Levitate Media

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We are a bank that deals mostly in commercial finance. We also offer personal deposit products. I'm the marketing manager.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Levitate Video?

We were sorely lacking in video content, and we wanted a few items produced for us.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Another company created an animated video for us, so we were going off of that. They provided us with testimonial videos from our clients, a bank overview video, and another video specific to the vertical we serve. We had conference calls to go over the scripts before they started filming.

They did every part of the production, and most of the videos were shorter than three minutes. An executive recently left us, so we went back to them and made some edits to maintain the content while showcasing current personnel. They told a good story, and we use them on our website and in email campaigns. We also displayed them on our YouTube channel and some product-specific pages.

What is the team composition?

Our main point of contact recently changed, so we've had two main contacts over the course of our engagement with them. For the shoots, we had two or three people for onsite videos.

How did you come to work with Levitate Video?

We did some research and decided to use them. They were competitively priced, and they charged much less than the previous agency we used. I looked over videos they highlighted on their site, and we were impressed by the quality for the cost.

How much have you invested with them?

We did so many videos at once, so they gave us a good bulk discount. The first round of projects cost about $25,000, and we've spent about $32,000 so far. They fit within the budget we want.

What is the status of this engagement?

I believe we started working together in the spring or summer 2017. They stay in touch with us, and we're in the planning process for several more videos now, both animated and live-action.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The quality is wonderful. Our customers rave about them, and we're very happy with the video content. They presented top-notch products. The vertical-specific video had a lot of interaction and participation, but I couldn't list any hard numbers.

How did Levitate Video perform from a project management standpoint?

They were fantastic project managers. They had everything done on time, they communicated well, and we had regular meetings. We're very satisfied with everything they've done for us.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They focus only on video, and they do that really well. They stick with what they know, which stands out positively for me.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Everything they did was fantastic, and we never questioned their choices or worried about their work. They lined up time frames very well, and we didn't have any issues.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Listen to their ideas, they know what they're doing. You'll find in your research that they will produce professional, high-quality videos at competitive prices. They bring a lot to the table, so let them walk you through it.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

TechCorr USA is a non-destructive testing company that sees through the inspection and repair of faults in the materiality of assets for process plants. My position is Marketing Manager.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Levitate Media Group?

Hired Levitate Media to produce an animated video that explains one of the services offered at our company.

What were your goals for this project?

The goal of the project was to make a palatable video for our customers to better understand the Tank Inspection service using our complex technology.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

The vendor seemed the most prepared to work closely with our company to help us make the best video for our needs.

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

The video describes the service of Tank Inspection by way of our Tank Robot. The video tells the step by step process of mobilizing to the site, setting up, deploying our robot and identifying and reporting on material faults on the tank floor.

The process to complete this was through a few rounds of scripting and reviewing; animating styling decision making; voice actor choosing from a significant list of voice actors; viewing the screen stills of the animated as per the flow of the script literature, and then going through a round of video animation completion and review. The process makes absolute sense and made things siloed yet comprehensive.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Project management and feedback was very seamless. Our project manager Jennifer, guided me through each step and was very organized and understanding throughout the process. The feedback from the others on the team were justified and being a designer myself I was impressed with their 'checks and balances' system.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The video produced by Levitate has the most views by far of any other video we have online.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was been quite effective, especially working on our second video with them.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was impressed by their step by step process that ensures all are parties on board

Are there any areas for improvement?

Areas for improvement would only be tightening up the stage of mockup screens; in that one would be better able to understand the scenes as it flowed with the script if there was a slightly more animated viewing of the scenes.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Im the project manager from the company that was directing the video production and creating the content for the producer.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Levitate Video?

We had a celebrity gala event that we had to get a video done for and it needed to develop an emotional response. They got the B roll film and edited the video and did the transistion and incorporated some of the messaging.

What were your goals for this project?

The goal was to get the project done in 2 weeks before the deadline.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Not sure how we found them we were in a rush and needed it done in x time frame and they were available and assigned a producer to us and we got it done.

