Madoff Productions

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the EVP of Brand Communications and Events for Victoria's Secret. I have been with the company for 25 years. In that capacity I have produced the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show for the past 25 years. I am also responsible for a great deal of creative content including video production.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Madoff Productions?

I have worked with Madoff Productions for over 20 years. We have worked on numerous projects including video concepts for the annual Victoria's Secret fashion show, product launches, holiday videos, in-store events, music videos, live streams and TV commercials.

What were your goals for this project?

My goal with Madoff Productions has always been to create innovative, compelling and creative video content to reach the widest audience possible.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I met Jeff Madoff, the founder and CEO of Madoff Productions, at a Victoria's Secret production meeting. He was hired by E! News to shoot a documentary on the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. I liked his ideas and his approach to filming and production. I hired Jeff and Madoff Productions to do work for Victoria's Secret on a project following the fashion show. I've used him consistently for the past 20 years.

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

I always meet with Jeff and his team at Madoff Productions prior to each new season. We go over the calendar and launches for Victoria's Secret. We brainstorm ideas together and Jeff comes back to us with a deck of creative concepts. Based on priorities and budget we decide on the direction for video production.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Madoff Productions worked very closely with me and my team on all aspects of video production. They always provided creative concepts and a script for edits and approvals. Depending on the project, we would decide who would be the best team to work on it.

We did a lot of behind-the-scenes video projects together. It is very important for everyone to be comfortable with the team that is filming. Madoff Productions has great directors, videographers and editors. They are very open to feedback and changes throughout the length of the project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Madoff Productions produced Victoria's Secret's highest viewed videos with the most engagement. Some of these videos include the Holiday blooper videos, Valentines (Don't Drop the Ball) video, the music videos (Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Maroon 5 and Taylor Swift) and The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 'Road to the Runway Videos'.

Victoria's Secret is one of the most recognized brands in the world, largely due to the creative and emotionally engaging video and film content that is viewed globally across multiple platforms.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We have a very open and easy relationship with Madoff Productions. They do whatever it takes to get the project done on time and on budget. They are just a phone call away at any time. They are also very open to us coming to their studio for meetings and edits.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I'm most impressed with Madoff's ability to see the whole picture. They understand the brand and the customer. They are always looking at what is next with new and innovative ideas.

They are truly full service. Not only do they come up with creative ideas, but they also have technical expertise in monitoring results and increasing viewership and engagement.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I am very satisfied with their work.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a senior VP at Alison Brod Marketing and Communications, which is a beauty/fashion/lifestyle marketing communications agency. We represent a number of brands from unique startups to global companies. We also work with several niche brands that we are really passionate about. We come up with communication and marketing strategies to amplify the brands to consumers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Madoff Productions?

We needed a partner to capture and create video content for our clients to use both externally and internally.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Madoff Productions creates a large number of video products for us and our clients. For example, we brought them with us to the Final Four to film sizzle reels for a fast food client. That was a complicated and multi-day process, including editing and cutting in real time. They've also created video content for several brands, such as a major clothing company and a vodka company.

When we have a new project, we typically call our account manager for an intake briefing. We give him the gist of what we're looking to capture, as well as the turnaround time. His team comes back to us with a POV on the team such as who is going to shoot on site. Then we work with them on B-roll questions and timelines. They often invite us back into their studio where we edit in real-time and then push out the video for editorial coverage.

What is the team composition?

Our main point of contact is our account manager.

How did you come to work with Madoff Productions?

I have no idea. I couldn't tell you.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working together for at least 14 years.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They enable us to have video and editing capabilities that better showcase our work.

How did Madoff Productions perform from a project management standpoint?

Their team is great. If they say that they're going to deliver something the next day, they deliver the next day. If they’re filming at an event that goes until 2:00 AM, they’ll be editing with us at 8:00 AM that same morning. That allows us to share the video content with the press by 9:00 AM. It's so critical that they understand our sense of urgency.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their ability to work quickly and efficiently is one of their most unique skills. They're also super collaborative.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, not right now.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Understand what you're asking them to do. Know what you want and come to them with a plan versus being wishy-washy.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We are an automotive parts manufacturer. I'm the director of marketing.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Madoff Productions?

We wanted to tell our company story through video and needed a production team to help us.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

After we told them what our goals were, we met and strategized our best approach. It was a very specific project with a target audience in mind, so we scripted a lot of the material out ahead of time to make sure we got all of our points across. They came to our location to do a lot of the firsthand filming, and the final product includes added audio and visual elements, such as voiceovers, graphics, and extra footage.

What is the team composition?

Our main point of contact acted as our producer and project lead.

How did you come to work with Madoff Productions?

