Dorst MediaWorks

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the external affairs associate for the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GASFP), a global fund of The World Bank. We work on funding investments in the world’s poorest countries to improve food security and hunger, in order to reduce poverty.

What challenge were you trying to address with Dorst MediaWorks?

The fund is about 10 years old and we realized we didn’t have many materials to describe what we do, showcase our project, and our value. In line with that, we wanted to produce videos that we could use at our high-level annual events. We also wanted to feature those on our website, use them with donor relations, and on our general communications campaigns.

What was the scope of their involvement?

He produced two videos with different concepts, which were about 2–3 minutes each. It was a mix of animations or motion graphics, partnered with live videos, images, and text on the screen.  

For the first step, we had briefing meetings where we talked through our challenges, what we were thinking, and then we got input on what he thought would work best for our situation. We had a couple of weeks where we brainstormed.

Then, we went to the scriptwriting phase where we provided materials that we have such as reports, publications, and he read through them. He sorted through all our digital assets from photos to videos and interviews that we have with farmers, country organizations, and country representatives in different languages. He went through it all and came up with a script based on what he saw as the best way to describe ourselves and the best way to highlight and showcase our projects. 

From there, we went back and forth with the team on refining the script, whether it was tweaking the words or the concepts to make sure that it was better explained. Once we had an agreement on the script, we moved into the production phase and the editing phase. The team decided on the photo selection, video selection, and music selection. After that, we went through several rounds of feedback. The last phase was basically just doing a final review which led to the final delivery. 

What is the team composition?

There were three people from our side and I was the one leading it. On Dorst MediaWorks' side, Steve (Founder) was our main point of contact. 

How did you come to work with Dorst MediaWorks?

They’ve done a lot of work for The World Bank, going back a decade or so. I received two recommendations to work with them. After the initial conversation, we were sold. We didn’t need anything further.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent a little over $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from August–October 2020.

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

Their process was extremely easy. We frequently found ourselves in situations with other vendors or organizations where they didn’t quite grasp the concept really easily or they weren’t exactly delivering our message in an accurate way. However, we found that with Dorst MediaWorks, or with Steve in particular—that wasn’t any problem at all. 

Additionally, the videos were well-received. We received a lot of feedback from donors or client countries or even just people within our larger team saying that it looks great and that it captures our message very well. It really highlighted our brand, our uniqueness, and our value.

Our goals were definitely met, specifically on explaining our value and our comparative advantage, as well as on raising our profile. 

How did Dorst MediaWorks perform from a project management standpoint?

We would have regular check-ins by phone. In terms of how they managed on their side, we weren’t in that loop, but anything we were sent was well-organized. They sent us Google Docs folders to look through. They were clear on what we should be looking at and how we should be providing feedback. However, there wasn’t anything specific that we used apart from Microsoft Word or Excel. 

Furthermore, he was really good at grasping technical concepts and making them simple. He took it and he flew and we would just check in every once in a while—we have no complaints at all with their process.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They had an extreme familiarity and complete understanding of the subject matter, so there was no learning curve on what we do or how we do it, or what our technical terms were. He grasped our vision quickly and was able to deliver on the initial vision we had talked about. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

At the end of the day, it was just about time since we were on a tight timeline. If we had more time, we could’ve done a little bit more with our videos. We could’ve included some extra interviews or we could’ve done a little more digging into specifics of projects. However, that was out of their control, but that’s the only thing that could’ve changed.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Go into the initial conversations knowing what you want. They were good at brainstorming and thinking through different ways we could do something. However, I think we could’ve skipped over those 2–3 weeks of thinking and just dove right in and had more time to look through our digital assets.

We could've done that if we had just a better understanding of what we wanted in the beginning. Overall, just come with a clear idea and they’ll help you realize it.

Please describe your company and your position there.

This is an international development organization whose goal is to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity and I lead the evidence efforts for my team.

For what projects/services did your company hire Dorst MediaWorks?

To produce a two minute video that explained a complex topic targeting our key stakeholders.

What were your goals for this project?

The goal of the project was to highlight the need to partner with key stakeholders to achieve our organisation’s goals.

How did you select this vendor?

Through a competitive process reviewing proposals from different recommended vendors.

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

This video was done under an urgent timeline. As soon as the contract was in place, we held joint planning meetings with the vendor to develop a script and review different graphic video styles. Following this step, we jointly finalized the script with continuous input from the vendor.