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

The video ended being about cancer awareness and how certain groups of women are unfairly targeted by cancer and then it described the history of the CCR5 delta 32 gene and the role it played in history preventing the extinction of the human race and role it now plays in cancer and HIV. It concluded talking about how some scientists are eradicating cancer and HIV using this cell target.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

They were excellent and responded on the weekend and anytime they were quereied. There was direct contact with the editor. If there was maybe could have shaved some time off the development. It was project based but timing was important.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project looked great. The gala was fantastic and got some awareness

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The work flow was very controlled by the producer. He did a good job making sure their was one decision maker.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Found their overall knowledge of what is effective and their guidance a reason to work with them again. They understand what resonates.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There is always room for improvement. They could have given more ideas for B-roll and provided more ideas to select from.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Marketing & Communications Director at the Southern U.S. Trade Association. We are a USDA-funded non-profit that assists small businesses in promoting their U.S.-agriculture based products internationally. Our region is the south, and we work with the Departments of Ag in 15 southern states to implement the programs.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Levitate Video?

Often, people glaze over when we try to explain what we do! We wanted to create an engaging video that aptly depicts what we offer. Then we wanted to replicate that video 15 times to co-brand a few of the frames with each of our member states and give it to them as a tool to use to engage companies in their respective states.

What were your goals for this project?

To increase knowledge of what we do, to bolster and leverage our relationship with our member state Departments of Ag, and to increase membership.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

They had sent me several emails about their video services. When we decided to create these videos I searched my emails for any firms that had reached out. We evaluated several different firms, and we liked the style of videos that they produced for other companies.

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

We started off by me giving them a presentation through a webinar so that I could teach them in a 45 minute presentation what I wanted to convey in a 90 second video!

They helped me distill the content into a script that would meet the 90 second time goal. Then we selected the animation style that we liked best, and they did the rest. They checked in at every stage (through Basecamp) to make sure that we liked the direction in which it was developing.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Levitate was great to work with. The Production Manager used a platform called Basecamp where they would drop documents and design ideas, and we would go back and forth on Basecamp. It was great to have all of our correspondence in that one place - rather than strung through emails.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our member states love having the video, which is co-branded with their logos. We also love having it as a tool to better describe what we do.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was very effective. We met our deadline, and we got what we wanted. They were incredibly easy to work with.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The communication with the Production Manager was so easy using Basecamp. I was consulted throughout every single step, and the result is a set of videos that capture what we set out to create!

Are there any areas for improvement?

Not that I can think of!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the marketing director at a medium-sized software development company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Levitate Video?

We wanted a light-hearted, fun video for our new product called Members Advantage.

What were your goals for this project?

to communicate the key selling points of our new software in a fun, animated way.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I evaluated a few video companies and they had example videos in their portfolio that we liked and they were not too expensive.

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

Everyone at Levitate was easy to work with, responsive and knowledgeable. I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted and they were able to take my ideas, flesh them out and improve on them.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

They had a specific dedicated person for each step of the process. Feedback was easy, either online or via email.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our goal was brand awareness for a new offering. Unfortunately, our market is quite small---the numbers aren't large enough to have statistical accuracy. So I can't say that sales or even brand awareness increased by such-and-such a percent. I can say that we were very pleased with the end result.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very effective. Their dedicated specialists monitored every step of the process and were easy to reach and communicate with.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They grasped what we were trying to accomplish very quickly and their first effort was very close to what we were looking for.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Hmmm, I don't remember having any issues with them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are a registered transfer agent focused on emerging, micro and mid-sized issuers. I am a Sales and Marketing Associate, focusing on social media, marketing material, and creative projects to help increase awareness or help customers/prospects better understand our services and solutions.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Levitate Video?

Our company is adapting to new technological opportunities, and we wanted a video to illustrate our services, solutions, and new technological advances within our company. We needed a quick tutorial to remind shareholders what we can offer and how they can access their account information.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goals were to provide a clear description of our offerings and how we can help shareholders and our clients, as well as educate them on the different ways to utilize our services.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I was directed to Levitate through the Mail/Proxy Manager who wanted this video to be made. I believe he found them either through a Google search or an email.

Our company currently works with a different creative agency for our other marketing initiatives, and as soon as we heard from Levitate about their proposed approach to the creation of this video, we were immediately sold.

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

The video is a 30 second video that describes the different needs a shareholder has, and how we can assist them with those needs - and how they go about it. The video ends with how they can contact us and visit our website to follow through on these abilities.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

The feedback process was incredibly easy and actually extremely helpful. This is the first time I have been able to view a version and be able to have feedback on each specific section, and even point to the specific area of interest.

