handplayed

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of production at Tongal, a platform that connects brands and creators all over the world. The creators might be filmmakers, animators, cinematographers, editors, storytellers, and more, while brands consist of various prominent names from around the world. Any creator can sign up at Tongal for free, and they can pitch for work from various brands. Once their pitch is selected, we help shepherd them from the production process to the point of delivery. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with handplayed?

A prominent payment solution provider was creating a video advertising campaign for Europe for the summertime. During the most recent wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe, that client wanted to have the ability to shoot multiple videos within a very tight timeline. 

Moreover, if one production had issues, one of the other productions that might be in a different part of the world should be able to mitigate those risks. handplayed came in and pitched to film one of the videos that our client needed. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Working with our team and a creative director, handplayed was responsible for shooting a video that had already been scripted and storyboarded. The video must also be accompanied by a range of photographic assets that another media partner could use to create materials for social postings. 

They were the last of the four teams to shoot videos, and some issues came up in two of the other shoots we had. At the very last minute, we expanded their scope of work, adding a few other photography shoots to their workload. This involved scouting three locations and working with additional cast members beyond the video that they were shooting. In terms of the actual deliverables, they had to give us all the videos and photographs that they shot. 

What is the team composition?

I interfaced with four of their executives, namely the actual director who was responsible for the video shoot, a photographer, and two producers. As a film production team, 12–20 other people worked on the project, including the nine actors that they brought on board.  

How did you come to work with handplayed?

Working with our client, we selected handplayed from a group of 25 filmmaker pitches. It was a competitive process; they pitched their creative approach to the project, giving us a good sense of their company and what they could bring to the table. 

They submitted their pitch through our website, which contained the project brief laying out the timelines, anticipated scope, creative considerations, and execution mandatories. In the end, we selected handplayed because they were extraordinarily professional and accomplished, and they a smooth workflow. Apart from that, they were thoughtful, deliberate, and thorough in how they presented their plan for how they would execute the video and photography shoot, so we hired them.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $38,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

The project started and ended in April 2021. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The client brand was extraordinarily happy with the photography because handplayed saved the day when they had production issues. With very little time to adjust, handplayed was able to accommodate the expanded scope of work, and they shot three additional photography setups. 

They did a phenomenal job in delivering everything that was asked of them at the last minute — that couldn’t have been appreciated more by the client. The videos themselves were so well-received that they would now be used outside of the original scope of 15 cities in Europe. 

How did handplayed perform from a project management standpoint?

Their project management was fantastic. The team was highly transparent about the issues and obstacles that came up. The weather was a real issue, and they were honest about how we could adjust things and what the consequences were if we moved the shoot dates at various times. They were well-organized both in the way they took the information and how they presented it back to us. 

For the team itself, everyone’s responsibilities were clear. Whenever we had questions, we knew who to go to, what the hierarchy was, and who was responsible for what. Despite the substantial amount of time difference between our cities, someone was always available to talk to us in some way. 

Overall, the project was extremely demanding and fast-moving. Over the course of three weeks, we were in constant communication with them. On the day of the shoot, we were in LA and they were in Sofia, Bulgaria. As a result, we viewed the shoot remotely in real-time, and someone was constantly on standby to answer our questions immediately as things came up. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were thoughtful and flexible. Oftentimes, people would point out problems but not have solutions, especially when working with a film production team. However, when unforeseen obstacles came up, handplayed was truly solutions-oriented. They didn’t only present issues in a thoughtful manner; they also gave us multiple options on how we could address them, which was fantastic.

They would tell us what we were dealing with, offer solutions, and let us decide which solution to use. That was a sign of great partnership, especially in a creative space like video production. We had to navigate a lot of grey zones, and handplayed was extraordinarily helpful. 

Moreover, they had great performances out of their talents. Everything they shot was good. We knew it was hard to get that level of quality, service, communication, and thoughtfulness in a team. Oftentimes, we’d see one thing and not the other; someone might shoot well but not necessarily be organized. By contrast, handplayed truly did everything well. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there weren’t any. They really stepped up in every way.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Trust in handplayed’s instincts. Ask them to always talk to you about why decisions are made; they have good creative insights and a high level of thoughtfulness in how they approach creative video production. These insights can also be helpful for you as a client when you make your own decisions. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the CMO of Melon AD, a software development company. We're based in Sofia, Bulgaria, and have 200+ employees.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire handplayed?

