Dream Engine

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the sole director of Rockmans Apartments. We run an apartment block consisting of 13 fully furnished apartments.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Dream Engine?

We needed someone to create a video that showed people what we do and how we do it.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We first had a discovery meeting with Dream Engine to discuss our requirements. They then shared their own inputs on what should be done. After working those things out together, they proceeded with the production of the video. They handled every aspect of the work, including the filming and editing. The video featured the apartment block, rooms, and the surrounding areas.

Their team completed the video within six weeks, and it’s now posted on our website.

What is the team composition?

We worked with two people from their side, including Ryan (Founder).

How did you come to work with Dream Engine?

I found them through an online search.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about $10,000 AUD (approximately $7,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together on this project from January–February 2022.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We were over the moon with their work and couldn’t believe how well the video came out — in fact, the voiceover was exactly what we were looking for. Also, the video they made helped us acquire new accounts. 

How did Dream Engine perform from a project management standpoint?

They managed the project very well. They were always on time and kept their promise to us. We communicated with them through phone calls.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We were impressed with Ryan — he listened well, took everything into account, and was easy to get along with. Also, he was a perfectionist and very good at what he did.

Are there any areas they could improve on?

I don’t think so. We were very happy with their services.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Hire them as quickly as possible before somebody else does. Also, make sure to clearly explain what exactly you want from them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the manager of strategic communications & media at the Australian Dementia Network. We’re a government-funded organization that oversees all dementia research and care in Australia. We work with clinicians, medical researchers, the government, and many other health professionals that look after people with dementia. We make a point of including consumers and families in the decisions we make and the research we conduct.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Dream Engine?

I wanted to communicate with a wide and general audience about the work that’s being done. We feel a real obligation to report to taxpayers how we’re using the money that we’ve been given. A video seemed like a nice way of communicating complicated information.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I’m not fluent in filmmaking, so I relied on Ryan (Founder) to come in and crystalize the idea. We had a long meeting to finalize the concept. After a few days, he called me with a few coherent ideas about where the video should go and what should be included. I wrote a script, and after he read it, he said it was too long because the video should be between two-five minutes.

After taking that feedback, I edited the script until he thought it was sharp. Then, we started talking about what footage we needed. Ryan came up with ideas for the b-roll, and I knew the talent we needed. We then decided on the order everything would be shown to make sure we were telling a lovely story.

What is the team composition?

It was mainly Ryan, but he brought a few people along during filming.

How did you come to work with Dream Engine?

I had seen Ryan’s work previously. I held a big event a few years ago with a member of parliament. It was an emotional event with a large audience, with many concerned about dementia. We were all thrilled with the way the event went and I was pleased the minister had brought along a film crew. After a few days, the film arrived, and it was superb the way they had captured the emotions of that day.

I was amazed by the feelings and energy captured. The video included a range of interviews that added to the compelling feel. The lighting and mood was so atmospheric and sensitive.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked on this latest project from March­–April 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The video they made created a sense of emotional engagement. I’ve shown it to 23 people on our management committee, including a range of academics who like to edit things, and they’re all thrilled. Many of them said it was inspiring. 

During the process, the professors kept sending it back to me for further edits. I really thought I was pushing it, but everything Dream Engine did was with a smile. Their team was generous with their time and effort.

How did Dream Engine perform from a project management standpoint?

There’s a calmness about the way they work. Throughout the engagement, we had a few in-person meetings and communicated through email towards the end. On the day of filming, I was very revved up while they were focused. A couple of times, I tried to intervene, and Ryan gently made it clear that he had it under control. I appreciated that he was strong enough to be assertive and gentle in his command of the shoot.

He also related beautifully to the patients. There were a few people with dementia who were interviewed, and his calm demeanor made them feel very comfortable quickly.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I found the editing process quite extraordinary. I was there for each shoot and couldn’t envisage how well it would come up. The lights, the audio, the music, and the way it was cut. Everything surprised me in a lovely way.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I’m very happy with what they did. I genuinely can’t think of anything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Meet with Ryan and be open to new ways of filming and different storylines. Allow Ryan to guide you and use his expertise to produce something spectacular. On the day of filming, trust that you’ve organized everything well so that he can do his job.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of Adrian Elton Creative, an advertising and consultancy firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Dream Engine?

I needed a video specialist to work on projects from health conventions to more complex production projects.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

For the convention, they put the video together to match the look and feel of the advertising campaign visuals I had created for the client. They edited the video and inserted animated text, producing a high-end stock video without audio.

By contrast, the most recent project they’re working on is quite complex. It’s a lot of footage, obtained from interviews, and they are co-directing it with me. They are also editing and generating it from the get-go. The team has been heavily involved in developing script and content.

What is the team composition? 

Our main point of contact was Ryan (Founder & Managing Director, Dream Engine). There was an editor, as well.

How did you come to work with Dream Engine?

Ryan and I have collaborated over the years on various projects. I’ve known him since university.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our ongoing engagement with Dream Engine began in February 2018. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

These projects aren’t the type to have the usual metrics or feedback. However, the client has returned for updates to the video which indicates satisfaction and a quality product.

How did Dream Engine perform from a project management standpoint?

Ryan is very communicative and the consummate professional. We have a fantastic friendship and working relationship with their team.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They really deliver fantastic results! They are the company to go to for documentary or corporate videos, especially when aiming for a ubiquitously contemporary and unique feel.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, everything was great.