I loved how easy it was to point out the areas needing changes, and Levitate was insanely quick with revisions. This feedback process was essentially as easy as meeting in person and going through the reviewing process together.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Unfortunately, we have yet to distribute the video. We are working on redesigning our website, where the video will live. We are developing a marketing plan so we can determine how to properly distribute the video to the correct viewers in the most effective way.

However - we are incredibly satisfied with the video and know it will be very informative to viewers.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow between our teams was so seamless and easy. The feedback process tool I mentioned above made this process so easy. Additionally, the Levitate team (especially Jennifer) were incredibly helpful and diligent. We truly appreciate the quick turnaround and patience with our feedback.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their ability to be quick and punctual with communication without being overwhelming. We have been working on other projects with other companies and the deliverables they give us can be so overwhelming and it eventually makes the entire process take longer.

Levitate had one call with us to discuss our goals and the purpose of this video and took the rest into their own hands. The entire process felt so simple and underwhelming, and it was done within a month! We were so pleased and surprised.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Honestly, I don't have any negative feedback. Levitate was so helpful, quick, thorough, and accommodating. My entire team was pleased with their work and the team that made it all happen.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I cam the Co-Founder of Corra Group. Corra Group conducts employment screening background checks and due diligence and corporate research for a variety of clients both domestically and globally.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Levitate?

Corra Group retained Levitate for an animated corporate branding piece that we wanted to be project a light hearted but professional sense to it. We believed something that was entertaining while containing all the desired branding elements was essential to our first endeavor.

What were your goals for this project?

As noted, this was an overall branding piece that we would use to give our clients, current and prospective and better sense of what their experience would be like when engaging with Corra Group. We felt something entertaining, in fact an easily recognized fable in tone was the best way to reach our targeted market.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We were shopping for an animation studio. Several responded to our entreaties. After several emails and conversations, we believed that Levitate was the best fit both in sensibility, pricing, and receptiveness.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

The end project was a 30 second two dimensional animation piece. The spot featured a Dracula character who was applying for a job in a blood bank. Of course, when the human resources person called up Dracula's background check from Corra Group, poor Dracula had to turn into a bat and flee the scene. Not your everyday corporate branding element, but this is what we wanted.

What was the team composition?

There were three of use from Corra Group, including Kyle Anderson who was our liaison and outside consultant. There were several people at Levitate, including the principals.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

We posted the animation on YouTube as well as Linked in and our own Corra Group Website, as well as other places I can't remember. People responded favorably. As we weren't overly concerned with click thru's in this instance, we cannot really say how many customers it attracted. But feedback was such that people loved it. Here is is on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWsjo4hMegI

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Project was managed through phone calls and emails. The work in progress was made available for review at different junctures. We reviewed and suggested changes. The changes were realized and the project was resent to us. And then once we believed it was in the shape we wanted, we signed off on the animation. We believed it raised our profile and projected further the branding image we were looking for in relation to our employment screening division.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Levitate was extremely receptive and easy to work with. They made all the desired adjustments and had excellent suggestions that enhanced our initial theme.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There is always room for improvement in the creative process. Aside from my role as Co-Founder of Corra Group, I am a published author and worked some years in entertainment and media. In that business of creativity, I don't believe there is any such thing as a perfect anything. If so, that would be incredibly boring.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the marketing manager at a food ingredient company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Levitate Video?

We had created a new, specialized ingredient for the beer industry and we wanted to visually explain it's value proposition.

What were your goals for this project?

Cost effective video, animated to show complex process and value proposition in under a minute.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Online research, viewing examples, comparing price points.

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

We had a kick off call, after filling out a creative brief, and further explained the specialized nature of this ingredient, and the B2B ingredient industry as a whole. Levitate created a script and we did a number of back and forth's until we were happy. We also received a storyboard of the animation to ensure we liked the look/feel, prior to a financial commitment. Then the animation process with comments, an easy to use evaluation system and a few revisions to the final product.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

They had a great system for feedback and communication. They were very responsive to our questions (being new to this process) and our changes (given the specificity of this project).

