Gisteo

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We’re a US-based physics membership organization, and we represent more than 50,000 members worldwide in academia, industry, and national laboratories. 

We do a number of things in the organization. For one, we publish the highest-quality, peer-reviewed journals in physics. We also host large meetings for our members, accommodating around 10,000–12,000 attendees. Lastly, we have programs in education, diversity, outreach, and international affairs. I’m the director of our government affairs team, where we do advocacy work on behalf of the community. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Gisteo?

In our advocacy and lobbying work, we have a series of policy priorities that are important to the physics community. One of those policies is related to visas, immigration, and green cards, specifically concerning international students and scholars who come to study and work in the US. We worked with Gisteo on a short explainer video around that issue. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Gisteo produced a 90-second explainer video relating to our immigration advocacy work. We started the project with an intake call where we described the issue and informed them of our position on the matter. We also answered the questionnaire that they provided.

Their team then created a storyboard that detailed how many seconds each slide would be displayed and a draft script of the accompanying voiceover. We went through a series of iterations for both the storyboard and script until we arrived at a final version that we liked. They sourced 10 different voiceover talents and helped us pick the one we found most suited for the video.

After those arrangements, Gisteo recorded and put together the whole thing. They submitted the final product to us for review and approval. There was some animation involved during the production, and their team took care of that along with editing and post-production.

What is the team composition?

We worked directly with Stephen (Founder & Creative Director). I don’t know how many other people worked on this project, but he was our main point of contact. 

How did you come to work with Gisteo?

We searched online for agencies that could create explainer videos and found 2–3 companies. They all submitted their bids, and we ultimately decided to hire Gisteo.

How much have you invested with them?

The whole video cost about $5,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project lasted from December 2019–February 2020. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The video has been published on our website and on our YouTube channel. It was produced right before the pandemic, so, unfortunately, we had to shift gears and deal with COVID-19-related issues. 

However, the final product created by Gisteo now serves as a great intro to the issue and clearly explains our position. It’s professionally done. Though we can’t necessarily attribute this to the video, two of the provisions that we’ve been pushing for have been included in important pieces of legislation.

How did Gisteo perform from a project management standpoint?

The project management was great. Gisteo really based the timing on our pace; they would wait for us to provide our feedback and quickly turn things around once they had what they needed. They were really flexible, but there was never any delay. That we intend to work with them again shows just how happy we were with their performance.

We communicated via email and managed the project through Google Calendar. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Gisteo’s timely response and competitive pricing really made them stick out. They’re very professional and easy to work with, and we had no complaints. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I don’t recall us having any issues.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Allow Gisteo to use their creative expertise and take the lead. We tried to be as hands-off in some ways as possible because we knew that they had the skills, and in the end, they really helped shape the final product.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president of an integration and software development company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Gisteo?

We needed someone to revitalize and modernize our website messaging.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Gisteo helped us create two corporate explainer videos of what we do and how we go to market.

The initial phase started with a discussion about our ideas, which they then followed by sending us a detailed questionnaire for us to complete — it brought on an incredible thought process of how we were going to describe ourselves and our products.

After taking a couple of days to digest everything, Gisteo contacted us to align ideas to some of the answers we articulated in the questionnaire. Gisteo then started the production phase with a storyboard and once that was approved, they moved on to the animation development process.

Once we did the voiceover and selected the music, the corporate video was delivered and published on our website. The whole process from start to finish took five-six weeks.

What is the team composition?

We mainly worked with the owner.

How did you come to work with Gisteo?

Gisteo came our by way of referral.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $8,000 on the partnership.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started our relationship with Gisteo in November 2020 and have maintained a working relationship since. Our plan of records will require Gisteo to be involved in our next video development.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

After launching our corporate video, we got calls from a number of our software partners asking who developed our beautiful corporate video. So we passed along Gisteo’s contact information and understand Gisteo has done $30,000 worth of video production for our partners.

How did Gisteo perform from a project management standpoint?

They performed very well from a project management perspective and we typically communicated through email and Google Meeting.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We liked their ability to turn dirt into diamonds. They simplified our messaging and made it easier for our go-to-market efforts.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything they need to further improve upon.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I advise you to make sure your expectations are aligned, always come prepared to answer any of Gisteo’s questions and finally, get ready to do another video because you’re going to be really impressed with your first project.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of a company that helps industry partners and benefit advisors to stop wasting time.  

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Gisteo?

I engaged them for multiple projects, but they were essentially about creating short, compelling videos to use for marketing my clients and prospects.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Each project has been a bit different, but they always do a good job of capturing what I want to convey, writing a script, hiring voiceover talent, creating animation, etc. I fill out a questionnaire before each video that gives them all the information they need. They do everything and keep me informed along the way, allowing me to give feedback and never moving on until I’m happy.

What is the team composition?

I only work with Steven (CEO), who owns Gisteo.

How did you come to work with Gisteo?

