Handshake Studios

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

 I'm the CEO of Machina, a consumer products company. We've developed the MagIC (Magnetically Interlocking Connection) snowboard boot – hands-free, magnetically aligned, and locked with a simple twist. It offers a seamless connection and control with unmatched ease and precision.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Handshake Studios?

 We needed help creating a debut product release video for the MagIC snowboard boot that captured Machina's energy, style, and spirit. The video needed to excite people, not just explain the value, and vibe with our ethos.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

 Handshake Studios took on everything for our MagIC snowboard boot demo, from concept to final cut. We wanted a video under two minutes to explain the no-binding magnetic lock-in, build buzz, and hook customers across social platforms. Handshake Studios handled scripting, storyboarding, animation, voiceover, and editing, delivering files optimized for Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and more. They focused on quick-cut animations showing the magnetic lock-in mid-chairlift. You can see the boot's magnet snap to the board's as you rotate, ditching bindings entirely for that seamless drop-off vibe. The video also includes close-ups of the no-binding freedom, fun voiceover narration hyping the thrill, and energetic music to amp up excitement.

What is the team composition?

 We worked with two teammates from Handshake Studios.

How did you come to work with Handshake Studios?

 I found them through an extensive online search and after interviewing several other vendors. I chose Handshake Studios because their portfolio showed creative, tech-savvy work that matched our boot's innovative vibe, like their past projects with startups blending hardware and storytelling. Moreover, they were super responsive during our initial chat, had clear pricing compared to pricier agencies I looked at, and were sincere and genuinely excited about partnering on creating the best video for our magnetic interlocking concept. Plus, they were incredibly awesome, personable, and amicable. Talking with them felt natural and fun, unlike the laborious vendor interviews I usually dread. It was a perfect match.

What is the status of this engagement?

 We worked together from February–March 2025.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

 Handshake Studios delivered a super powerful video that captured attention instantly. Their videography made our tech feel effortless and revolutionary. We haven't pushed the video hard yet; we've only soft-launched it on X (formerly Twitter) to warm up our feed. Once we go all-in, I'll track views, watch time, and shares across TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and any media that gets us impressions. I'll also track pre-order spikes right after launch, click-throughs to our site from the video's CTA, and even sentiment in comments.

How did Handshake Studios perform from a project management standpoint?

 Handshake Studios nailed project management. They were super organized with regular check-ins, clear timelines, and no surprises. They delivered the video right on schedule, even squeezed in a last tweak without delaying, and were total pros the whole time. We communicated via email, video calls, and text messages. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

 What blew me away was how effortlessly they nailed the vibe. Their music pick was perfect from the jump, with no changes needed, even after I hunted for alternatives for an hour. Most impressive was how insanely resourceful they were. I gave them limited resources and assets, along with a pretty rough idea of what I wanted, and they turned it into gold. They made solutions look easy and were the kind of team that makes you look good without even trying.

Are there any areas they could improve?

 Honestly, no. They just got it. From script to final cut, there were no notes.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

 I'm already eyeing round two with them for our next video and promos. They're top-notch.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the director of marketing at Merchants Fleet, an automotive fleet management company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Handshake Studios?

I hired Handshake Studios at several companies I've worked at to create dynamic and engaging content, including videos, animations, photoshoots, and pitch videos.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Handshake Studios has handled the creative concept, meetings to discuss direction, creative changes, and delivery of content. They’ve delivered product videos, photoshoots, pitch videos, and animations.

What is the team composition?

We’ve worked with two teammates from Handshake Studios.

How did you come to work with Handshake Studios?

We found them through a personal referral. We chose Handshake Studios over other options we considered because of their speed and innovation.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in 2015, and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Handshake Studios has kept us on schedule and in the know about how the project is progressing. We’ve seen strong engagement with the content, as seen in digital marketing metrics, viewership, and enhancements to the funding of the business. We’ve seen increases of 10%–25% in impressions and clicks.

How did Handshake Studios perform from a project management standpoint?

Handshake Studios’ project management is excellent.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We’ve been impressed with the engagement and how they let us be part of the creative process.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there’s nothing I can come up with.