Open House Pictures

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a Senior Employability Adviser at Sheffield Hallam University, a leading applied learning higher education institution in the UK.

For what projects/services did your company hire Open House Pictures, and what were your goals?

Our project was to create a series of case studies of university students who had undertaken an industry placement year - the goal was to produce videos that were more student-centred and less corporate in appearance and this is why we hired OHP to undertake the planning, filming and editing of these videos, given their experience in this area.

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

We selected OHP for this project as they had not only worked on a number of projects with our university previously, so had a clear understanding of the context we were working within, but they also presented a compelling pitch to describe how they would make the videos as student-focused as possible, which really resonated with our brief.

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

We started with a meeting to outline the parameters of our brief for the videos and the aspirational timeline for the filming and completion of the videos, as well as how they would be used by the university following the culmination of the project.

OHP adapted incredibly well to rapidly changing circumstances to the project timeline brought on by Covid-19, moving the entire filming and editing schedule at our request and liaising with the student volunteers directly to address filming queries and pre-filming preparation checklists.

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

We worked with both members of the production team throughout the project, communicating largely via email but also via Zoom/Teams as needed.

OHP were extremely responsive in terms of their communication at all stages of the project, liaising with myself as the project manager but also managing the pre-filming preparation comms with our student volunteers and the Covid-secure venue where the filming was taking place.

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

The videos are currently tabled to be part of our integrated curriculum sharepoint site at the university, meaning all academic staff across the university will have access to this resource when delivering placement-related sessions moving forward.

Feedback from both our student volunteers and senior management team within the careers team at the university has been overwhelmingly positive, with the student-centred focus and informal yet professional tone of the videos receiving particular praise.

Moving forward, the videos will be front and centre of a new YouTube channel and placement web page across the university, reaching not only current students but prospective students for the institution as well.

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

As a team, OHP were extremely easy to communicate with and adjusted their communication tools according to need e.g. we mostly communicated via email but phone/Zoom/Teams calls were utilised when the team wanted to ensure they were absolutely clear on a particular part of the project, which was very useful.

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

The communication from OHP was extremely impressive throughout this project - no question was too small for them to respond to and they really went out of their way to ensure that our vision was carried out in a way that met our original brief, while also adding their own stamp to bring innovation and identity to the videos that we might not have considered.

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

It would have been great to see more of how the team planned to incorporate employer locations and shots of placement students in-situ as part of the videos but unfortunately the restrictions brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic put pay to this - it is something we are looking forward to seeing if we work with OHP again in the future!

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the MD and Creative Director of Blue Olive Productions based on the Isle of Man and Production Manager for Beaumanx Productions (3 Wheeling). We are a full-service video production company that specializes in corporate videos, business promos, events media, and community projects. 3 Wheeling aims to introduce and promote all types of 3 wheeled racing to motorsports enthusiasts from around the world.

For what projects/services did your company hire Open House Pictures, and what were your goals?

We commissioned Open House Pictures to film a sidecar race day at Donington Park in the UK and to provide us with enough high quality footage of the preparations, racing and interviews so that we could edit 2 main videos; a 7m highlights piece for our 3 Wheeling Facebook platform and a >20m longer version for our 3 Wheeling YouTube channel. Our goal was to promote what is happening in the sport of sidecar racing in the UK, through this extra coverage.

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

We looked for a video production company in the north of the UK around the Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, and Sheffield area. We didn't want to work with a solo camera operator or a big video production agency, but we wanted to find a small team with 2 camera operators.

We were also looking for a video company who shoot the same kind of cameras we use i.e. Sony mirrorless cameras so that they could deliver the same kind of content that we produce. It wasn't essential that they had motorsports experience but we wanted to find a reliable company with creativity. OHP had everything we were looking for and we were impressed with their website and examples from other projects they have worked on.

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

First, we made contact with OHP via messenger/email, and then Dan arranged an initial meeting via Zoom. We spoke for about an hour to get to know a little bit more about each other's companies and also to discuss the generic requirements of the project. We then kept in touch via email/Whatsapp while we made arrangements with the FSRA in the UK to film the race day at Donington Park.

