Zeleman Communications, Advertising, and Production PLC

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a consultant to Fiscus Ltd (a UK company). My role in this project was consulting the Ministry of Finance of Ethiopia to design and implement ePayment (electronic payment) for the government and also guiding and overseeing the ePayment Instructional Video Production.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Zeleman Communications, Advertising, and Production PLC, and what were your goals?

Fiscus hired Zeleman to produce an instructional video on the application and use of the ePayment system introduced for Government Payments in the Federal Public bodies, under the supervision of the Ministry of Finance of Ethiopia.

SOLUTION

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

The selection was based on a competitive process, which was based on ToR sent to four shortlisted professional video production companies. The deciding factors were: (1) based on a review of the technical responses of the four bidders to the ToR and the corresponding financial offers, which are presented in their proposals submitted to Fiscus, and (2) interviews, presentations, and demonstrations by the two finalist bidders on their prior works and their proposed approach and plan to work on this project.

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

The instructional video includes 16 clips with a total of about 1 hour (62 minutes) long duration. We prepared the topic of each of the 16 clips and the content of the messages and the type of video we wanted to be included in each clip. For each of the clips, Zeleman first drafted the script based on the content we provided and sent them to us to get confirmation if the messages are properly presented in the script. We reviewed each of the scripts and provided our feedback with editions and also provided our approval of each script before the video shooting, motion graphics preparation, and audio recording of each clip started. For each approved script Zeleman produces the video which we reviewed and provided our feedback. After Zeleman updates/corrects the video clip based on our feedback and we are fully satisfied we provided approval of the clip which is added to the final product.

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

As a consultant, I was the one in charge of preparing the contents and also reviewing the scripts and videos produced by Zeleman. But through the process, I was also getting feedback from Bryn Welham from Fiscus and Neteru Wondwossen and Dawit Shimeles from the Ministry of Finance. Since the language used was Amharic (a local language) Bryn provided feedback on the video and motion graphics of the clips, but Neteru and Dawit provided their feedback both on the messages, video, and motion graphics.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project is successfully completed with the full satisfaction of Fiscus and the client (i.e., the Ministry of Finance of Ethiopia). The instructional video was launched in a workshop organized by the Ministry of Finance. During the workshop, the full set of the instructional videos on DVDs were distributed to all Federal Public Bodies. In parallel, the videos were also posted on the Ministry of Finance's official Website, LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ministry-of-finance-ethiopia/videos/), and Facebook pages. The instructional video has helped the concerned officials and staff of public bodies to understand the ePayment system that is rolled out by the Ministry of Finance, the Directive for the Federal Government Electronic Payment, and the corresponding Internet Banking User Agreement.

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

The project manager was easy to work with. As she was our primary point of contact, I had frequent communication with her, sometimes daily. E-mail was our primary communication tool, but when needed we also were communicating by phone call and through text messages. We also had a few face-to-face meetings with the scriptwriter to explain the content/messages that we wanted to be delivered through the videos to the target audiences. The project has taken more time than initially planned but most of the reasons are attributed to the time taken for the preparation of the contents, editing of the scripts, and also for providing feedback on the videos produced. Our initial plan underestimated the time needed for these works.

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

They were responsive to all our requirements. It has proven to us that it is a professional video production company with quality services and outputs.

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

As they have responded to all our requirements, I can say none for this project.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Senior Health Communications Officer

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Zeleman Communications, Advertising, and Production PLC, and what were your goals?

we wanted to create digital as well as print materials that showcases our our works and impact here in Ethiopia. our goal is to be able to reach out to our diverse audience through potential communications platforms--and most importantly, promote our work here.

SOLUTION

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

Based on their technical as well as financial proposals.

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

We started with a discovery meeting. Then we had a series of meetings to understand our work, expectations, and standard of the products. Then a script along with a storyboard, and a rough cut of the first draft was made ready for first review. then a 6-minute final product was made ready with a voiceover that could be used on various digital media platforms.

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

I worked with the wonderful Ms. Ruth, and the creative team as well.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We showed off the video as well as print products to our diverse targeted audience at different events and promoted our works using different social media platforms.

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

Ruth had shown high level of professionalism in this project from start to end. She was able to focus on the stated objectives of the project and prioritize every task necessary to accomplish the desired end result. From there she assigned the right individuals for each task and provided detailed instructions, encouragement and advice and so that each project staff member had a clear direction and took part in the overall success of the project.

