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Videos for Good, since 2002

4.9
6 reviews

Dorst MediaWorks, Inc. is a Washington, DC video production company helping US-based international organizations show results with documentary-style videos. Since 2002, we’ve worked at the highest level of international development and humanitarian aid, with USAID, the World Bank, and dozens of nonprofits that are changing the world one person at a time. That journey has taken our team to 50+ countries. Our mission is to be the best video production company for organizations that do good.

When we film around the world, we are committed to treating our clients, subjects, and crew well, especially across cultural and language barriers. Award-winning, human-centered videos, emphatic storytelling, global reach from Washington, DC. Videos for Good ©.

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$5,000+
 
$100 - $149 / hr
 
2 - 9
 Founded
2002
Show all +
Washington, DC
headquarters
  • 1211 10th Street, NW, rear building
    Washington, DC 20001
    United States
    202-258-9612

Portfolio

Key clients: 
USAID, World Bank Group, The Ross Prize, Millennium Challenge Corporation, AARP, Carnegie Council, Catholic Relief Servies, Columbia University, Creative Associates, Forum One, Foundation for Biomedical Research, Global Environment Facility, Human Rights Campaign, ICF International, IESC, Interaction, The Crisis Group, International Finance Corporation, International Medical Corps, International Monetary Fund, MIGA, NDI, Pact, PRI, Red Cross, United Nations, USDA, WRI

Washington DC Video Production Services - 2019 reel - Dorst MediaWorks "Videos for Good"

Hi, I’m Steve Dorst. I started Dorst MediaWorks in 2002 to help organizations show results through inspiring documentary-style videos. That journey has taken our team to more than 50 countries. Our mission is to make the world a more just and sustainable place, which is why we only work with organizations that do good. We have a serious commitment to treating our clients, subjects, and crew well, especially across cultural and

…
language barriers. Check out our portfolio -- from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe -- and if you think we're a good fit, let’s make some Videos for Good. 
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Washington DC Video Production: WRI Ross Prize Trailer 2019

SARSAI is the winner of the inaugural $250,000 WRI Ross Prize for Cities. Amend's innovative approach is creating safer journeys to school in Dar es Salaam and other African cities. But the other finalists -- Metrocable, SWach, AeT, and Eskisehir -- all have shown the world some incredible innovation.

Subscribe!

…
http://youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=dorstmediaworks

We help US-based international organizations show results through inspiring, documentary-style videos. The proof is in our 280+ videos with 50+ clients in 25+ countries, since 2002. Our clients include USAID and its subcontractors, the World Bank Group and its partners, and diverse international nonprofits that are changing the world one person, one project at a time. Award-winning films, emphatic storytelling, global reach. Washington, D.C. video production.

Check out our YouTube “Videos for Good” playlist: http://bit.ly/Videos_for_Good

Credits: Produced, directed, shot, written, edited by Dorst MediaWorks.

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Washington DC Video Production Services: "Economic Stability is Like Fresh Air," The IMF in Ghana

Ghana’s economy is thriving, and here are a few reasons why.

Subscribe! http://youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=dorstmediaworks

We help US-based international organizations show results through inspiring, documentary-style videos. The proof is in our 280+ videos with 50+ clients in 25+ countries, since 2002. Our

…
clients include USAID and its subcontractors, the World Bank Group and its partners, and diverse international nonprofits that are changing the world one person, one project at a time. Award-winning films, emphatic storytelling, global reach. Washington, D.C. video production.

Check out our YouTube “Videos for Good” playlist: http://bit.ly/Videos_for_Good

Credits: Produced, directed, shot, written, edited by Dorst MediaWorks
 

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Washington DC USAID Video Production: Lebanon & Rabih’s Fishing Business

This is the story of Rabih, who struggles to make a living as a fisherman before buying a new boat and building his business. And the microfinance institution Al Majmoua, which is extending loans to rural entrepreneurs in Lebanon for the first time. Dorst MediaWorks produced this USAID video for USAID subcontractor International Executive Service Corps.

Washington DC Video Production Services: Asiye eTafuleni (Ross Prize finalist)

Asiye eTafuleni (AeT) is co-creating a more inclusive city in the markets of Warwick Junction, Durban, South Africa. 

Subscribe! http://youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=dorstmediaworks

We help US-based international organizations show results through inspiring, documentary-style videos. The proof is in our 280+

…
videos with 50+ clients in 25+ countries, since 2002. Our clients include USAID and its subcontractors, the World Bank Group and its partners, and diverse international nonprofits that are changing the world one person, one project at a time. Award-winning films, emphatic storytelling, global reach. Washington, D.C. video production.