I used them because of their phenomenal track record and excellent sample videos. Additionally, they had a clearly defined process and transparent pricing.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $10,000–$20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working together since January 2012.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

My businesses continue to grow, and I get tremendous feedback on the videos, which are sent out through emails, social media, and our website. The clips been extremely popular and have met our business objectives, securing high views among our target audiences. I continue to engage with Gisteo because my money is well spent there.

How did Gisteo perform from a project management standpoint?

They’ve been excellent. We collaborate over Google Docs and communicate over email. I’m not sure what tools they’re using now, but that’s what we’ve always done.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The quality of their work and their transparent pricing stand out the most.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything. A cheaper price would be great, but they already provide a great value for their costs. I’m pleased with them.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Think hard about your goals for the video before you engage them in the process. This is nothing on Gisteo at all, as they do a good job of asking questions. Ensure you get a video that you can use for months and years into the future as well.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I worked with Gisteo first while as a marketing manager for a software company that provided an app for sports teams to manage every aspect of their communications and organization. I was so impressed with their work, that when I changed companies, I continued to look to Gisteo for their video production services. I'm the marketing manager for a software company. Our software helps pet-care businesses manage operations.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Gisteo, and what were your goals?

Gisteo has created more than a dozen videos for me between both companies. For both companies I've worked for, we had a software product with a lot of amazing features. We needed videos to showcase each of these features, as well as an overall brand video. Our goal was to use these videos in advertising, email marketing, on social media, and on our website.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

Gisteo was recommended to me by a colleague who was very pleased with their work. I am so grateful for the recommendation!

Describe the video(s) and the process in detail, including the project steps and all stages of production.

This process is the same for all videos we do with Gisteo. We started with a kickoff call, where we talked through the brand and our needs. Gisteo really got a feel for the product and our goals. Then, I provided them with some copy and taglines for them to use as a starting point for the script. A few days later, they delivered a fully-fleshed-out script, timed perfectly, as well as notations in the storyboard for assets needed from us.

Simultaneously, they auditioned voiceover artists and sent me their top picks. My team gave feedback on the script, provided assets, and chose the voiceover artist. In another few days, Gisteo delivered the video with custom graphics, live-action video, music and voiceover!

Who did you work with and what was the feedback process like?

I work exclusively with Stephen, founder and creative director. He's brilliant, fast, and communicative. He's completely receptive to feedback, and often knows what I'm looking for with very little direction from me.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our team has constantly said our brand videos get them choked up, which is a great feeling to have when thinking about the company you work for. Our videos have performed very well on social media and in our email marketing campaigns to demonstrate to leads what our product can do. We've been told that the videos are informative and helpful to understanding how the software works.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Their project management style is friendly and efficient. We communicate a lot through email and through comments in Google Docs. Changes are made quickly and suggestions are always listened to. If someone on my team is hard to get ahold of, Gisteo isn't afraid to politely nudge us to keep us on track. We've never missed a deadline.

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

They really took the time to listen to me and my needs, as well learn the product. They have a knack for knowing what visual assets to use, and even if it's stock footage, they still make it look unique to our company. They also have great copywriting skills.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Nope!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I ran marketing for Veem, a global payments network built for businesses. We began in 2014 with the intention of making international money transfers as simple as purchasing a cup of coffee.

Since then, they have revolutionized the way businesses pay and get paid around the world by empowering owners, accountants, and financial professionals to take control over their payment processes. Veem levels the playing field by providing enterprise-level financial tools and negotiating power to the small businesses who need it most.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Gisteo, and what were your goals?

We were trying to explain the ease in which people could send money internationally with Veem and how simple it was compared to the traditional way through bank transfers. We had to explain a concept in a friendly, simple. manner to instil trust and encourage trial.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

I had used a couple of explainer agencies in the past with mediocre results. I learned of Gisteo via a blog post that Stephen had written online and it led me to his website. I had a look at the portfolio and after having a chat with Stephen, I chose them for this project.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and marking tools used.

The process started with an input brief provided by Gisteo which asked all the questions related to the company brand, positioning, key messages for the project, benefits etc. This was followed with a 30 min call with Stephen to review and provide additional detail. He then followed up with an initial script for review.

After we edited it a bit, it went to a story board phase where he gave options for visual design, type of explainer style etc. Then we chose key storyboards that represented the key moments of the messaging. By the time we got to the first cut, there were no surprises or major changes as the process was iterative. In terms of tools, it was pretty simple with Word docs, Google docs and Vimeo links if I recall.

The key differentiator with Gisteo from the other companies I worked with was

1. Stephen very quickly understood what Veem did, and what I was looking to communicate
2. his script was EXCELLENT
3. Super responsive

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

I worked only with Stephen

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Their video was extremely successful. We used it on our homepage, email outreach, landing pages etc. The video currently has over 60,000 views

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very effective and easy to work with.