We required help producing an employer branding video with a professional video production company. They assisted us with scripting, pre- and post-production process, as well as logistics and creative ideas.

What were your goals for this project?

Produce an employer branding video to be used online and on location at career events. The goal was to present our corporate culture and employee experience as truthfully as possible.

SOLUTION

How did you select handplayed?

We are familiar with most production companies in Bulgaria, as we have a lot of contacts in the local advertising market. We chose handplayed because we believed they bring the best value for the buck, plus they really bring their heart into the projects caring more about the quality and actual impact of the final product then they do for process and technicalities. Moreover, they've accumulated an impressive portfolio and are good listeners.

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

We briefed them on our goals and the company culture. We shared our ideas on the general look-and-feel we were after, as well as the reasons behind it (target group, our general communication strategy, context in which the video would be used, etc.)

Handplayed reviewed all the information and came up with specific suggestions and rough storyboards for each concept. We selected the one which we found was the closest to our vision, but also feasible given our budget and time-restraints. They helped us organize the shooting schedule, helped us with casting, location scouting, costumes, props and general styling. All within our expectations.

We had a relatively clear idea of what the shooting process and final result should be like. We had three shooting days, apart from some minor (but always expected) technical difficulties, everything went smoothly. It wasn't a simple shoot, as we had close to 30 people on camera.

The production team had everything and everyone in place on time. With a lot of material, it took around two weeks to see the first draft.

We had a lot of comments, but it was mostly because we knew not all of the material had been used (which is something that handplayed were already aware of), but were clear that it was just the first draft and the idea was to showcase the general concept.

After the third iteration we were already very close to what was to be the final version of the video, all but a few fine-tuning efforts. Three months after our initial meeting (including at least two weeks of holidays around Christmas and New Year's), we had a ready video.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

The overall process was quite agile, but at the same time structure. Both sides set clear expectations and parameters from the start. In pre-production, they lead the conversation and asked meaningful questions, all the while displaying clear progress from each meeting to the next.

After the shooting was done, we had an active (pretty much daily) contact, including visits to the studio for editing sessions. I was surprised they'd let us in there, but it turned out to be a much more collaborative process than I had anticipated. For me, personally, this was a welcome surprise.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Unfortunately, we don't have any measurable results yet. Many events are cancelled and we're also withholding from using it actively online, as we plan to use it for a hybrid online/offline campaign once the pandemic situation allows it.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

As mentioned above, we've had a smooth collaboration. It was only at one point during the shooting that it seemed for a moment that we're lagging behind schedule, but it turned out we were actually taking a step back to make sure we haven't made any wrong turns. As it turned out, it was a wise move and all turned out well and on schedule in the end.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Throughout the process, everyone on their team behaved as if the project was their own, not a client's. They were out to prove themselves to the world and they did it well with us.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Honestly, any comments I may have had during the process eventually were addressed by the handplayed team, despite the fact that I never had the chance to voice them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Bulgarian Solar Association (BAS) is a non-profit association that unites interested companies and individuals in the field of renewable energy.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire handplayed?

Bulgaria and Europe face the challenge of reducing their carbon emissions in the next 10 years. For this to happen, we need a radical rethinking of our entire economy and in particular of energy, which in Bulgaria is based on coal. One way to do this is by increasing the share of renewable energy, such as the use of solar energy.

Citizens are still in the role of passive participants and they do not receive enough information about what their role in the energy transition can be and what benefits it can bring to them. Through this project, we wanted to present in 3 short videos good examples of people fighting for energy independence and we needed professional help with the production of these videos.

What were your goals for this project?

By working with people well known to the civic and the political sector we aim to raise the credibility of solar and push the government to shift its perception of solar and create additional incentives for new renewable energy projects in order to accelerate the energy transition in Bulgaria. With these videos presented on the website and social media, we intended to increase people's knowledge and interest in solar energy.

SOLUTION

How did you select handplayed?

We searched for a company that has the vision and also the experience in creating impressive and empowering videos. Handplayed were recommended to us and after seeing their portfolio we decided it would be best to contact them and discuss the opportunity of working together.