Once it was finalized, we were provided with storyboards. And eventually several drafts of the video. At each stage the content was delivered on time and was aligned with our needs.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Given the urgent timetable, the vendor developed a detailed timeline for the completion of the project. The vendor was on time for each deliverable and accessible to reply to questions and concerns

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

The video will be shown to key decision-makers and shared broadly.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Their vendor kept our tight project schedule, was open to feedback and understood our internal clearance process.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We were impressed with the vendor's ability to produce a solid, engaging script and deliver a graphically appealing final product.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We would work with the vendor again and can recommend the company to other customers.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I work at an international development organization, focused on agricultural development in low-income countries.

For what projects/services did your company hire Dorst MediaWorks?

We needed to make a short video that explained a complex topic for a very high-level audience at the beginning of a private event.

What were your goals for this project?

We hoped to energize a range of policy makers and focus them on a single, urgent task. We also wanted to share the message with a broader audience after the specific event.

How did you select this vendor?

Through a competitive process reviewing proposals from five recommended vendors.

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

This video was done under an urgent timeline. As soon as the contract was in place, we held meetings to review different videos and select a style. Then the company began reviewing our relevant files (highly technical) and working to develop a script with some, but limited consultations.

The script was incredibly well done. Once it was finalized, we were provided with storyboards. And eventually a draft of the video. At each stage the content was delivered on time and was perfectly aligned with our needs.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Given the urgent timetable, the vendor set a schedule up front and we worked to provide feedback on his deliverables ASAP. He was on time or early for each delivery, accessible for quick conversations, and realistic/upfront when we were asking for too much.

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

The project was well received by heads of state, ministerial level representatives for 40+ countries, and the heads of technical agencies. It has been shared broadly and the team is interested in making additional follow on movies.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Their project manager was excellent. He kept to schedule, incorporates feedback, pushed us to stay on schedule, but was also understanding of our complicated clearance process.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their ability to write a solid, engaging script from highly technical materials was outstanding.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None. I would work with them again and can’t recommend them strongly enough.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the owner of Jake Lyell & Associates. I do video production, still photography, and storytelling for international aid organizations.

What challenge were you trying to address with Dorst MediaWorks?

I was looking for a vendor to produce a number of videos for one of my clients. 

What was the scope of their involvement?

Dorst MediaWorks produced five videos for an infrastructure aid initiative of the U.S. government. The videos show off the work that was accomplished during a five-year period as well as the success stories. We had a number of calls where we discussed logistics about storytelling and messaging. Then, Dorst MediaWorks spent about five days in Malawi shooting the footage. I also sent a drone operator and a still photographer to Malawi. In addition to shooting the videos, Dorst MediaWorks provided direction to my drone operator. Then, they did all the editing and post-production. The videos are between 90 seconds and three minutes long and show how the initiative has affected individual people and their lives. They can be presented to stakeholders, such as lawmakers and the U.S. Congress.

What is the team composition? 

I worked directly with Steve Dorst (Founder, Dorst MediaWorks).

How did you come to work with Dorst MediaWorks?

They were recommended to me by another organization that had worked with them previously. 

How much have you invested with them?

I paid them about $35,000.

What is the status of this engagement? 

I worked with Dorst MediaWorks between July–September 2018.

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

My client was very happy with the quality of Steve's work and all the videos were noticed by the leadership higher up in the agency. That helped us get more projects with that client. Steve is flexible and able to think and act quickly, so he was able to successfully handle work in a foreign country.

How did Dorst MediaWorks perform from a project management standpoint? 

We mostly used phone and email to communicate, and Steve was very responsive. We didn't have a need to communicate while he was in Malawi because I was confident he'd do the right thing.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Steve is able to do pre-production, direct shooting, and post-production, which is rare for video companies. He's also knowledgeable in the field of international development and can speak the language of the client, whether it's a small donor or a lawmaker. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. Everything was perfect. 

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the communications director for an environmental NGO.

What challenge were you trying to address with Dorst MediaWorks?

We had a very specific project that required the production of five high-quality video profiles of projects that we're operating globally.

What was the scope of their involvement?

The videos were for a global competition that we organize. Our work focuses on sustainable cities, but we were looking at different projects that were involved in triggering urban transformation. We wanted videos that told the story of those projects in various countries, and we wanted to highlight who was impacted and how the initiative took place.

We initially met with Dorst MediaWorks to outline the scope of the work, focusing extensively on the strict timeline and specific expectations for the videos. We relied on them to travel so that they could collect footage, write scripts, and edit the videos.

What is the team composition?

I coordinated the entire project with Steve (Founder, Dorst MediaWorks).