Once we had everything set up and the guys had completed their applications for accreditation we had another meeting via Zoom with Dan and Joe, along with myself and my client Chris Beauman who is the founder of 3 Wheeling. This was for Chris to meet the guys and to share a bit about his overall vision for 3 Wheeling and for me to go through the more specific requirements of the project and to answer any questions the guys had about the filming brief we provided.

After this OHP did the filming day while sending us several updates along the way and then they posted all the content that was captured directly to our editor in Hong Kong and to us on the Isle of Man.

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

We mainly worked with Dan for the project communication from start to finish, with Joe pitching in for the Zoom meeting. Dan and Joe both filmed together on the race day. Right from the moment we first heard back from our initial inquiry I was particularly impressed with Dan's communication and throughout the whole process.

He was very responsive, extremely well organized, and highly professional, which gave us confidence before the filming that we had picked the right company to partner with. Dan and Joe then delivered the goods on the race day and they proved themselves to be excellent pair of creative camera operators.

They followed the brief we provided and delivered enough high-quality content for us to build what we were looking for. They even asked for any feedback and tips for anything they could improve for the next time they film for us, which shows their humility and their desire to keep on improving and perfecting what they do so well.

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

We released the 2 videos via our platforms and so far we have had over 33K views on the shorter highlights piece via our 3 Wheeling Facebook page and we have had 3K views on the longer version via our 3 Wheeling YouTube channel, which is our smaller platform. This demonstrates that the project was an enormous success and we really hope to work with OHP again to film more racing in the UK.

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

Dan who managed the project showed excellent communication skills throughout the whole process. He was proactive in organizing online meetings via Zoom and was very responsive to any emails we sent. It was a real pleasure to work with such a well-organized company and they took the time to understand exactly what we wanted to make sure that they delivered the requirements of our project brief. Once filming was underway they kept us updated.

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

Not only are Dan and Joe highly skilled and extremely creative camera operators but I was particularly impressed with their whole approach to the project and their strong communication skills. We have worked with younger guys in the past who did not always have very strong communication skills, which can cause frustration if you have to keep chasing them, but OHP was responsive throughout the whole process and proactive in organizing meetings with us.

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

Given that it was their first time filming a racing event, there are a few minor things they could improve on for the technical side of capturing racing footage, but it was very impressive what they achieved for their first time operating in this area and I have every confidence they would be able to further improve on what they did next time round.

It should also be noted that the guys want to keep on improving with every job they do and they were immediately asking for us to give them feedback after the project so they could take that into the next project they do. They have a great attitude to their work and I'm sure they will continue to deliver amazing results!

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of an outdoor flooring cleaning company. We clean patios and outdoor spaces made of materials such as blocks, paving stones, concrete, and slabs.

What challenge were you trying to address with Open House Pictures?

We hired them to help with advertising.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They planned, created, and filmed an advertisement video. 

What is the team composition?

Joe (Videographer & Digital Content Producer) and Dan (Video Content Lead & Producer) were our main points of contact. 

How did you come to work with Open House Pictures?

We had mutual connections, and we’d done business before with Joe’s father. 

What is the status of this engagement?

I think we began our relationship with them in September 2019, and we finished around April 2020. 

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

We put the advertisement on Facebook Ads, and we’ve been running it for a few months. We’ve earned about five jobs so far, so it’s definitely paid for itself. We have a niche audience because we’re advertising in such a small geographic area, so given that, the leads we’ve gotten from the ad are significant. 

How did Open House Pictures perform from a project management standpoint?

We met in person a lot, but we also communicated via email and over the phone. There was a good amount of back and forth to ensure that we got the result we were looking for. They were really responsive and helpful. They even helped me publish the video on Facebook. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

The service they provided was very personal. They met with us whenever we needed, and they were always in touch with us. 

Are there any areas they could improve? 

No, I don’t think so. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers? 

Definitely try them. They’re small enough to give you a personalized experience but large enough to offer comprehensive services. 

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner of Seven Hills Tuition. A music teaching business.

For what projects/services did your company hire Open House Pictures, and what were your goals?

We hired Open House Pictures to help shoot and edit a promotional film to attract more customers to our website.

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

Cost, previous work and they’re friendliness.