Check out our YouTube “Videos for Good” playlist: http://bit.ly/Videos_for_Good

Credits: Produced, directed, shot, written, edited by Dorst MediaWorks

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Washington DC Government Video Production: "Powering Malawi" Millennium Challenge Corporation Malawi

This is the story of Malawi’s power sector reforms and how it is spurring economic growth and poverty reduction by by improving the availability, reliability and quality of the power supply.

Subscribe! http://youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=dorstmediaworks

We help US-based international organizations show

…
results through inspiring, documentary-style videos. The proof is in our 280+ videos with 50+ clients in 25+ countries, since 2002. Our clients include USAID and its subcontractors, the World Bank Group and its partners, and diverse international nonprofits that are changing the world one person, one project at a time. Award-winning films, emphatic storytelling, global reach. Washington, D.C. video production.

Check out our YouTube “Videos for Good” playlist: http://bit.ly/Videos_for_Good

Credits: Produced, directed, shot, written, edited by Dorst MediaWorks

Read more...

Washington DC Video Production Services: "The Power of Education," The IMF in Vietnam

Vietnam has invested heavily in education, allowing young people to fulfill their dreams of starting their own business. Hear how Nguyen Thu Ha thinks her studies will enable her to be a successful business owner.

Subscribe! http://youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=dorstmediaworks

We help US-based international

…
organizations show results through inspiring, documentary-style videos. The proof is in our 280+ videos with 50+ clients in 25+ countries, since 2002. Our clients include USAID and its subcontractors, the World Bank Group and its partners, and diverse international nonprofits that are changing the world one person, one project at a time. Award-winning films, emphatic storytelling, global reach. Washington, D.C. video production.

Check out our YouTube “Videos for Good” playlist: http://bit.ly/Videos_for_Good

Credits: Produced, directed, shot, written, edited by Dorst MediaWorks

Read more...

Washington DC Video Production Services: SWaCH (Ross Prize finalist)

SWaCH Pune Seva Sahakari Sanstha is a member-owned cooperative for waste pickers that is helping to clean up the streets of Pune, India.

Subscribe! http://youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=dorstmediaworks

We help US-based international organizations show results through inspiring, documentary-style videos. Our

…
clients include USAID and its subcontractors, the World Bank Group and its partners, and diverse international nonprofits that are changing the world one person, one project at a time. Award-winning films, emphatic storytelling, global reach. Washington, D.C. video production.

Check out our YouTube “Videos for Good” playlist: http://bit.ly/Videos_for_Good

Credits: Produced, directed, shot, written, edited by Dorst MediaWorks

Read more...

Washington DC Video Production Services: Metrocable (Ross Prize finalist)

Metrocable is helping to shift the boundaries of urban opportunity through an innovative transport system in Medellín, Colombia.

Subscribe! http://youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=dorstmediaworks

We help US-based international organizations show results through inspiring, documentary-style videos. The proof is in

…
our 280+ videos with 50+ clients in 25+ countries, since 2002. Our clients include USAID and its subcontractors, the World Bank Group and its partners, and diverse international nonprofits that are changing the world one person, one project at a time. Award-winning films, emphatic storytelling, global reach. Washington, D.C. video production.

Check out our YouTube “Videos for Good” playlist: http://bit.ly/Videos_for_Good

Credits: Produced, directed, shot, written, edited by Dorst MediaWorks.

Read more...

Washington DC Video Production Services: SARSAI (Ross Prize winner)

SARSAI, a program by the non-profit Amend, is providing a safer walk to a brighter future for students in high-risk school areas across Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and other sub-Saharan African cities. 

Subscribe! http://youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=dorstmediaworks

We help US-based international organizations

…
show results through inspiring, documentary-style videos. The proof is in our 280+ videos with 50+ clients in 25+ countries, since 2002. Our clients include USAID and its subcontractors, the World Bank Group and its partners, and diverse international nonprofits that are changing the world one person, one project at a time. Award-winning films, emphatic storytelling, global reach. Washington, D.C. video production.

Check out our YouTube “Videos for Good” playlist: http://bit.ly/Videos_for_Good

Credits: Produced, directed, shot, written, edited by Dorst MediaWorks.

Read more...

