the five winners of the awards. We then needed this footage to be edited together by YourFilm, along with audio mixing, music and visual elements, into an approximately 5 minute video to be played at a virtual awards ceremony, as well as pushed out on social channels, and used as part of a wider content marketing strategy on our website Clinigen Direct.

What were your goals for this project?

Our first goal was to capture the spirit of the awards - excellence, innovation and success in hospital pharmacy - as well as retain the authenticity of the conversations with the winners, especially in light of the subject matter, where we were speaking to frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. There was also a technical requirement to ensure as high quality footage and audio as possible from recordings made over video call. From a business perspective, the video was to be the centerpoint of a content marketing campaign pushed over social, email and digital channels, to generate interest in Clinigen Direct as a service, and encourage visitors to register their interest in the online ordering platform. This would allow the business to capture these customers' interest, in order to onboard them in the future as users of the platform.

SOLUTION

How did you select YourFilm?

YourFilm had worked with members of the marketing team on previous projects.

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

The turnaround times were extremely tight, as there was only a couple of weeks between being able to gather footage and the awards ceremony. In addition, a highly flexible approach was required, as due to the availability of the winners for the interview, footage came in at different times. In addition to this, we had to make a major change last minute - the day before the ceremony - where a large portion of the footage had to be replaced and reedited.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Feedback was very straightforward to give through the software they used, and YourFilm were extremely responsive and quick to turnaround.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Feedback from internal stakeholders was extremely positive, and an initial review of key metrics (email sign-ups, social engagement) looks to be in line with targets set for the campaign. Feedback from the winners being represented in the video was also extremely positive.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was efficient, communicating through basecamp. YourFilm were very responsive, and clearly communicated the project progress, feedback and next steps.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their flexibility and willingness to go above and beyond are impressive. We had to make a major last minute change, for which they were extremely accommodating and willing to work into the night to help, at the shortest notice possible.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No areas for improvement.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a People Development Business partner working for a social enterprise and charity and one of the UK's largest providers of high quality housing and integrated housing, health and social care. Our colleagues help people live happily in our homes and work with the NHS to improve lives.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire YourFilm?

We were looking to break our existing learning into small bite-sized modules that could be undertaken separately based on a colleagues' role. We had already used YourFilm to create some animated content for an HR project and had been well received.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to take what was very dry content and make it engaging and innovative by using animated graphics.

SOLUTION

How did you select YourFilm?

We identified a number of suppliers and through our procurement process selected YourFilm.

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

There were 32 videos in total although initially the project started on those modules that were essential to all colleagues. Our subject matter experts from the business produce the scripts for the videos, and YourFilm put in the time and effort to grasp the context and identify the best graphics to use. I would record at YourFilm the audio and they would put all of it together.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

We used Basecamp and this helped all those involved to keep to up to date with amends and delivery timescales.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Feedback from colleagues when the new approach was launched was extremely positive

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Project management was excellent.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The whole project was delivered in an on-budget, timely, professional way.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No. In fact, we worked with YourFilm again for another project. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I work as the sales and marketing director of a business consultancy. We specialize in bid and tender writing to help SMEs secure contracts in the UK.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with YourFilm?

We hired YourFilm to create a series of promotional videos for us.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

YourFilm created 10 different promotional videos that we needed for our website and social media pages. We asked them to make brand promotion videos, client testimonial videos, and a FAQs video.

Their team supported us in conceptualizing the videos by asking us questions that certainly allowed us to think of creative solutions. They then collated our ideas and brought them to life. More importantly, they spearheaded the entire editing process.

What is the team composition?

Initially, we worked with Matthew (Co-Founder) for the breakthrough stage of the project. Kevin (Creative Director) and Gavin (Director & Editor) took charge of the entire editing process.

How did you come to work with YourFilm?

The owner of our company knew Matthew through networking, so YourFilm was like a local company to us. We went through two different profiles, including theirs, when we looked for an agency that could offer us their services. It was YourFilm that struck us with more impressive film ideas and a solid proposal, backed with a commendable portfolio of their previous works.

How much have you invested with them?

We paid £5,000 (approximately $7,000) for the ten promotional videos.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project ran from December 2017–April 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The main metric for us was how YourFilm’s work got our company and brand across — the videos were short, engaging, and could be used on all our platforms. We received really good feedback from our clients and prospective clients who saw our website, so we were more than happy with the outcome. Additionally, we liked how the videos gave viewers a sense of our business, being shot in the different areas of our workspace.