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

We started with an idea to promote our music business. They kindly found an excellent venue and helped set up for the days work. We helped with the filming on the day and all editing work was completed afterwards in a timely manner.

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

We worked with Joe, Dan and one assistant. They gave us constant feedback throughout the process and were informative and knowledgeable (especially as we didn’t have much experience in this area).

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

We filmed one overall video and a few separate individual videos. After sharing our video on social media sites, we were inundated with responses. So much so we’ve never needed the individual videos. We had a roughly 800% return on investment (and counting). It was certainly worth it!

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

Punctual, professional and knowledgable. I couldn’t say anything negative at all.

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

The quality of their work was no match to even the best studios across the world. Hard to beat!. Their sheer talent. It was far better than anyone was expecting.

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

It’s more areas of improvement for us during the process rather than them. Utterly faultless throughout.

Please describe your company and your position there.

Responsible Finance represents community development finance providers in the UK – ethical social enterprises providing affordable, transparent finance to people, businesses and other social enterprises excluded from mainstream finance.

For what projects/services did your company hire Open House Pictures, and what were your goals?

Films featuring people, business leaders and social entrepreneurs to show the impact of community development finance in the UK. Another film highlighting words from high-profile supporters, including A Minister and politicians across political parties.

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

We invited proposals from several video editors / production companies whose work we admired, and shortlisted three fantastic options – any of which we could have chosen. So a tough choice. We liked Open House's approach to our project when we chatted with them, their style, responsiveness and ideas.

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

Because of lockdown and timescale pressure we had limited opportunity to film on location. So we commissioned Open House to assemble and edit our films from talking head, voiceover and b-roll footage we supplied, with rapid turnaround times. We storyboarded the films and gave Open House detailed information about which interview clips to use from footage we supplied, and discussed stock footage requirements for one of the films which had potentially sensitive content.

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

Joe Palmer. Sara Lewis also worked on our films. I was point of contact and project manager for my client; Joe was contact point and PM for Open House. Feedback was always easy, constructive and effective.

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

We are delighted with the films, they are powerful, effective and engaging, and have different target audiences for each; they are generating brilliant feedback from our members, from journalists, policymakers, civil servants, funders, investors, stakeholders, business and social enterprise support organisations, business leaders, social entrepreneurs.

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

Inception call via Zoom, other communication via email and tel. good, open communication.

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

Open House Pictures went above and beyond to meet our deadlines so that all four films could be released within a short window.

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

No.

Please describe your company and your position there.

Manager of a Real Estate Company

For what projects/services did your company hire ?

We hired Open House Pictures to create a series of videos to showcase our properties. The company provided excellent and straight forward advice that made the videos far more eye-catching than what we had in mind. They kept us updated the entire way by providing us with updates and reviews to watch. Our goal was to showcase our properties in a way that our competitors hadn't considered. We wanted our properties to stand out from the rest and make it an easy way for tenants to view the place before they got in touch.

How did you select this vendor?

I selected Open House Pictures because they were both straight forward with their approach and because of their competitive prices. I wanted to work with a team that I could easily communicate with, they provided me with clear and thorough support throughout the whole process.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

We created a series of six different videos for a range of different properties. The videos needed to have text that showcased the selling points for each property with contact details at the end. Open House filmed across 2 days and turned the videos around within a four-week deadline.

What was the team composition?

The team were in regular contact with video reviews and updates on where they were with delivery. I felt confident in knowing that the videos were in good hands and that the deadline would be reached.

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

Since using the videos our enquiries through our website have exceeded our expectations. We have had a far greater interest as potential tenants can actually see the location before they get in touch.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Fantastic, everything was organised and scheduled in advance. They were clear about what they required and exactly what they needed from us. In return, they held up on their end and ensured everything that they committed to was achieved.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They understand their customers, everything was explained in a simple non-jargon way that helped the project run along smoothly. To say they have been operating since 2018 I was incredibly impressed by their experience and know-how throughout the process.

Is there any area for improvement or anything that could have been done differently?

Not as far as my experience, the team was fantastic and delivered exactly what we were looking for.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I run a digital marketing agency based in Sheffield offering a range of social media management and website design services.

For what projects/services did your company hire Open House Pictures?

