Muddy Trails Film Co.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the VP of corporate marketing for Munch’s Supply. We’re a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) distribution company that represents American Standard. We’re also owned by private equity so we’ve been acquiring other distributors across the country since we’re expanding our family of brands. We also offer products from Mitsubishi, LG, and more. 

Our company has over 42 branches in 16 states, but they’re not all under Munch’s Supply name. Sometimes, when we purchase companies, we keep their name. 

What challenge were you trying to address with Muddy Trails Film Co.?

For our 65th anniversary, we wanted to document our corporate history. Right now, we have the third and fourth generation working in the business, and the second generation had retired already. We felt that it was extremely important to get the history down because we were lucky enough to have the second, third, and fourth-generation still available for the video.

What was the scope of their involvement?

In total, the Muddy Trails team completed four videos for us, namely the history video, testimonials for Trane and American Standard, and our incentive trip highlights. 

In the history video, Muddy Trails applied a documentary style. We started the project with a mapping process that involved crafting the questions for people that would be interviewed and developing the shot list. They recorded some people walking while the camera remained stationary and they used that for the warehouse-type shots. The team also brought a drone to capture the outside shots.

For the customer testimonials, we ended up bringing Bryce (President & Cinematographer) and Jessie (VP & Director) on our incentive trip because that was the only time when we have all the dealers in one place. It also made more financial sense to bring them on the trip rather than sending them to 2–3 different states to interview our dealers. Muddy Trails was able to get a quiet room so that we could shot the video. They also made video highlights of the trip. 

The main reason why we did everything was to cater to all people especially generations X, Y, and Z. Those generations spend a lot of time in the digital world so searching for information and video content was extremely important for them. In our printed material, we had the traditional headshot with quotes next to them. However, on our website, we had the opportunity to do a little more, and that was what led us to capture the testimonials. 

What is the team composition?

I worked with Jessie and Bryce, and they were both our producers and they were also in charge of editing the videos. Jessie ensured that we had the outline, shot list, and our desired content. She also coordinated travel and appointments such as what people were going to wear. 

How did you come to work with Muddy Trails Film Co.?

We first saw Muddy Trails’ work from an industry leader. Their approach at that time veered away from scripting and it made their videos a lot more authentic. It took 2–3 years before I got to work with them. I had to propose everything including the cost of the video to my boss and the CEO. After my proposal was approved, I reached out to them. 

How much have you invested with them?

We probably spent $20,000 on the four videos.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from October 2019–March 2020. They shot the history video for a week, and they edited the video for 6–8 weeks from October–December 2019. Then, they did the trip video and testimonials from January–March 2020.

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

We didn’t really have metrics that correlate the team’s work to our increase in sales, but external stakeholders liked our videos. External clients felt good about our company when they saw the history videos and testimonials, and Muddy Trails was able to hit our goal from a branding standpoint. We also highly commend Jessie’s ability to prompt follow-up questions whenever needed during the interviews. That helped us achieve the documentary approach we wanted to take.  

How did Muddy Trails Film Co. perform from a project management standpoint?

They did a great job of meeting deadlines. The team was able to provide all the information we needed such as locations and shot list in a timely manner. We communicated 1–2 weeks before each shoot, and when they sent back the edited video, they gave us ample time to review it. Overall, I didn’t have any issues with their project management process. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

I was super impressed when Muddy Trails came on site because they had several cameras and lenses that they used for the shoot. We were also amazed by how they used the drone because the perspective we got from that was fantastic. 

When we were faced with a rainy and windy day, it became impossible for us to fly the drone outside. Despite that, the Muddy Trails team recorded inside a building and they flew the drone there to get the footage they needed to record. We were super fortunate that they were able to do that.

Overall, they were super flexible, and they understood that they were working with different personalities and not all of them were used to being filmed. Muddy Trails was also good at creating some variety in terms of our camera shots and angles. In addition, they happily accommodated our feedback even during the day of the shoot. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

We were doing so many videos in two different shoots and I found myself telling them that we were shooting a different video and they needed to change things. I asked a lot of production out of them because we shot four videos in two settings so there was a lot of overlap and other matters that needed to be considered. I’d say that the areas they could improve were more situational than criticism on their process.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I did a lot of videos over my career and I saw that Muddy Trail was extremely collaborative and helpful. I wanted to make sure that I was open to their suggestions because they had a super contemporary approach. I never imagined that we were going to use a drone in our shoot, but it was a welcome addition to our video. 

I’d say believe in their process because they have achieved tremendous success with their approach. Go into the engagement with a clear plan and if you work together, the end product would be so much better.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the President of Hawkins Landscape Architecture. I design landscape and hardscape projects for residential and commercial customers.

For what projects/services did your company hire Muddy Trails Film Co.?

I contacted Muddy Trails to create an introductory video to be showcased on my website- detailing my design services. I wanted customers to see a more personal vision of who I am and what I can bring to a project, I needed a video element to impart that.

What were your goals for this project?

To allow customers to get a more in depth view of myself and my services.

How did you select Muddy Trails Film Co.?

I have known of Muddy Trails since they created a video for my oldest daughter's wedding, very early in their inception. They did such a masterful job on that wedding video, I inquired on other services they could provide.

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

We had an initial phone conversation where we discussed my goals for the project. After the phone interview, we met onsite at my office for the team to look at the area where we would be doing some of the filming. I also gave them a list of past customers for them to contact, so that I could get video testimonies to also put on my website. They contacted the customers and a film date was set. We completed the film day and then a few weeks later I was able to see some preliminary images. Once that was complete - the final film was sent to me for my review.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

There were several steps where images were shared that I could comment on and give feedback. That way they could incorporate these changes.

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

I have had many comments on the video from visitors to my website. They have commented on the professionalism of the film and the information it gave to them.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

it was seamless- we had no issues with workflow. It progressed as described in our initial meeting and met my expectations.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They have quite the imagination — I let them go with what they thought would be the best approach for the film. They did a wonderful job and I would definitely use them again.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I would say that any area for improvement is so minor it is not even worth mentioning.

Please describe your company and your position there.

Alliance Bible Fellowship is a Christian and Missionary Alliance church. I am the administrative pastor.

For what projects/services did your company hire Muddy Trails Film Co.?

We hired them to communicate our core values through individual stories.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to establish awareness of our core values through a quality product with quality storytelling.

How did you select this vendor?

We chose them based on their previous relationships and their portfolio.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

They storyboarded, shot, and edited the films.

What was the team composition?

They had a cameraman and an interviewer. I had contact with Bryce (President and Cinematographer, Muddy Trails Film Co.).

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

The projects were delivered on time and they were well-received. They were excellent and beautifully crafted.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was extremely effective. Bryce and I communicated mostly through email.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We were impressed with their creativity and the quality of their deliverables. Also, they're just plain likable people.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, we’re completely satisfied.