handplayed

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.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Head of Growth

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Software in the career & jobs space.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Create compelling ads demonstrating our software solutions through cinematography and motion graphics.

SOLUTION

How did you find handplayed?

Referral

Why did you select handplayed over others?

• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• responsiveness

How many teammates from handplayed were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Create multiple video ads in different languages and in different formats, mostly using motion grpahics.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The creatives by Handplayed drive the majority of our impression on various ad platforms, with millions of views by now, and growing.

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

Their delivery was always on time, and their communication was great whenever we needed adjustments. 

What was your primary form of communication with handplayed?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Ability to work both with a very defined scope / script on some assets while also being able to have complete creative freedom and deliver great results without much imput from us for others. 

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

n/a

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am a Manager of TED BED EAD

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

mattress producer

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

to create an innovative brand awareness video

SOLUTION

How did you find handplayed?

Online Search

Why did you select handplayed over others?

Great culture fit

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

We received 3 storyboards to choose from. Quick lead time. Very effective with shooting organization. All scenes in just 2 days. Excellent casting. All in all the project ran smoothly and with minimum involvement needed from our side. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We received very positive feedback from our partners regarding the new video. 

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

yes, everything was on time.

What was your primary form of communication with handplayed?

Virtual Meeting

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

The company's creative and dedicated culture made it easy to work with, and we rely on their professionalism 100%.

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

not sure

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Co-founder of Cappabl
Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We create online educational content.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Full video production
• Develop brand identity
• On-demand ad concepts and designs

SOLUTION

How did you find handplayed?

Referral
Why did you select handplayed over others?

• High ratings
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned
• Other

How many teammates from handplayed were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees
Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Handplayed was hired to create a brand identity, encompassing a logo and color scheme, and produced three engaging animated video lessons with impeccable illustrations, sound, and design elements, while also delivering on-demand ad concepts and designs.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

During actual work, Handplayed provided us with the progress on a regular basis. They were open to feedback and we had many constructive talks.
Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Everything was delivered on time and with high quality. They even exceeded my expectations. Their project management was excellent. I felt like my project was important to them.
What was your primary form of communication with handplayed?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting

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

What stood out most was the company's remarkable and friendly yet professional culture, creating a positive working environment. Their commitment went beyond expectations, delivering not just what was agreed upon but surpassing it with exceptional results.
Are there any areas for improvement or something handplayed could have done differently?

No! Everything was top-notch.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am an employee of Noble Graphics

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

It is a full-service advertising agency.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• To produce a commercial for one of our biggest clients.
• To organize a photoshoot for rebranding a service of our client.

SOLUTION

How did you find handplayed?

Referral

Why did you select handplayed over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

What was the size of handplayed’s team?

6-10 Employees

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

• 1 - 30" video 
• 10 - 15" videos 
• 10 - 6" videos 
• 3 - key visuals

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Great reach and engagement in social media.

What was your primary form of communication with handplayed?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Working with handplayed is extremely easy and pleasant. They advise you whenever you need guidance. They respond on time and meet their deadlines. They are exceptional professionals and we will certainly do more projects together.

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

They communicate with you as a friend and are always very understanding. At the same time they maintain their level of professional attitude.

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

I don't think so.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Retail and consultancy, co-owner.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Our goal was to create a catchy design for our private label. We created a private label ti import new goods from an international producer.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Recommended by close friends.

Describe the scope of their work in detail, including any steps and the final deliverables.

1. Initial conversation to discuss project's general aims
2. Detailed questionnaire on brand vision sent by Handplayed
3. handplayed went through ideas with focus groups and shared results with us
4. On the basis of those results, together we decided on a brand vision
5. handplayed created draft package designs
6. Constant back and forth communication, meetings and re-drafting of package design and contents
7. Mutual approval of final package design

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

Two- Angel I. FOUNDER, MANAGING PARTNER and Angel I. FOUNDER, MANAGING PARTNER

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Product not in sale yet

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

Overall, one hundred percent satisfied with project management- prompt email communication, weekly meetings in the initial stages to get the ball rolling, always adhering to deadlines. Communication tools- questionnaire at the beginning did a fantastic job at orienting us towards a package vision.

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

Impressed with implementation of clients' wants and feedback into beautiful artwork.

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

Honestly, no. They did an amazing job at taking into account our wants and needs.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the CEO of a board gaming company. Our main product is a party board game with words.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire handplayed?

We had the idea to create a short video introduction for our second game.

SOLUTION

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

We were happy with the results of our first project and we decided to contact the company again.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

They created a script, then recorded the audio and the mix the audio with the animation.

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

We worked with 3 people, one project manager, one animator, and one voice actor and script writter.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They created the video ahead of schedule, so we had enough time to prepare our pre-order campaign. Now we are expecting our print run and collecting orders.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We did a great job together, and the communication was excellent and dynamic. We used email and Viber to connect.

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

They offered a high-level Video Animaker, project leader and a voice actor with

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

no

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the Executive Producer of Huffman Creative, a full service production company based in LA

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We hired Handplayed to completely handle the post production of a Facebook watch mini series we produced starring singer/songwriter/dancer Tinashe.

SOLUTION

How did you select handplayed and what were the deciding factors?

My company researched tons of foreign post production companies with hopes of finding a way to outsource our work. We landed on Handplayed because of their history of strong and polished productions.

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

We had a 3-day shoot to capture 7 episodes worth of content for a FB watch series. Handplayed handled all aspects of post-production, including editing, sound design and titles.

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

Angel. Angel from Handplayed is the absolute best, incredibly helpful and communicative. Would highly highly recccomend.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The show had an incredibly successful launch on FB watch and garnered hundreds of thousands of views within the first couple of weeks of release.

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

Incredibly organized and communicative all the way through

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

Angel and his team were incredibly communicative, but also ready to pivot at a moment's notice. They were able to take critiques and edits and turned them into deliverables and outcomes quickly and efficiently

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

Nope.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am an account manager in an advertising agency

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire handplayed?

For an employer branding campaign for a big bank in Bulgaria

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

My team recommended Handplayed and another production company. After receiving the offers and the feedback of the project we trusted them for the project

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

After confirming the offer they started with arranging the post production. We did a viewing of the space of the shoot, talked to the client, made a fitting of the cast, made a ppm meeting and did the shooting day

What was the team composition?

I worked mostly with the producer of the team. The creative team were a designer, a copywriter and our strategic director. Mostly me and the designer were involved. Met the director and DOP as well, but they were not as involved in the process

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Both the client and the agency are very happy with the outcome. The campaign is still not online, so I can't give metrics yet.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We had very good communication with the handplayed team. All of our requests were fulfilled.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The communication between ours and their teem and the flexibility the production team showed.

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

We missed a little bit the set designer while the photoshoot was happening, she was prepared only for the video. Also the editing was one of the harder parts of the process to communicate.