Dear Summer Productions

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am a specialist at Vontas

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Vontas is a software solution provider for the transportation industry, specializing in yard management and payment solutions. Founded in 2021 as a division of Trapeze Group, Vontas focuses on Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), integrating cloud technology and modularity to enhance communication between on-vehicle devices. The company aims to create a more connected and sustainable transit future, empowering transit agencies to lead in community development and environmental responsibility.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Dear Summer Productions to accomplish?

• The goal was to capture authentic, high-quality visuals of the ThinkTransit Conference for marketing and internal use. Vontas needed versatile photo and video content that highlighted attendee engagement, thought leadership, and the overall energy of the event.

SOLUTION

How did you find Dear Summer Productions?

Referral

Why did you select Dear Summer Productions over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Dear Summer Productions were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Vontas hired Dear Summer to provide full photo coverage across all three days of the ThinkTransit Conference and video coverage over two days. Key deliverables included b-roll of sessions and networking, interviews with attendees, candid event moments, and daily transfers of all RAW photo and video files for internal and select external implementations. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project delivered over 500 high-quality images and hours of professionally captured video content. All files were transferred on-site daily, allowing our team to begin post-production immediately. The visuals were used successfully in marketing materials and internal recaps.

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

Dear Summer was an invaluable asset to our team. Jamaal and his team not only delivered everything on time and exactly as requested, but also brought fresh ideas and thoughtful approaches that elevated the final product. He went above and beyond simply capturing the event—he helped us bring our vision to life. From anticipating our needs to offering creative solutions on the fly, his professionalism, adaptability, and collaborative spirit made a lasting impression. We felt fully supported every step of the way.

What was your primary form of communication with Dear Summer Productions?

Virtual Meeting

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

What stood out most about Jamaal and the Dear Summer team was the perfect blend of professionalism, creativity, and technical excellence. They didn’t just show up with gear—they showed up with intention. From their sleek video village setup with wireless monitoring to the seamless use of Frame.io for reviewing selects, everything felt elevated. Jamaal brought a calm, confident energy to set, always two steps ahead, offering ideas that enhanced the final product without ever stepping on our vision. Dear Summer came with more than we asked for—but exactly what we didn’t know we needed.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Dear Summer Productions could have done differently?

Honestly, there’s very little we’d change. Dear Summer Productions was timely, communicative, and deeply invested in our project’s success. If anything, we’d love even more of their creative input earlier in the planning phase next time—Jamaal’s vision adds so much value, we’d bring him in sooner.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I'm an executive at Estée Lauder

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Estee Lauder is a global beauty company that develops, manufactures, and markets high-end skincare, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products under a portfolio of luxury brands.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Dear Summer Productions to accomplish?

• Highlight Leadership and Innovation: Showcase Estée Lauder’s thought leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence within the beauty industry through keynotes, panels, and curated interviews.
• Engage Global Audiences: Deliver a seamless live-streaming experience to connect with internal teams, partners, and stakeholders worldwide who cannot attend in person.
• Strengthen Brand Identity: Create high-quality visuals and video content that reflect Estée Lauder’s polished, luxury aesthetic, reinforcing their reputation as a leader in beauty and branding.
• Celebrate Collaboration and Impact: Capture candid moments, interviews, and testimonials that highlight the power of collaboration among executives, partners, and event attendees.
• Create Evergreen Content: Produce versatile, on-brand videos and photography that can be repurposed for internal communications, social media, marketing campaigns, and future leadership initiatives.
• Drive Audience Inspiration and Connection: Use storytelling through interviews, speeches, and the highlight video to inspire and engage audiences, strengthening emotional connections to the brand.
• Document and Share Event Success: Provide a comprehensive visual record of the summit to showcase its success internally and externally, while supporting ongoing leadership and branding efforts.

SOLUTION

How did you find Dear Summer Productions?

Online Search

Why did you select Dear Summer Productions over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Dear Summer Productions were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

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

The project requires a full-service production team to provide seamless live-streaming, event coverage, dynamic video production, and post-event deliverables, all designed to align with Estée Lauder’s polished, luxury brand image.

Scope of Work

 1. Live Streaming Coverage:

 • Keynote Address & Panel Discussions: Multi-camera live streaming of the CEO’s opening remarks, leadership panels, and closing speeches.

 • High-definition broadcast with seamless streaming to Estée Lauder’s internal platforms or virtual attendees globally.

 • Real-time technical support and monitoring to ensure a flawless viewer experience.

 2. Event Photography:

 • Professional event photography capturing candid moments, key speakers, panel interactions, audience engagement, and luxurious branded details throughout the summit.

 • On-site delivery of select images for social media and real-time event updates.

 3. Video Production & Filming:

 • B-Roll Footage: High-quality B-roll of attendees networking, engaging with on-site branded activations, product displays, and event ambiance.

 • Interviews: On-site production of executive interviews and testimonials from key stakeholders, brand ambassadors, and event attendees.

 • Brand Highlights Reel: Cinematic, 2-3 minute highlight video encapsulating the essence of the summit—leadership, empowerment, and the beauty of collaboration.