How did YourFilm perform from a project management standpoint?

Overall, their project management was really good. We used Basecamp to communicate with them. YourFilm kept us updated — they let us know if they called a client for an interview or they filmed any fragment of the videos. Everything went smoothly in terms of project timelines and communication.

What did you find most impressive about them?

YourFilm quickly got a sense of what we wanted out of our engagement. They showed us pegs and examples of their work for their previous clients. Since we’re not a creative agency, it was important for us to have project briefs explained to us vividly — YourFilm delivered that very well. 

The whole process was just impressive. It wasn’t too time-consuming for us because they scheduled meetings and interviews ahead of time. More importantly, they were not too invasive, and they just simplified everything for us. That quality stood out as well because we spoke with another agency that just couldn’t give us structured ideas and timelines.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The project went really well, so I don’t think there were any areas for improvement.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend YourFilm to any client. Trust their team to offer you easy communication, an enjoyable process, and pleasing results.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Educations software sales and services (literacy)

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire YourFilm?

We wanted a short animated video which would explain the benefits of our products to potential customers. It would added to our homepage but also used for direct email marketing purposes.

What were your goals for this project?

The goal was for the video to succinctly explain our products, services and benefits in an engaging way. Ultimately we hoped it would enhance our lead generation efforts.

SOLUTION

How did you select YourFilm?

Your Film were recommended by our web designers (Cargo Creative) who we have worked with for many years. It was a trusted recommendation.

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

YourFilm, consulted us on our needs and presented us with numerous options to choose from in terms of visual/auditory look and feel. Alongside this, they worked with us on developing the script and appropriate voice talent. There were regular check-ns along the way, to ensure the project stayed well on course.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Project management was great. We utilised simple online tools to provide feedback, comments etc. YourFilm responded very well to any changes were needed - especially where finer tweaks were involved as the project came to a close.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Since the video went live, we have certainly seen a lift in leads. The sales team have found it a useful tool to share with customers and has enabled them to covey Lexia's benefits when decision makers are not always willing to discuss one-one.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Workflow was very effective, as described previously. YourFilm were very quick to respond and were very easy to work with.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The most impressive things were the quality of the final outcome, quick project turnaround, and after-sales support. We required a slight change to the messaging, post launch and this was no problem to amend.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No areas for improvement come to mind. Start to finish, it was a hassle=fee experience. We enjoyed working with YourFilm very much!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of a Waste Management business, headquartered in the North East of England with 50 staff and an operational area covering the whole of the UK.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire YourFilm?

Our business model is pivoting from old fashioned practices still prevelent in the UK waste industry, to a digital model. As such we tasked YourFilm with building an animated sequence to reflect our Re-brand jingle for the purposes of TV and online advertising.

What were your goals for this project?

As part of a multi channel approach, we are hoping to drive brand awareness and use the developed work on social media platforms, and TV, in order to drive traffic to our Website, and Sales.

SOLUTION

How did you select YourFilm?

Whilst looking at advertising with BSkyB, YourFilm were recommended to me for the kind of video production we were looking for.

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

Once instructed, Your Film worked closely with us to determine the scope and desired outcomes.

As the audio had already been created, the first decision to be made was whether animation or actors were the best route to take. It was quickly decided that the nature of the repetitive, if not mildly annoying, jingle, leant itself more heavily to an animated process and that the animation would be built around the Company's Bee character.

From there, YourFilm came up with some story boards and we dined the finished animation, from there.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Given we entered the production phase during the difficult period of Lockdown period 1, most of the work was effectively communicated digitally, including the creation of 30, 10 and 7 second versions. Overall we found the ideas suggested by the team at YourFilm, the creation process effective and the communication excellent.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We are yet to formerly launch our TV and Social Media campaigns, which are commencing in April 2021, so it's difficult to say yet. However, given the strength of the visuals and audio we anticipate a very successful campaign ahead.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

This was a very positive experience, with constant communication with the principal contact, deadlines met, suggestions taken on board, and the project either meeting, or exceeding expectations.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

This was a very collaborative experience. They tried to understand our business model and core message to deliver an effective solution to viewers. We would be more than happy to work with the YourFilm Team, again in the future.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Anyone can always improve, however we found no obvious areas for improvement in our experience working with YourFilm.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Brand & Reputation is an international marketing & communications consultancy working at a strategic and leadership level with non-profit organisations, particularly in the global education sector. I am its founder and CEO.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire YourFilm?