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

Once we started working together we sent a couple of article links on the topic and a one-pager of what this project is all about, what is our idea, and what we aim to achieve. The handplayed team was very open-minded and quickly understood the language and the direction. Throughout the entire process, they kept the communication active and discussed with us every step. During filming, they have prepared all the questions and led the shooting and conversation with the main characters.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

They provided a 4-person filming crew and we worked together throughout the stages of the video. After filming we received drafts that we were able to offer feedback on.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Only in the first week after sharing the first video of the three, we have incredible outreach: around 70 000 people reached, 12 000 engagement, almost 100 comments and 300 shares, and only positive feedback on the video qualities.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Handplayed team was easy to communicate with and provided us frequent updates. They gave us a clear idea of when we would see each draft of the videos and they applied all the needed corrections after our feedback. They got the idea extremely well and the corrections were small - nothing on the shooting or the chosen film frames, as they provided exactly the messages and the perception we were looking for.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We were very impressed by how quick and easy they understood the concept (as this sector is not very easily understandable in general). They were perfectly prepared for each shooting with a plan, questions, and ideas of what to shoot, but their creativity used every possibility from the surrounding and we received a product far better than we expected initially. We have worked with other companies on different projects, but this was a particularly collaborative and positive experience.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Everything can always be done faster, but we were very satisfied with their work every step of the way. In the end, quality is more important and we ended up with beautiful and meaningful videos.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the chairman of the GLAS Foundation and we strive for LGBTQ+ equality and acceptance in Bulgaria.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with handplayed?

Bulgaria is lagging behind other EU members when it comes to the support and acceptance of LGBTQ+ people. We don’t have civil partnerships, same-sex marriages, and adoption rights. There’s no legal procedure for gender change; sexual orientation isn’t included in the criminal code as an aggravated ground for committing hate crimes. 

Bulgarian society is also quite conservative and prejudiced, and, in the last few years, they’ve become more resistant to LGBTQ+ equality because of certain political parties in power.

We reached out to handplayed because we thought of creating a short awareness video about the national census. It takes place every 10 years in Bulgaria, like in other EU countries. For the first time, there was an option to specify whether a respondent was in a hetero- or homosexual relationship. We thought that it was a great idea to promote the census and make LGBTQ+ people in Bulgaria more visible. We took advantage of this opportunity from the government.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We shared a few documents for the script, and handplayed gave us additional ideas as well. Once we were all set, we started looking for a director. We chose someone that both our organizations had worked with before. The director — who had worked on social awareness campaigns on various human rights issues — also gave ideas for the script. Once we were settled, handplayed sent us storyboards with all the shooting angles, settings, and similar aspects.

We joined handplayed in scouting for set locations for the different scenes. Once that was arranged, we started looking for actors and volunteers. We managed to get onboard a famous Bulgarian actress from an older generation — she played as a heroine in the video.  

What is the team composition?

My main points of contact were Krasimira (Producer) and Ivan (Creative Producer), who was also the director. There were more people involved later in the process, like a stage designer. Excluding the actors, we worked with 12 people from handplayed.

How did you come to work with handplayed?

Some colleagues recommended handplayed to me. Our organization has been campaigning for six years, and I come from a PR and marketing background — when it comes to campaigning and marketing, we’re quite used to the local landscape. 

I participated in a campaign regarding hate speech where handpicked was also involved, and I really liked how they managed the whole process. I said to myself that handplayed was the team I wanted to work with for my next project.

When we reached out to handplayed, what struck me was we went through 2–3 meetings where they asked us about what we wanted to achieve with the video, what our target audience was, and what impact we imagined it would have on society. It was a detailed examination process from handplayed’s side before actually working on the video.

How much have you invested with them?

I’m not responsible for our finances, but I believe we invested €7,000–€8,000 (approximately $8,300–$9,500 USD).

What is the status of this engagement? 

We started working with handplayed in October 2020, and the shooting started in December of that year. The campaign was supposed to be launched in January 2021, but the census was postponed by seven months. The video is ready, but we won’t launch it until September 2021.

I’ll likely work with handplayed on another project, if we get the opportunity and funding.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve worked with many filmmakers in the past, and this was one of the few times when the first cut needed only minor edits. handplayed understood our idea and managed to convey it in the video — it was as close to the original idea we had as possible. We can’t wait to release it, because it’s such a good-quality video. Overall, we were extremely happy with the results. 