How did you come to work with Dorst MediaWorks?

We learned of Dorst MediaWorks through colleagues in another branch of our organization. We screened several companies for the work, but Steve offered the best timeline and budget.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement lasted from November 2018–April 2019.

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

The completed videos were professional and done well. They captured what we wanted to say in terms of telling a story of the project and the impact it has on the people that live in the various cities. Our audience responded favorably to the quality of the videos.

How did Dorst MediaWorks perform from a project management standpoint?

There was extensive travel involved with this project, but we communicated well through phone calls and emails. Steve was always responsive.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Steve accepted the challenge and the tight timeline we presented him with. He was collaborative throughout the process and produced a high-quality product.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We experienced small issues around timing and scheduling parts of the travel, but those were more trivial concerns. Overall, Steve was quite effective at what we brought him on to do. He runs a smaller company, so he took on a bulk of the work, which was good in terms of quality control, but it was also tricky at times because the work couldn’t be more spread out for him.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Our project was successful because we were clear about our timelines and our ideal process from the beginning.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of SIGN Fracture Care International. We’re a nonprofit humanitarian global health organization whose mission is to give the injured poor in low- and middle-income countries access to effective orthopedic care by donating education and implants to surgeons who work in low-resource hospitals.

What challenge were you trying to address with Dorst MediaWorks?

We hired them to help us raise awareness for fundraising.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They filmed at one of the sites we work at in Tanzania and assembled the footage into a seven-minute video, which we collaborated with them to edit. They also crafted a narrative and selected images for us to include in our newsletter.

What is the team composition?

Our only contact was Steve Dorst (Founder, Documentary Filmmaker, Producer, and Director, Dorst MediaWorks). He utilized several team members for filming, interviewing, and translating.

How did you come to work with Dorst MediaWorks?

We were contacted by one of their associates who saw that we had programs in locations they’d be traveling to. We decided to try out their services because we saw samples of their work and liked the short, documentary-style films they’d produced.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $14,500.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project ran from February–April 2019.

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

Our board of directors is pleased with the video and we plan to use it to communicate the importance of our organization for future donors.

How did Dorst MediaWorks perform from a project management standpoint?

They were highly responsive. When their team was overseas, we kept in touch via email, Skype, and WhatsApp, and their owner was very approachable.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Aside from the responsiveness, they very quickly understood the depth of our mission and wrote a compelling script highlighting the impact of our mission. It’s difficult as a nonprofit to find and afford the kind of people who do that level of quality storytelling. They conveyed some very complex material and got our message across in a highly effective way.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. We really threw this project together in an ad hoc fashion and I feel like their team exceeded our expectations. They had a lot of obstacles to overcome and I was impressed with the results.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be available. If they’re reaching out to you on a Saturday, respond right away so they can continue working. They travel a lot and there’s no guarantee you’ll be in the same time zone, so you’ll need to accommodate that.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm a deputy chief at the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

What challenge were you trying to address with Dorst MediaWorks?

We needed to create a high-quality documentary-style video about the organization's collaboration with the Government of Ghana. 

What was the scope of their involvement?

Dorst MediaWorks initially met with various people within the organization to get a sense of the narrative we wanted the video to portray and then developed a creative brief. Once the relevant people approved of the direction, they traveled to Accra, Ghana with a film crew, collected interviews, and edited the final footage. 

What is the team composition? 

We mainly worked with Steve (Director and Producer, Dorst MediaWorks), but he had a film crew involved as well.

How did you come to work with Dorst MediaWorks?

Dorst MediaWorks came highly recommended to us from our sister organization, the World Bank, based on their experience with them. 

What is the status of this engagement?

This particular project took place between September–December 2018. Steve has also worked on similar projects for us, involving films in other countries. 

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

First of all, they produced a beautiful video that was very visually appealing–we've posted it with pride on our website and social media channels. We believe that also led to an increase in online traffic and engagement.

It also received a lot of positive feedback from locals when the video was shown at a conference in Ghana, so it was a great success overall.

How did Dorst MediaWorks perform from a project management standpoint?

Steve was amazing to work with; he's organized, communicative, and proactive about getting the right people to approve of each step of work. He did everything he could to crystallize the narrative like collecting interviews and transcripts to run by us. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Steve gets it. Not only is he a talented video producer, but he also understands the subject matter. He grasped highly technical material, translated it well into a script, and wove together a strong narrative.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. We were very pleased with both the process and the outcome.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Treat the engagement as a partnership. Steve's approach is very inclusive and he works well with people, keeping the client informed on every step of the process.