We hired YourFilm to develop our first promotional film for use in online conferences, webinars and across our digital and social media channels & networks.

What were your goals for this project?

Our primary goal for this project was to reflect our company brand as a boutique, global management consultancy and to convey our story with elegance, gravitas and authority.

We wanted our film to present our experience and expertise, our reach & network, our culture and MO, and the credentials and clients that would give confidence to prospective clients and partners.

SOLUTION

How did you select YourFilm?

This was not the first film production project I have commissioned but I was looking for a new, contemporary approach.

I consulted my professional and social networks to ask for initial recommendations for a film production company with particular expertise in "animation, infographic development and typographic/graphic film production" - this was also necessary given the restrictions of our own business activities in 2020/21 and the practicality of filming amid the pandemic.

Having had several positive recommendations, I researched each one, requested a chat (and quote) from 3 agencies, and YourFilm was a clear winner given its showreel, credentials, ethos and appetite to work with us on the project.

It was a real bonus that we were able to stay "local" and work with a partner in our home base of North East England.

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

I worked directly with the YourFilm directors to agree the goals, tone and character of our film, and to develop a timeline or storyboard of messages.

Through this partnership, and the expertise of Marc and Gav in particular, the process was entirely painless, fluid and responsive and the finished film exceeded all of my expectations with a dynamic, contemporary and global feel and a story that is well-paced, concise and compelling.

The feedback from preview showings with key stakeholders has been incredibly positive.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

YourFilm introduced me to the 'BaseCamp' project management platform to develop and interrogate the brief, manage all edits and feedback and to provide completed files through cloud-based file transfer.

This worked brilliantly and reduced email exchange, supported remote working, and created a central, transparent hub for project delivery.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Early, preview showings of our final film has initiated a strong response from key partners and stakeholders - informing and enriching their perception of Brand & Reputation, and compelling them to enquire about YourFilm and to think about their own needs and goals. It has already led to new business enquiries for us.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

As detailed above, the use of BaseCamp and the spirit of partnership and the clarity of our communications ensured that the workflow was fluent between Brand & Reputation and YourFilm - with no delays or disappointments at all.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was most impressed by the elegance of YourFilm's creative approach. Drawing 'notes' from relevant hero brands like Google and Apple to apply that to the animation of our story.

The team was incredibly easy to deal with - warm, engaging and informal but with a clarity and precision that kept the project moving forward.

They exceeded our expectations in terms of creativity, quality, project management, turnaround time and, ultimately, value for money.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No. I think the only area for reflection for the YourFilm team is how they market their services and their approach to grow their visibility and client base that the quality of their work and experience deserves.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Marketing and PR consultant and I am the owner of the business. This project was for one of my clients a shopping centre.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire YourFilm?

Filming and video production

What were your goals for this project?

Short timescale, tight budget, demanding filming schedule and unique project

SOLUTION

How did you select YourFilm?

There they recommended by the company who we usually use for live events and who provide AV, staging etc.

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

Filming various different segments and bringing them together into an hour long Christmas Lights Switch On variety show to emulate the live event that we usually do. We needed to keep the audience engaged and appeal to everyone from the young to the older members of our community.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Excellent project management and systems put in place. Excellent communications and willingness to help and deliver this project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The end result was amazing, exceeding expectations, and it has received fantastic feedback all-round from the bosses of the shopping centre to the staff, customers, visitors and tenants.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Faultless, it was perfect and YourFilm was very easy to work with and communicate with especially as the project was complex with lots of people involved and lots of elements.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They were very friendly, easy to work with, efficient, helpful, and supportive. - pretty much everything, the whole approach from the very first meeting when they dropped everything to come out and meet us at short notice.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Nothing that I can think of, it was a pleasure working with them and I look forward to working on more projects in the future.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a vocal coach and owner of a private studio. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with YourFilm?

We hired them to do a promotional video for my studio, myself, and my students.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They created and gave advice on the concept of my video. The team also produced it. 

What is the team composition?

