Mastcom

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the former art director at a marketing firm. Currently, I have another position in the company. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Mastcom?

We needed assistance to produce a celebration video for our client’s 50th anniversary.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Mastcom produced a live-action video for an end client’s anniversary celebration. Initially, we presented Mastcom with a general idea of what we were looking for, and they proposed new ideas before coming up with the final script. The video included interviews and other scenes they filmed.

Moreover, Mastcom provided all the required filming equipment. The shooting lasted several days and took place outdoors. Additionally, Mastcom also managed the video’s postproduction, including film and audio editing.

What is the team composition?

We worked with Tim (Executive Producer) and other crew members, including a filmmaker, a drone operator, and two production assistants. The number of teammates would vary daily, but we worked with 3–5 crew members on average each day. 

How did you come to work with Mastcom?

We had worked with Mastcom before; they’re one of our regular service providers.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with Mastcom from June–August 2018. We presented the final video to the end client in September 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The end client was really happy with the video Mastcom produced — it received a standing ovation. Aside from that, I don’t have more quantitative metrics.

How did Mastcom perform from a project management standpoint?

Mastcom’s project management skills were excellent. They stayed on budget and met deadlines. 

Additionally, Mastcom’s communication was excellent. We stayed in contact through emails, phone calls, and in-person meetings.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I was most impressed with Mastcom’s problem-solving ability; they always stayed calm. We had to change our shooting schedule due to bad weather, and Mastcom was great at bailing us out of unexpected challenges. Overall, I felt confident working with Mastcom because they genuinely engaged with our project. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything for Mastcom to improve; I didn’t run into any problems.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I recommend potential customers allow Mastcom to contribute to their project’s creative aspect. The first time I worked with Mastcom, I had a plan already, but I realized the project always improves with their advice. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am founder and president of Mathe Communications. I work with media first and foremost, helping my clients get media coverage, preparing them for interviews and creating videos to help them showcase their products and services.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

I work with healthcare giant Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota. They have a program called Trailblazer that highlights innovation in healthcare throughout the state of Minnesota. My charge was to showcase several stories of innovation by interviewing those involved, and visually demonstrating the work they do and how it positively impacts the communities they serve.

SOLUTION

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

I have worked with MastCom for 20 years. They are my go-to video source for corporate videos, media coaching, and anything video related in the Twin Ciies. I am always pleased with the production skills, from shooting to editing to finishing touches and ideas they have to make the project shine.

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

We begin with planning and scheduling. We schedule interviews and broll shoots as efficiently as possible, to minimize the amount of time needed from our subjects. We adhere to a timeline and sometimes a shot sheet that we share with everyone to keep us on track and make sure we get everything we need. Once the shoots are done, MastCom creates digital links so I can log all of the material and compile the story.

Then the editing process begins. I like to put together a story with sound bites, including time codes, and suggested video that I think can go over to best tell the story. Mastcom is always helpful with suggestions if they have an idea they think will work better.

Once we get it as far as we can and are happy with the rough cut, we share it with client for feedback. A second or third round of edits is made and it is deemed approved. Then MastCom does color correction, sweetens the audio and makes last adjustments to finalize the piece. MastCom provides a downloadable link to the project to share with client.

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

I always work with Tim, founder and president and editor Ryan. We have a great rhythm now that we've been doing this for so many years.

I have worked with other members of the team and no matter who I work with, there is a clear sense of customer service and a fantastic attention to detail to make the project as good as it can be.

It's not just me asking them to make edits - they often suggest improvements that will mean more time and energy for them - but will ultimately improve the project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have highlighted about a dozen innovations throughout the state of Minnesota, and the entities we highlight share out video stories on their web sites and social channels to showcase their work. These videos are a way for them to tell their story, increase participation, and potentially gain funding for their work.

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

The MastCom team is always very responsive. We primarily communicate by email and phone calls, as video can be tricky to translate. They provide updated Vimeo links for both me and client, which works great for everyone to click on and add their edits.

If either of us has a question or clarification, we quickly and easily connect to remedy the issue. We are clear with each other on timeline expectation. The process is always smooth and efficient.

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

The attention to detail and suggested ways to improve the project. They didn't just do the bare minimum; they were always thinking about what could make it better. They are also very efficient and have never been late on a deadline.

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

No. I usually learn from them the latest and greatest tricks or improvements. They seem to always have their finger on the pulse of the latest technology and efficient systems.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I was the project manager for the Minnesota Department of Human Services that needed to produce training videos for all nursing homes in the state.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We needed to create a video with several subject matter experts that could give input on each area of the subject. We hired Mastcom to facilitate the interviews with each expert and record them in an interview-style for a final video we would produce.

SOLUTION

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

We received many applications but Mastcom had the best videography samples sent in along with a great proposal that understood the sensitivity and importance of our training topic.

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

We began with a meeting to get a plan together and immediately I could tell the Mastcom team understood exactly what we needed to do. We traveled throughout the state of Minnesota interviewing our experts. The team also helped me greatly with the script and direction of the training.

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

I worked with Pete and Tim on this project. They were a tremendous team to work with. They created a phenomenal product that all the stakeholders were impressed with.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

As we continued with the project Pete and Tim understood the message well and were able to help get what we needed. Their editing skills were superb and put together a great final product.

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

We communicated frequently about progress and timing for video shoots. Timelines were excellent even during the pandemic which happened during the project's duration.

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

They are thinkers, strategists, and professionals. When I hired them it was great to have someone who could understand what we wanted and run with it. These guys were on the same page with us and our vision, and they were able to create something great.

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

This project we had was a home run. If we had areas of improvement we must have worked on them as we went along.