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We are very happy with the video and it has received a fair bit of views.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very effective. Great tool to capture and communicate feedback. Our representative was very timely with questions and changes and even helped guide us at certain points to video best practices.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Turnaround time and ability to shift to our needs.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Notably, this was a very specific and technical video, but I had to be involved more than I thought to ensure the tone and explanation were on par. Overall, very happy with the outcome.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Baker Manufacturing Co. LLC is a company with 4 divisions, one of which is our Casting Division which I manage. We sell off additional capacity in our iron foundry that remains after our internal product lines are manufactured.

I am tasked with managing the sales group as well as develop annual sales and marketing plans to hit sales budgets within allotted spending budgets.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Levitate Video?

We hired them to get live action shots in a difficult environment (green sand iron foundry) as well as drone footage of the exterior of the facility.

What were your goals for this project?

I wanted to have a video that demonstrated the artform that is iron casting combined with current technology we use today. Marketing video to attract customers as well as potential employees.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I had reviewed videos done by firms our other divisions used and wanted something with more creativity and flash. I met Levitate at a trade show and reviewed their sample work and decided to take a leap.

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

The process was easy, it started with a series of phone calls where I explained my vision. They created a plan and then we scheduled a time when they could come film. This was delayed on my part as we had some work being done so we had to schedule 2 months out from our initial call.

They filmed onsite for about 8 hours and endured challenging conditions (fairly dangerous on the deck with 2500 degree F molten iron being poured) as well as provided suggestions on different areas to highlight to better demonstrate the flow.

Within a week from filming I had the first rough cut and it was beyond what we had envisioned, from there they edited to the final version that we highlight at trade shows, on our web site, and to anyone who will take the time to watch.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Levitate's project managers, production crew and editors mad this the easiest video we have had produced for any of our product lines.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Everyone within our company from the receptionist to the President was impressed at how well it flowed from start to finish and the end result was a video that we were proud to share with our board of directors and shareholders as a prime example of marketing videos we will use going forward.

We have drawn attention to our foundry, gained several new customers at trade shows who were drawn into the booth by it. Additionally, it has helped draw in employees in a very tight labor market.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It could not have been simpler. They listened, made suggestions, and delivered a spectacular video.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

How professional the team was as well as how high quality the video turned out to be given what they had to work with.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None that we could think of. They exceeded any company we have worked with in the past.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Marketing Director at Region Five Development Commission (R5DC) and North Central Economic Development Association (NCEDA). I am responsible for maintaining the administrative duties and external marketing and communications for R5DC, NCEDA, and The Good Life. I coordinate marketing and outreach activities, facilitate website maintenance, digital marketing and event planning. I also oversee the branding for R5DC and NCEDA, beautify plans, and create project collateral.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Levitate Video?

We hired Levitate to assist us with a digital animation to help us explain our Welcoming Communities initiative and create an innovative way to share this program with the general public and our constituents.

What were your goals for this project?

We intended to use the video to share via our digital marketing channels, newsletters, and our website. Our goal was to create awareness and bring more organizations into this initiative.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Levitate sent an email solicitation to our Executive Director, who had, oddly enough, been searching for a cartoon/animation producer in Minnesota and couldn't find one. The timing and need just happened to work out very well upon the receipt of the email and dialogue began from there.

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

The video script was created and approved by us. Levitate drew up the animation portion of the video and sent us a list of people to listen to so we could select a person for the "voice-over" portion of the video. The video was put together with our script, the animation and the voice over and hardly any tweaks were needed at all once we were to this point, due to all of the upfront discussion and management by Levitate. The process was VERY smooth and extremely easy to participate in.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Our vendor, Levitate, used Basecamp to manage the project and obtain feedback from our team. This tool made it super slick and easy for us to communicate, especially with our requested changes. At the same time, it kept us all on the same page.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Increased traffic to our YouTube channel and website and gained more exposure to this program in our region.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was extremely effective. The process could not have been smoother! We were super happy with the all steps of the process. It truly was a piece of cake!

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The process was so smooth and efficient. They listened really well to understand our needs and get the parameters laid out upfront. The project was absolutely seamless. We worked through vacations on both sides of the project (our team and theirs) and experienced no delays. The coverage was fantastic, and so was the communication!

Are there any areas for improvement?

We can't think of anything!