I had seen the video 100 times already, and it made me cry a couple of times. It’s emotional, and it addresses important topics when it comes to visibility. It speaks a universal language, and it has amazingly nice music, voice over, and color correction. handplayed exceeded our expectations. 

It’s already a major breakthrough for a video like ours to have such a famous actress in it. We don’t know if it’s going to be viral, but I’m positive that it will be.

How did handplayed perform from a project management standpoint?

Their project management was met with great responsibility. Originally, we had a tight timeline, and handplayed invested their time and energy to make a high-quality product. We had great communication with Krasimira. We were involved in looking for actors and set locations, and she helped us with that. Overall, it was a well-managed project. 

They managed the whole thing, like scheduling makeup artists, actors, and so on. We used to handle that with other vendors, but in this project, handplayed took that burden off our shoulders. We finished the project on time with the original deadline.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their attention to detail was impressive. The preliminary work they did was well-thought-out, and they didn’t just rely on the director. It was the first time we got storyboarding from a production company, and it made it very easy to imagine the scenes. Also, the communication was laid back, and there was no stress even during shooting.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I’m really satisfied, and I would love to work with them again. Everything went smoothly, and I can’t think of anything for them to improve. 

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

My advice is to sit down and talk to handplayed. handplayed has really great ideas, and they know how to structure the process. Even if the client thinks they have the best idea, they need to be open to handplayed’s points of view.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am an Account Director at proof. This is a creative agency with a digital focus. I work with ongoing project for different kind of Clients and try to keep them happy.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire handplayed?

The service that we wanted to communicate was an online goods store and their farm products.

What were your goals for this project?

The goals for the project were digital video reach and increase in sales

SOLUTION

How did you select handplayed?

We were thinking of several production companies, but Handplayed was the one who managed to reach Clients quality, timing and budget requirements and also to propose the best directors explication

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

The scope was as follows: 3 x 40" videos for the main product categories (meat, milk, vegetables) and 3 KV's from the shooting that we used for different digital formats (banners, posts, carousels, etc).

The main video idea was to show where our products come from and to show their naturally. That is why we needed a sense of documentary feeling in our movies.

Our agency role was to deliver the creative concept and strategy and work closely with handplayed during production, which included: project management, directors explication and ideas, location scouting, shooting and delivering the final product in the best possible quality.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

They provided the filming crew and the crew for the post production. Also made the location scouting which wasn't something easy to do, when we talk about different farms and farmers they needed to negotiate with.

We worked alongside to make sure that we are on script during the three days of shooting and managed to meet all Clients deadlines for the rough drafts and the final product.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Within a month we saw a 300% in overall sales for the farm products which is twice to our goals. The overall registrations in the website increased as well.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The project manager met all the deadlines and answered all the questions we had within an hour after the email. We were stuck to the timeline and every problem we met was solved super fast. She was proactive and was looking for a quick answer if something was about to be not on time.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We were impressed with their cooperation and understanding. The ideas that was given on the shooting spot was great and even if our Client was shooting for the 1st time, everything went super smooth only because of handplayed's professional approach.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Surely there's always an areas for improvement but regarding the project, I do not think that there is something that should be done differently.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the managing director of a film and animation agency.  

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with handplayed?

We needed help with editing and post-production.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The team offers editing services using Adobe Premier Pro. They’ve also done some motion graphics for us on smaller projects, too.

As part of the process, we highlight the editors we want to work with. Then, we go through a round of amends. We’re still establishing which projects we send to them and which ones we keep in-house.

What is the team composition?

Angel (Founder & Managing Partner) is our main point of contact.

How did you come to work with handplayed?

I was searching for post-production support in various eastern European countries. I selected handplayed because they were flexible and willing to work with whatever we’ve thrown at them. Their cost was also extremely competitive.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent less than $10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together June 2020, and our work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Overall, the feedback is positive. The team is flexible and accommodating. We’re very pleased with the way they’re performing.

How did handplayed perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re very good with project organization. We communicate over Slack.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their cost, speed, and flexibility are all excellent.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could offer a bit more quality control on their side; sometimes, we need to go back in and improve their quality. The team could invest a bit more in training to get the edits right the first time.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be very open about what you’re expecting from them. Be very clear about your briefing and show some references of what you’re looking for; it really helps when working with any new supplier.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the marketing manager at Skapto - a local burger chain, established in 2013. We have had only relied on digital media channels and some OOH campaigns up until late spring 2020.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire handplayed?