I hired Open House Pictures to create a range of promotional videos for my clients to use on their Facebook advertisements. Open House Pictures provided a highly competitive quotation and produced a superb range of videos, optimised for Facebook ADs and my clients saw a fantastic ROI on these.

What were your goals for this project?

My goal was to find a provider that could work alongside me, producing effect social media videos for my clients.

How did you select Open House Pictures?

Open House Pictures was recommended to me by a friend. I contacted numerous videographers for a quotation and Open House Pictures were responsive and highly competitive with their quote.

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

The videos created for me by Open House Pictures were for a range of my social media clients across hospitality, health and fitness and financial sectors.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Open House Pictures were excellent at managing the project from start to finish, offering clear milestones and for providing guidance throughout.

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

Within 2 months of using the effective Facebook AD videos, my clients saw a combined total of 20,700 click throughs to their websites and a 115% ROI.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Joe and Dan at Open House Pictures were always on hand to provide support and they fitted in with my team perfectly.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Joe and Dan provided a fantastic level of support and wonderful attention to detail. I’ve used many videographers, and Open House Pictures standards are a rare find.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, I would highly recommend Open House Pictures!

Please describe your company and your position there.

The National Videogame Museum is a medium-sized visitor attraction and charity, that is based in the centre of Sheffield, UK. I work as the Marketing and Communications lead.

For what projects/services did your company hire Open House Pictures?

As we are still quite new to Sheffield, the museum needed promotional content to help describe and explain the visitor experience of the museum. Open House were approached to assist with this, and created a series of videos based on the brief of 'Play the Museum'.

What were your goals for this project?

To create a fun and inviting video, that explains how visitors might experience a day out at the museum.

How did you select Open House Pictures?

It was important for us to stay local. We had an initial meeting with Open House, and their enthusiasm and creativity was immediately on display. It made it an easy decision.

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

Open House took care of the video from conception to delivery. They shared storyboards and work-in-progress videos throughout the entire process. When they needed access to the space to film certain parts, they were incredibly flexible and would work around us. Upon completion of the project, they also delivered extra formats of the video, to better fit different social media platforms!

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Open House were constantly in communication with us, and shared their process throughout.

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

Full internal feedback has been absolutely stellar. Sadly, due to Covid-19, we have been unable to fully utilise the video on our public platforms just yet, but are eagerly anticipating when we will be able to.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Open House were constantly in communication with us, and shared their process throughout. We communication via email.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their flexibility and drive to fulfil a creative vision was inspiring. They are incredibly down to earth, open and fun to work with to.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I Senior Lecturer in Performance and the Course Leader for the BA (hons) Acting and Performance at Sheffield Hallam University.

For what projects/services did your company hire Open House Pictures?

We had commissioned the UK/Australian performance company Doppelgangster to create a production project about pollution with our undergraduate students. We invited Open House Pictures to capture the process and the event and to produce a short promotional film.

What were your goals for this project?

We hoped to create video that we could use to expand our reach on social media, and raise interest in the course from potential students.

How did you select Open House Pictures?

Open House Pictures have undertaken a number of projects at Sheffield Hallam University and are members of our approved suppliers list.

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

The video is of very high quality, both in terms of the cinematography and the editing of the final piece, which we are extremely happy with.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

They provided a two person filming crew on the day, and process of consultation leading up to the event where we discussed the work and developed concepts. They also attended a dress rehearsal in order to map out the best way to capture the event. On the day they were quick and efficient, and afterwards they provided us with finished video that we could use in a range of formats. Including highest quality.

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

The project received lots of positive feedback on social media, and our organic reach was significantly higher than we had anticipated

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was excellent and I recommend the company highly.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I'm incredibly impressed with the way that this start-up company has grown over the last few years, and I'm incredibly impressed with their professionalism and the quality of their products.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None

Please describe your company and your position there.

CEO

For what projects/services did your company hire Open House Pictures, and what were your goals?

Was referred to them for video editing.

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

Based on referral and good reviews

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

In depth discovery of our requirements, was an easy and quick process, they understood the project quickly.

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

I worked primarily with Dan, he was great to work with on all fronts.

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

I'm very happy with the work produced and found it really great to work with Open House Pictures.

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

Great communication

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

Great communication, very easy to work with, really good work.

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

None