AJ Studios

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m VP of corporate affairs of a large investor-owned public water company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with AJ Studios?

We wanted corporate videos featuring our CEO to share investor relations material. We also needed photography work.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Our main goal was to have a short informational video about the company. We did the majority of the scripting and storyboarding with explicit and clear instructions, so we knew what had to be shot from what perspective and for how long. 

We used AJ Studios’ services primarily for additional B-roll footage. The project involved different locations and staff members. The team handled the production and postproduction processes, including editing and creating deliverables.

We’ve worked with them on other projects and have used their services whenever the need arises. 

What is the team composition?

I typically work with Jim (Owner). 

How did you come to work with AJ Studios?

They’ve had a long ongoing relationship with the local Chamber of Commerce. That’s how I first became familiar with Jim and his work. We’ve hired them numerous times to videotape some events of which I am a chairperson, so we were already familiar and comfortable with their work ethic and liability.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested less than $10,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started our engagement in January 2019, and we have an ongoing partnership. When we assign them a project, it usually takes a few weeks for them to deliver the final product. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The final products are well done. For the corporation video project, the team managed to convey the kind of work a utility company does; they definitely achieved our goal. Their photography work is top-notch; we’ve used it for reports and in different publications.  

How did AJ Studios perform from a project management standpoint?

Communication has never been a problem. They’ve been prompt and follow processes on time. If we ever need to make modifications, they take care of it efficiently. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

The team is amenable to directions and open to client feedback, but they also have their own approaches and know when to take the lead. In the end, they’re the experts in that area. They know how to act around clients and deliver what they want. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t have anything for them to improve. 

Any advice for potential customers?

From our perspective, we’ve always been clear on what we want and know exactly why we hire the team for. What you get out of it is how much thought and preparation you put into working with the vendor. I’d advise taking this approach with any vendor you use as it makes it better for both parties. The more specific you are, the better the result will be.