I was in contact with three of them. I first communicated with the one in charge of the initial consultation call. After that, I also worked with a producer and cameraman.

How did you come to work with YourFilm?

They were recommended by a PR company that I'm working with.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent £2,000 (approximately $2,600 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

Our project ran from September–October 2020. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I’m absolutely overjoyed with what they’ve produced for me. 

How did YourFilm perform from a project management standpoint?

They had a very good project management process. They kept me informed every step of the way. We were all part of a shared drive where I could easily put content and keep myself updated with their progress.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They got the concept we asked for very quickly and that really put us at ease. Even though my project was a bit different from some of the things they normally do, I felt that we worked well together. Furthermore, they really gave me what I needed.

Are there any areas they could improve?

During the time that we booked out, we could have potentially done it in a shorter time frame and have shorter working hours.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Just make sure you get a clear breakdown of the time that’s going to be attributed to each aspect of the project.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of development for an international management learning and development solutions company. We cover the public and private sector, supporting organizations with structuring corporate plans and other developments.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with YourFilm?

We were looking to support our learning and development programs with e-learning, but it was a bit too complicated. The market was looking for shorter, sharper, and more innovative chunks of learning that can be easily selected in support of workplace tasks, activities, and particular challenges. We thought that videos would be the best way. Since the market was saturated with talking heads, we decided to go with animated graphics.

Because we specialize in leadership and management, we started looking at major methods, tools, and techniques that would significantly benefit managers and leaders in the workplace in terms of improving performance and productivity.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We identified about 500 methods, tools, and techniques to enhance the workplace, but we didn’t have the expertise to deliver them in video format with impact. After narrowing it down to 50, YourFilm worked with us to pilot 10 videos at a time. They provide advice and guidance on the voice, graphics, and how video could provide the impact we require.

Our recent contract with them involved providing a corporate video. When we first started working with them, they didn’t have a background in the training and education sector. YourFilm put in the time and effort to grasp the context.

Our subject matter experts produce the scripts for the videos, and what YourFilm would do is transfer the script into a storyboard, identify the best graphics to use, and put all of it together to make the videos. Through working with text and audio, they worked with us to put accelerated learning techniques into short videos.

What is the team composition?

Each video consists of a couple of individuals who we selected from their team. Over the last couple of years, they’ve grown to know how we work, what we like, and how we prefer to deliver the videos.

How did you come to work with YourFilm?

We were trying to find an organization that can animate our ideas. We did a quick market assessment and researched online, and met up with about 10 organizations.

We piloted a couple of videos with YourFilm and another organization as a way to shortlist them. The videos YourFilm produced put them at the front of the competitive market, and that’s when we selected them.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our ongoing partnership started in November 2014.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

YourFilm is a small business with a well-focused and supportive team. We measure the success in terms of our ability to resell the videos through different networks. They helped us develop our product series called “Pearls of Wisdom Learning Videos,” and it’s basically the market leader for leadership and management training videos.

We’ve spent a lot, but we’ve made a lot of money from them. It’s been commercially advantageous for us.

How did YourFilm perform from a project management standpoint?

I can’t fault them from a project management perspective. They are very collaborative, responsive, and patient. They listen very well but question and challenge us when necessary

As we undertake developments, they’ve got the right online environments where we can collaborate, monitor their progress, and query the storyboard building all the way to digitization. They sort of go away and come back with the end result after critiquing and suggesting changes. It’s quite an iterative and collaborative process. They always deliver on time.

What did you find most impressive about them?

What I like about them is that for a technical company, their process isn’t that complicated. They don’t try to give you complicated answers, and if things are technically difficult, they don’t baffle you with technology. But the most impressive thing is that they listen well.

A lot of their ideas are very innovative, and the challenge is they might come up with better solutions than us for the project that we’re prepared to accept. They’re good partners who are tuned very well to complement what we do.

Are there any areas they could improve?

From our perspective, probably nothing. We’ve always found them very professional to what needs to be done, so we can’t fault them.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

The worry for most organizations is putting a lot of effort into a potential supplier. What I would say about YourFilm is they haven’t wasted any effort that we’ve put in. They asked a lot of sensible questions from the start, so they can get a good insight into providing the best solution for us.

So my advice is to be as open as you can and share as much as you can because that investment of assets will be worth it. You’ll reap the rewards in the development they’ll undertake.