In May 2020, we, Skapto, won free air time on one of the national TV channels; yet, we had to produce our own TVCs. Which presented two rather big challenges: (a) time & (b) budget. Time-wise, we had less than two weeks to go through the whole process of creating a TVC: ideation, copywriting, prep, shooting, post, corrections, submission. Budget-wise...well, we all know in what context restaurants were operating in the first half of 2020.

What were your goals for this project?

So we had to play it smart and use the air time as a platform, springboard to digital, where we could prolong it and make it bigger. Also, as a secondary goal, we wanted to get exposure to new audiences.

SOLUTION

How did you select handplayed?

We knew about Handplayed and what projects they've had worked on. We discussed our options with our digital agency & collected feedback from both other agencies & clients who have had partnered with Handplayed.

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

We had a strategy & draft script in place, before getting in touch with Handplayed. And when we partnered with them, we put it all on the table, so they can give their input, as well.

Together we fine-tuned the script and the details, the casting, timing, and so on. In the end, we, together, figured we could shoot four videos, instead of one, without compromising quality & going over budget.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

We agreed on a process beforehand and followed it, to make the most of the tight timing. Our copywriter worked with Handplayed on the first draft; then we offered comments, went back-and-forth a couple of times and nailed the four TVCs real quick.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We noticed a 15% increase in direct & organic traffic to our website during the two weeks' on-air period.

However, the more telling and important metric was the online sentiment, which was overwhelmingly positive. More important & telling, because the TVCs set the ground for week-to-come of content, a platform.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

From one to ten - ten. We were keeping in touch as needed - formally and informally - and both sides knew what needed to be done, and, most importantly, how. So the workflow was a breeze.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their openness to ideas and suggestions, plus the ability to change & adapt on the fly.

Are there any areas for improvement?

From my experience, I'd go with no-ish. Their openness to ideas, as stated above, makes them curious, and always learning, becoming better and better with every project. In a way, they're improving without having to hear they need improving.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I represent an indie-pop/rock band from Sofia, Bulgaria. My function there is both a member of the band and a decision maker in terms of management, marketing, music and video production.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire handplayed?

We hired handplayed to produce and develop a video concept for our debut album.

What were your goals for this project?

The main goal was to develop video ideas for each song of the debut album. Each video should reflect the emotional state and lyrics of the song and convey it to the audience in a visually appealing manner. Ultimately, the end goal is engagement and reaching a wider audience.

SOLUTION

How did you select handplayed?

We did a thorough research of all production companies in Sofia, both online and by reaching out to personal contacts. After getting recommendations about handplayed from a number of sources we reviewed their work and were very impressed by what we saw. We had a meeting to discuss our needs and immediately knew that we were a perfect match.

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

We went with a goal and based on it, the guys from handplayed developed a wholesome concept that went way beyond what we though was possible. Instead of simply developing 6 standalone videos, they turned the album into one story consisting of 6 episodes.

They also pushed the concept further by introducing interactivity to the videos. This means that the viewer will be able to experience each character's point of view separately. We started off with number of extensive brainstorm meetings to define the approach and concept.

Soon after that they had all the scripts and action plans done. The necessary roles to execute everything were introduced and the shooting process was initiated, all very swiftly and without unnecessary steps.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Goals were always clear and defined at the beginning of each phase in the filming process. Also, everyone on the team was well informed about each person's responsibilities and the overall progress. The shooting days were well-structured and went smoothly with any issues being promptly resolved.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project is still ongoing, but so far all of the 6 episodes have been fully filmed and are in process of post-production. All of the shots and scenes have been filmed according to the plan so I'm confident that the end-result will meet our expectations.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Communication was super easy. We were always well-informed about the progress and what's coming next in the process. Any concerns that we had were quickly addressed and resolved.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The best thing about working with handplayed was that they understood what our goal was and then developed and executed a concept that met those needs perfectly. They took a simple idea and built on top of it to deliver a truly professional product.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I can't think of any.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Devin is a well-known bottled water company in Hungary, part of the Belgium family-owned company Spadel. I’m the brand manager for Devin Spring.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with handplayed?