Washington DC Government Video Production: "Annie's Story," Millennium Challenge Corporation Malawi

This is the story of Annie's tragic loss and her new passion. It's also the story of how the Millennium Challenge Corporation helped Malawian women in river communities develop new economic opportunities that protect the rivers that power 90% of the country's electricity.

Subscribe!

…
http://youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=dorstmediaworks

We help US-based international organizations show results through inspiring, documentary-style videos. The proof is in our 280+ videos with 50+ clients in 25+ countries, since 2002. Our clients include USAID and its subcontractors, the World Bank Group and its partners, and diverse international nonprofits that are changing the world one person, one project at a time. Award-winning films, emphatic storytelling, global reach. Washington, D.C. video production.

Check out our YouTube “Videos for Good” playlist: http://bit.ly/Videos_for_Good

Credits: Produced, directed, shot, written, edited by Dorst MediaWorks

Read more...

Washington DC Video Production Services: Eskişehir (Ross Prize finalist)

The Eskişehir Urban Development Project has reinvigorated a river and city, helping to create a new sense of what's possible in Eskişehir, Turkey. 

Subscribe! http://youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=dorstmediaworks

We help US-based international organizations show results through inspiring, documentary-style

…
videos. The proof is in our 280+ videos with 50+ clients in 25+ countries, since 2002. Our clients include USAID and its subcontractors, the World Bank Group and its partners, and diverse international nonprofits that are changing the world one person, one project at a time. Award-winning films, emphatic storytelling, global reach. Washington, D.C. video production.

Check out our YouTube “Videos for Good” playlist: http://bit.ly/Videos_for_Good

Credits: Produced, directed, shot, written, edited by Dorst MediaWorks

Read more...

Washington DC Health Video Production Services: "Creating Equality of Fracture Care" SIGN Tanzania

By providing both surgical training and implants, SIGN enables skills surgeons in developing countries to provide immediate care for patients who suffer badly broken bones each and every day. Founded in 1999, the organization has trained more than 5,000 surgeons in 51 developing countries—with SIGN-trained surgeons having healed more than 237,000 patients.

Subscribe!

…
http://youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=dorstmediaworks

We help US-based international organizations show results through inspiring, documentary-style videos. The proof is in our 280+ videos with 50+ clients in 25+ countries, since 2002. Our clients include USAID and its subcontractors, the World Bank Group and its partners, and diverse international nonprofits that are changing the world one person, one project at a time. Award-winning films, emphatic storytelling, global reach. Washington, D.C. video production.

Check out our YouTube “Videos for Good” playlist: http://bit.ly/Videos_for_Good

Credits: Produced, written, edited by Dorst MediaWorks

Read more...

Washington DC Government Video Production: "Judith & Alice’s Story," MCC in Malawi

This is the story of Judith and Alice's new business and their improved quality of life. It's also the story of how the Millennium Challenge Corporation helped Malawian women in river communities develop new economic opportunities that also protect the rivers that power 90% of the country's electricity.

Subscribe!

…
http://youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=dorstmediaworks

We help US-based international organizations show results through inspiring, documentary-style videos. The proof is in our 280+ videos with 50+ clients in 25+ countries, since 2002. Our clients include USAID and its subcontractors, the World Bank Group and its partners, and diverse international nonprofits that are changing the world one person, one project at a time. Award-winning films, emphatic storytelling, global reach. Washington, D.C. video production.

Check out our YouTube “Videos for Good” playlist: http://bit.ly/Videos_for_Good

Credits: Produced, directed, shot, written, edited by Dorst MediaWorks

Read more...

Washington DC Video Production Services: "Metamorphosis," The IMF in Vietnam

In just 30 years, Vietnam has undergone a profound transformation from planned economy to the next Asian Tiger. 

Subscribe! http://youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=dorstmediaworks

We help US-based international organizations show results through inspiring, documentary-style videos. The proof is in our 280+ videos

…
with 50+ clients in 25+ countries, since 2002. Our clients include USAID and its subcontractors, the World Bank Group and its partners, and diverse international nonprofits that are changing the world one person, one project at a time. Award-winning films, emphatic storytelling, global reach. Washington, D.C. video production.

Check out our YouTube “Videos for Good” playlist: http://bit.ly/Videos_for_Good

Credits: Produced, directed, shot, written, edited by Dorst MediaWorks

Read more...

Reviews

4.9
6 reviews
Sort by

Video Production for Development Organization

"We were impressed with the vendor's ability to produce a solid, engaging script."