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

Their team was very organized and had such a dedicated staff. They showed high level of professionalism and efficiency.

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

would love to see some improvement in turnaround time.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a Program and Policy officer at the World Food Program, regional office in Nairobi. We support access to parametric insurance to cushion smallholder farmers in the Eastern Africa region, against climate shocks.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Zeleman Communications, Advertising, and Production PLC, and what were your goals?

Parametric insurance is highly scientific and challenging to explain to illiterate or semi-literate smallholder farmers. In addition to this, delivering awareness and training to increasing numbers of smallholder farmers/pastoralists by different trainers requires standardization of the key messages, to avoid misinformation. WFP needed simple, user friendly and easy to distribute training and awareness creation materials.

SOLUTION

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

We selected this vendor because of their experience in doing similar works for other UN agencies.

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

We first had the discovery meetings, where we explained the different insurance products to Zeleman. After that, we developed scripts containing the main technical concepts (key message points). Zeleman then took over the scripts and did customization/contextualization based on the target region's cultural, environmental set-ups.

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

We worked closely with the project manager and the animator. WFP team provided comments and feedback after every milestone. Zeleman team would take detailed notes, incorporate the changes and revert to WFP team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

As the project was just recently rolled out, we have not yet received measurable impacts. We have however received positive feedback form the farmers and pastoralists as well as the trainers, regarding the effectiveness of the materials developed.

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

The project manager ensured that the deliverable came in a timely manner. She also was very effective in her communication and feedback loop.

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

They were a fresh breathe of air. They had extremely unique ideas on how to represent the information we shared with them.

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

None.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the general manager of Menoria real estate

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Zeleman Communications, Advertising, and Production PLC?

For a TV and Radio add

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

From friend recommendation

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Initially, they made an interview and understand our company and its needs. Then they do their job in order and in detail.

What was the team composition?

They were professional individuals working as a team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We made a good branding for our real estate development business.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was a good workflow.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Professionalism and quality of work.

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

Everything has done well from our side. Keep it up.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

International FMCG, Ethiopia Marketing Lead

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Zeleman Communications, Advertising, and Production PLC?

1. Leading the creative work for Sunsilk brand locally
2. Crafting & executing digital strategy for the brand
3. Planning & buying media

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Worked from the beginning of the Sunsilk brand inception in Ethiopia

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Please see description in the previous box

What was the team composition?

Account, Creative team, Planning team (depending on needs)

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The Sunsilk brand in Ethiopia is growing well and actually beyond initial Business Case and expectations.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Quite smooth. We continue to learn from each other and treat as partners in the journey of developing a new brand in Ethiopia.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I'm impressed by how engaged the team is and how much they treat the Sunsilk brand as their own.

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

1) Being a bit more bold creatively vs. staying in the comfort zone (known territories) 2) Communication & presentations to the Client (pitching new ideas haven't always been on spot and/or sharp enough to be bought into)

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I was an officer in charge and programme specialist of EDTF at the time

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Zeleman Communications, Advertising, and Production PLC, and what were your goals?

To produce short videos featuring the projects financed by the resources collected by EDTF from the global Ethiopian Diaspora. Our goal was to provide updates and boost confidence of EDTF donors.

SOLUTION

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

The vendor was recruited by UNDP which was hosting the EDTF secretariat at the time.

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

The team reviewed the background materials of EDTF, conducted interviews with stakeholders and beneficiaries, developed scripts for the six documentaries, and produced the videos accordingly. The work involved traveling, difficulties of accessing some locations, and required translation and subtitling as well. And the project needed to be conducted quickly.

Despite the large work volume consisting of many interviewees and several projects, the vendor was able to produce short videos that communicated the EDTF message effectively.

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

I worked with the production coordinator Ms. Ruth who was excellent at communicating, capturing, and implementing our feedback. I also had two sessions of discussion with the director or the production and Ruth together.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project was very successful. The vendor has delivered the products that were up to the client's satisfaction.

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

Easy communication, flexible, and open to suggestion and feedbacks. They also demonstrated good time management in meeting the production deadlines.

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

They were able to capture a complex topic and translate it into a visual communication product. I also like the communication, coordination and flexibility I observed in the Zeleman's team, specially Ruth Mulugeta.

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

I recommend that the production team pays attention to having release forms signed by all interviewees. We had some gap in this aspect. Paying attention to the signature of release forms.