We worked with handplayed on our last campaign, Heroes Inside Us. It's a very specific and distinctive campaign for the Bulgarian market, and it’s a kind of social experiment.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We had the concept and storyboard, and we went to handplayed for art direction. They handled video production and casting. 

What is the team composition?

I communicated with Virginia (Producer), Krasimira (Producer), and a couple of other people from handplayed.

How did you come to work with handplayed?

We had pitches from a few agencies, and we selected handplayed because they proposed a distinctive concept execution. 

How much have you invested with them?

The project's cost was around $42,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in June 2020.

The pitch took place on the second half of May 2020. We decided to choose them in the beginning of June and we started to work on the execution on June the 10th. They started the shooting and organizing the casting within two weeks.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They were speedy and organized, and they proposed an excellent cast. More than 20 people were involved in the campaign. We did some research after the video went live, and we noticed a rise in brand awareness. The campaign was outstanding and distinctive not only in the water brand category and in the whole beverages industry. 

Distinctiveness was the main KPI that increased. We've noticed recommendations from people after the campaign, and the perception of the brand was that it was healthy, and our products come with health benefits.

How did Handplayed perform from a project management standpoint?

handplayed is very diligent and professional, and they have reasonable pricing. They were very fast in their execution and well organized.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The time management and the quality of their work are impressive.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They had some improvements to make, and they made them.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

I recommend them because they are talented, and they understand the client's business. They're able to translate client goals into clear directions.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a marketing consultant for Lidl Bulgaria. We’re part of Schwarz Group, which operates all over the world. We started in 2010 with 14 food retail stores.

We had a struggle between our core characteristic of being a hard discounter and the local market, which didn’t understand the concept. People were seeing us as just a regular supermarket, which made it hard to be competitive. 

My position is in market analysis and strategy. I was responsible for digital channels in Bulgaria for the first six years and have been responsible for internal processing in the marketing department for the last four years. This includes contract negotiations, budgets, and so on.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with handplayed?

Colleagues continue to rely on my digital marketing expertise, and they consult with me on different advertising projects. As part of this, I had to find a reliable company that could produce content for our YouTube channel. We tried working with Bulgarian and international companies, but none of them could produce content that corresponded with our KPIs.

Our YouTube channel is quite important. We’ve had it since 2013 but only started developing it in 2019. We have guidelines for that, and we try to follow them. Budgets for online video production tend to be lower than for TV and other channels, so we were trying to be cost-efficient while still getting good or even great quality. Balance was key.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Our first project with handplayed was producing six videos for a luxury beef meat. The content included recipes from our chefs in Bulgaria, meant to persuade people that this meat is different. We were very satisfied with handplayed’s approach and with the results, so we expanded the relationship from there. We’ve given them a project to create weekly animated videos.

Basically, they’re the full producer in charge of everything from scripts to shoots, postproduction, audio mastering, and so on. I’m not sure what companies they use for the different postproduction processes. The important thing for us is receiving good results.

What is the team composition?

I started with one person, and I’m currently in communication with four people from handplayed, regarding different projects.

How did you come to work with handplayed?

They were referred to us by one of our partner agencies.

How much have you invested with them?

The total cost of their work so far is €100,000–€150,000 (approximately $123,000–$185,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with handplayed in October 2019, and the collaboration is going to continue through 2021. They’re producing content for us on a weekly basis.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have KPIs from Germany for every YouTube video handplayed has done for us. We’ve had huge success with all the videos they’ve done so far and the quality is the best that we could have. They’re hard workers, and they have passion.

How did handplayed perform from a project management standpoint?

They react very fast most of the time. handplayed has great inputs regarding the unexpected issues we will face during the process. They do their job quite well at an administration level, but there’s still room for improvement there. Most of their team members are good at their base jobs, and less so at the financial and administrative parts. They’re trying to do their best, and they’ve improved during their time working with us.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I like the inputs they have. Their team doesn’t expect to receive every detail in the brief. They think outside the brief and try to bring additional value to the work. Most production agencies aren’t creative agencies as well but with handplayed, the creative is a very strong part of the job.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The administration part could be a bit smoother and more regular. This is the only suggestion I have. handplayed is very strong on the creative side, and the KPIs we have speak for themselves. Based on the numbers, I’m hugely satisfied.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

My main advice is to try them. I can’t tell someone to work or not to work with handplayed, but I’m sure that other clients will be satisfied if they give handplayed a test.