A colleague found them; I’m not sure of his search process.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about $25,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in late 2017 or early 2018. It was a decent-sized project, but they finished all the shooting and editing and delivered it to us within a few months.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project met all its goals and did what we needed it to. We reached the audience we were promoting to and were happy with the results.

How did Madoff Productions perform from a project management standpoint?

They were good project managers and we had a good experience. Most of our communication was over phone and email. I don’t remember using any specific tools to manage the project.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I like their style. They were open to our input and were never bossy. Even though they were the experts, they were always pleasant to work with and willing to listen to our ideas.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Things shifted a little bit during the creative process, which was fine. We understood that we couldn’t plan for everything, so whenever we needed to make an adjustment we did. Ultimately, the project came out really well.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

We had a really good experience and don’t have any specific recommendations. Just make sure you give clear guidance so they can help you accomplish your goals.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

During the project, I was an executive at a luxury retailer.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Madoff Productions?

Although our iconic brand had been a staple in luxury goods for more than 100 years, our internal organization never had a clearly defined identity. We wanted to develop a solid new image so that our employees could represent the brand with a cohesive voice.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Madoff Productions served as branding consultants within the multidisciplinary we formed for the project. They played a pivotal role in the brand conception stage, and they also produced a few visual aids for internal consumption.

What is the team composition?

We worked with their entire team, but their CEO Jeff Madoff was our main point of contact.

How did you come to work with Madoff Productions?

I was familiar with the visuals they created for one of my former clients, so I reached out to them with confidence that they’d bring us similar success.

What is the status of this engagement?

They worked on the project for six months in 2014.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Madoff Production was an extremely valuable asset to our team. Without their contrarian ideas, it would have been impossible for us to develop a unique business solution.

How did Madoff Productions perform from a project management standpoint?

Their involvement didn’t require much planning or management, but they flawlessly executed the few production tasks that we gave them. In addition to our in-office meetings, we frequently corresponded via phone and email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their affinity for high-quality aesthetics and innovation is incomparable.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t recall any red flags while working with them.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Keep an open mind for unexpected solutions.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the former executive producer of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Madoff Productions?

We tried to reinvent certain elements of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular each year, so we needed a partner to help us rebrand the Rockettes.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Madoff Productions created a retrospective that redefined who the Rockettes were. It was a multimedia production which was coordinated with the choreographer and interspersed with film. The roughly six-minute video focused on the Rockette’s outreach programs and rebranded them as more than just a dance troupe, establishing them as a New York City icon.

What is the team composition?

We mainly worked with Jeff (CEO, Madoff Productions).

How did you come to work with Madoff Productions?

An NBC television executive suggested them. I interviewed Jeff, realized he had a great aesthetic quality, and decided to hire him. He even gave us a lookbook, which solidified the deal.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked on this project from 2007­­–2008.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We saw an increase of ticket sales, grossing $80 million for the first time ever. It was a 5% increase from the previous year.

How did Madoff Productions perform from a project management standpoint?

Jeff was extremely professional and instructed his crew well. They respected the Rockettes and made sure to follow all of our rules.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Theatrical values are different from broadcast values which are different from film values, and Jeff was able to seamlessly adapt across the board. He was both professional and artistic, understanding the style and aesthetics of the Rockettes and how to best present them to the world. He had a great directing sense and impeccable creativity. He did a wonderful job.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Have an initial meeting to discuss exactly what you want. Be willing to collaborate because that’s when the partnership will be the most effective. He’ll be able to bring new ideas to your concept that will improve the project.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a music producer at DJ Fresh Productions.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Madoff Productions?

We hired them create a music video for the UK’s number one digital download single, “Gravity feat: Ella Eyre.” 

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted a product that could be deployed by the Ministry of Sound and Sony to market the single globally online and via digital video channels. 

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Followers of Madoff’s work for many years, we had collaborated on an earlier video in 2009 that generated several million YouTube views. 

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Jeff (CEO & Founder, Madoff Productions) managed the music video’s entire production and direction, from storyboarding to commercial release. Unexpected weather conditions made an already tricky shoot incredibly hard, requiring us to change the location to a different state with just a few days’ notice. However, Jeff managed to overcome these challenges and even use them to our advantage, all while keeping the timelines for shooting, editing, and delivery and meeting Fast Trak and UK music video approval requirements.

What was the team composition?

The UK-based Ministry of Sound and Sony product management team liaised with Jeff and his executive producer first in New York, then in Arizona.  

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Against tremendous odds, Madoff Productions turned my idea into a reality and created quite possibly my most well-received music video to date.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Communication with the Madoff team was smooth, effective, and efficient. Jeff worked with me early on to establish the aesthetics of the video and was responsive to feedback from both the record label and me.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Not only was the team fantastic but they also found a great cast and incredible locations.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I would love to work with Madoff Productions again in the future. Of my ten UK top-ten singles from the last few years, this has been by far the standout production experience.