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

Stephen was very approachable and available. No middlemen, he handled all the complexity behind the scenes. His scripts are excellent and I believe that makes everything else fall into place faster.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

No - I continue to use Gisteo

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the marketing director for a nonprofit behavioral healthcare company located in Yulee, FL. We have provided mental health and substance use services to Nassau County and Northeast Florida residents since 1992.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Gisteo, and what were your goals?

We hired Gisteo out of a grant funded project called Talkable Communities. Talkable Communities is a collaboration of 5 nonprofit behavioral healthcare providers in Northeast Florida. The goal of the partnership is to elevate mental wellness and reduce suicide across 6 counties in Northeast Florida by providing free mental health trainings to local community members.

We hired Gisteo to create an animated explainer video for the Talkable Communities brand as well as three 30 second animated explainer videos for each of the free trainings Talkable Communities provides.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We looked for video production companies using a search engine and reviewed proposals for 5 different companies. When we came across Gisteo, they hit every one of our marks. They had a very strong portfolio of videos, they had worked in the nonprofit sector and knew how to speak to our target audience, and their pricing was transparent and affordable. It was a no brainer to choose Gisteo when it was all said and done.

Describe the video(s) and the process in detail, including the project steps and all stages of production.

Stephen and I started with a production meeting to discuss our goals for the project and determine if we were a good match. Once we decided that we would work together, we submitted a pre-production questionnaire for each of the videos to describe, in length, the goal for each video, the target audience(s), our unique value proposition, etc. Stephen and his team then sent over a script draft and we were allowed to make edits and provide feedback.

Once the script was finalized, we were on to the voice over. Gisteo provided 8-10 pre-recorded voice overs for us to choose from. Once we finalized the voice over, we began to receive drafts of the storyboard. After providing edits and finalizing the storyboard, Gisteo brought the video to life and sent us the animated video. We were able to provide edits at this stage as well. After providing feedback, Gisteo sent us the final version to download.

Who did you work with and what was the feedback process like?

We worked with Stephen Conley. The feedback process was seamless. Stephen provided (and welcomed) our feedback, listened attentively to our suggestions, and incorporated our feedback into the edits. When asked, Stephen would provide his professional opinion and use his years of experience to guide us in the best direction. When he was unsure of something, he asked for clarification. The feedback process was 5 stars all around.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The animated explainer video for the Talkable Communities brand was submitted in a video contest to the LSF Health Systems Virtual Behavioral Health Innovation challenge to be judged for a people's choice and a judges award. The video won 1st place in the 'People's Choice category and brought home a $2,500 prize, and 3rd place in the Judges Award category. It was the only video submission to win in both categories.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Gisteo's process is very straightforward. We knew ahead of time about the project timeline and what to expect along the way. They were timely and kept to the timeline. Stephen and I communicated mainly through email which worked perfectly. Once Stephen and his team brought the video to life, we were able to use Vimeo to provide edits in real time.

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

Three things stood out to me with Gisteo.

1. Their pricing structure is very affordable and the quality of video is not sacrificed.
2. The creativity and clarity that Gisteo used to storyboard and bring our brand to life. We were working with a complicated idea and the team at Gisteo was able to provide focus and direction for our brand.
3. The humility in which Stephen and the team at Gisteo accepted feedback.

It is rare find to come across a company that is more invested in the clients vision for a project than their pride in the product they created. Gisteo always had our needs for the project top of mind and accepted feedback with grace.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Honestly, no. Their service was top-notch from start to finish. I will use Gisteo for all of my video production needs.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO of Advanced Minimally Invasive Surgery

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

General surgery practice

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Gisteo to accomplish?

• Patient education
• Marketing

SOLUTION

How did you find Gisteo?

Online Search

Why did you select Gisteo over others?

• High ratings
• I was encouraged by their website

How many teammates from Gisteo were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

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

• They developed an animation video describing our practice and educating patients on our ventral hernia repair techniques and ventral hernias in general.  
• The video was approximately 5 minutes long.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Patient's gave me very positive feedback. They mention how well the video was made and how informative and clear it was as well as concise. At the same time he was attention grabbing and not boring

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

They were:

• Very tentative
• Quick to respond
• On time
• Professional
• Creative

What was your primary form of communication with Gisteo?

Virtual Meeting

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

Gisteo's attention to detail, prompt responses, and ability to simplify concepts for the public were impressive. From start to finish an excellent service. 

Are there any areas for improvement or something Gisteo could have done differently?

None

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Director of Marketing

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Gisteo?

Find visual ways to demonstrate complex solutions in a B2B landscape.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Short form animated videos in a professional manner

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Layout, storyboarding, voice over, production

What was the team composition?

I worked directly with the head of Geisto

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Leveraging our videos in organic and paid channels to communicate our value proposition to qualified customers.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Its was smooth, easy and responsive

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We were impressed with their quick responses and ability to change direction when needed.

Is there any area for improvement or anything that could have been done differently?

Nope, none.