Automatic Films

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the VP for institutional advancement at Chestnut Hill College, a higher education Catholic institution in the Philadelphia area.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Automatic Films?

We needed help with video production.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Automatic Films has done four videos for us. We had an initial conversation to see if it’d be a good fit. First, they presented other videos, and we were happy with them. Then, we went through our vision, and they broke it down into chapters to help tell the story.

The videos are between 3–5 minutes. They’ve prepared the plan for the production and shot them live with people from our end.

What is the team composition?

We work with Luke (Director). He brings in the people that he needs on filming days.

How did you come to work with Automatic Films?

The vendor we were working with outsourced them.

How much have you invested with them?

Our contract is for $20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in August 2021, and our relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’d seen a spike in engagement when we’ve posted on social media and put it in emails and on the website. The institution's alumni and friends have raved about how much they loved the first two videos. We've also gotten phone calls and emails, and the president has received personal cards and letters.

In general, the videos are very well done. Automatic Films has done an excellent job engaging our community and pulling on people’s heartstrings, which has ultimately helped us with fundraising. 

How did Automatic Films perform from a project management standpoint?

The budget is good, but we’re working on the deadline part. Our relationship has been primarily driven by the vendor that subcontracted them. We communicate via email, video meetings, phone calls, and text messages.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’ve captured our mission well and told an emotionally engaging story.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There are some growing pains because they have more work, but not really.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Trust their instincts and process. It brought out the best in the people who sat down for the interviews.