 • Incorporates keynote soundbites, impactful visuals, and custom graphics that align with Estée Lauder’s brand guidelines.

 4. Post-Production Deliverables:

 • Edited versions of recorded panels, keynotes, and interviews for on-demand viewing.

 • A polished, branded highlight video designed for social media, internal communications, and marketing purposes.

 • Fully edited photo gallery for post-event use across press releases, internal reports, and public-facing content.

 5. Brand Alignment & Creative Strategy:

 • All visuals (photography, video, and live-stream) will reflect Estée Lauder’s clean, elegant, and premium aesthetic, maintaining consistency with the company’s global branding standards.

 • Integration of subtle branded motion graphics and title treatments to enhance storytelling in post-production videos.

Deliverables

 1. Live-streamed broadcast of key panels and speeches.

 2. Full photography gallery capturing event highlights and brand details.

 3. Edited video recordings of keynotes, panels, and interviews.

 4. Cinematic 2-3 minute brand highlight video with music, titles, and on-brand graphics.

 5. Select real-time photos for on-site social media updates.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

1. Live Stream Performance:

 • Number of live-stream viewers and audience retention rates.

 2. Content Engagement:

 • Views, shares, and interactions on highlight videos and event photos across internal platforms and social media.

 3. Event Photography Utilization:

 • Use of photos in press releases, internal reports, and marketing materials.

 4. Stakeholder Feedback:

 • Positive responses from executives, attendees, and partners regarding content quality and event coverage.

 5. Post-Event Content Impact:

 • On-demand video views and repurposing of event footage for future campaigns or leadership initiatives.

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

Dear Summer Productions project management was truly impressive. They consistently delivered every item on schedule and kept me updated every step of the way. Whenever I had a question or needed a change, they responded quickly and with great flexibility. Their proactive communication and attention to detail made the whole process smooth and stress-free, ensuring that my vision was fully realized. Overall, working with them felt like a seamless collaboration.

What was your primary form of communication with Dear Summer Productions?

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

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

What impressed me most about Dear Summer Productions was their knack for turning every project into a genuine story. They don't just film an event they take the time to understand your vision and capture the moments that really matter. Their process is thoughtful from start to finish, with careful planning and attention to detail that shows in every shot. They combine technical skill with creative storytelling, making each piece feel authentic and memorable. Working with them feels like a true collaboration, where they're as passionate about your story as you are.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Dear Summer Productions could have done differently?

Overall, I was very pleased with their work. If I had to suggest one small improvement, it might be to have more early check-ins during the creative planning phase. This could help fine-tune ideas even further before filming begins. However, this is a minor point in an otherwise excellent process. Their communication, attention to detail, and overall professionalism made the experience truly positive.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Program Coordinator of Bowie State University

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are a higher education institution that offers undergraduate and graduate programs for prospective students to enroll and get a degree in their field of choice. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Dear Summer Productions to accomplish?

• To capture video and photos for our Title III Grants Activity Retreat.

SOLUTION

How did you find Dear Summer Productions?

Referral

Why did you select Dear Summer Productions over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Dear Summer Productions were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

2 days of Videographer Coverage -

Our Cinematography Package includes 2 Full Days, spanning 3 days of events, interview/testimonial setup, 4K Program + highlight as well as RAW footage. 

What we received: 

Cinema Coverage
Pre-Production Meeting (Strongly suggested, not mandatory)
Additional Videographer for 1 day
Professional audio capture 
3-5 Cameras
Cinematic Interview/Testimonial Setup
4K Highlight 
4K Full Program, Edited
RAW footage (4K)
Online media gallery 
Exclusive rights to use Footage/highlight as needed
 

 
2 days of Photography Coverage 

Our Photography package includes professional and aesthetic coverage, 2 full days spanning 3 days of events, environmental portraits and professionally edited, high-resolution imagery

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

Photo Coverage
Additional Photographer for one (1) day
Environmental Portraits 
High Resolution Images 
Online Media Gallery 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We were able to obtain video that perfectly captured our Activity Director's Retreat! It included interviews from the attendees and highlights from each session. Because of this, we were able to share the videos with our Title III Community across the nation. Jamaal and his team's attention to detail was evident in every photo and video, which helps us bring more visibility to our Title III programs. 

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

Jamaal managed to deliver on time but more importantly, he was accommodating and helpful during the process. He was patient with the fiscal and procurement processes of the University and maintained positivity and professionalism the entire time. He even pitched in during the event to help with other A/V needs during the event. He and his team were kind and were a great addition to our event.  

What was your primary form of communication with Dear Summer Productions?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

I was most impressed by the level of professionalism from his team. While it was my first time meeting Jamaal, he still made us all feel like family.  He and his team made sure each person was comfortable and included us, even in the smallest decisions. It was bittersweet when the event was over because the working relationship was an enjoyable one! 

Are there any areas for improvement or something Dear Summer Productions could have done differently?

I honestly have no areas of improvement. I hope to work with them again soon!