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Less than $10,000
 
June 2020
Project summary: 

Dorst MediaWorks created a two-minute video that explained a complex target to target key stakeholder partnerships. They collaborated on the script and graphic styles before drafting the storyboards.

The Reviewer
 
10,000+ Employees
 
Washington, DC
Evidence Lead, International Development Org.
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Dorst MediaWorks recently completed the video, which is set to be shared broadly to critical decision-makers. They kept to a tight schedule, remaining receptive to client feedback and internal clearance processes.

The client submitted this review online.

BACKGROUND

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.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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.

SOLUTION

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

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Video Production for Economic Organization

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

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
 
July - Aug. 2019
Project summary: 

Dorst MediaWorks wrote, filmed, and produced a complex explainer video for a global economic conference. 

The Reviewer
 
10,000+ Employees
 
Washington, D.C.
Communications Officer, Global Economic Organization
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The final product delivered by Dorst MediaWorks performed spectacularly, pleasing project stakeholders and receiving positive external feedback from the target audience. The production team was flexible and attentive to all deadlines and requirements throughout the project.

The client submitted this review online.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

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

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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.

SOLUTION

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.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Documentary-Style Videos for International Agency

“Steve is flexible and able to think and act quickly … .”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
 
Jul. - Sept. 2018
Project summary: 

Dorst MediaWorks produced five short documentaries that show success stories of individuals affected by an aid initiative. They traveled abroad to shoot the footage and did all the editing.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Richmond, Virginia
Jake Lyell
Owner, Jake Lyell & Associates
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The in-house team and the third-party client are highly satisfied with the videos. Dorst MediaWorks went above and beyond to meet all needs, while their ability to speak the language of the client and work effectively in a foreign country earned them trust. 

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

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.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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. 

SOLUTION

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.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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. 

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Video Production for Global Sustainability Awards

"Our audience responded favorably to the quality of the videos."

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4.5

Quality: 
4.5
Schedule: 
4.0
Cost: 
4.0
Willing to refer: 
4.5
The Project
 
Confidential
 
Nov. 2018 - Apr. 2019
Project summary: 

Dorst MediaWorks produced five videos to highlight urban development projects for an environmental NGO. The project required extensive travel and management of filming, script writing, and editing processes.

The Reviewer
 
501 - 1,000
 
Washington, DC
Communications Director, Environmental NGO
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Dorst MediaWorks successfully delivered professional and high-quality videos that accurately tell the intended stories. The videos received positive feedback upon their release. The founder capably navigated strict timelines while leading each aspect of production.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the communications director for an environmental NGO.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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.

SOLUTION

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.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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.

4.5
Overall Score
  • 4.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 4.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 4.5 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 4.5 NPS
    Willing to refer

Documentary-Style Video Production for Nonprofit

“They conveyed some very complex material and got our message across in a highly effective way.”

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5.0

Quality: 
4.5
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Confidential
 
Feb. - Apr. 2019
Project summary: 

Dorst MediaWorks created a short film to increase donor awareness about a nonprofit humanitarian global health organization. They wrote scripts, filmed, and edited footage. They provided images and content.

The Reviewer
 
11-50 Employees
 
Richland, Washington
Jeanne Dilner
CEO, SIGN Fracture Care International
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

While the quality was high overall, Dorst MediaWorks stood out for its script-writing. They captured and distilled critical information in an engaging way while working within the confines of a nonprofit budget. They were also approachable and highly responsive throughout the creative process.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

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.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Dorst MediaWorks?

We hired them to help us raise awareness for fundraising.

SOLUTION

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.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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.

5.0
Overall Score The only reason I reduced this score is because they had to use an in-country film crew, and the video quality wasn’t quite as good as previous films.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    We’re a nonprofit, so anyone would be expensive, but it felt like they donated quite a bit of their time to us.
  • 4.5 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Video Production for Country Documentary Series

“He grasped highly technical material, translated it well into a script, and wove together a strong narrative.”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
4.5
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Confidential
 
Sept. - Dec. 2018
Project summary: 

Dorst MediaWorks developed a documentary-style video, traveling to the location and providing production, filming, writing, and editing services in the process. 

The Reviewer
 
1,000 - 5,000 Employees
 
Washington, DC
Deputy Chief, IMF
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Dorst MediaWorks did a phenomenal job of creating a video that effectively told the organization's narrative, including its complexities. In addition to the quality of their work, they were also great to work with–highly communicative, organized, and proactive from start to finish.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

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

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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. 

SOLUTION

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. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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. 

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 4.5 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer