PluckStudio

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the marketing director at a personal injury law firm. I take care of advertising, including website, radio, and TV.

What challenge were you trying to address with PluckStudio?

We were trying to make two high-quality commercials to help expand our brand and get more clients.

What was the scope of their involvement?

Initially, we scheduled a call with PluckStudio. They called us back and explained how the process worked. We put down $3,000 to set up the initial planning stage, where they came up with ideas for the commercials. We could still back out after that, but we agreed to go forward.

The second phase was the actual production; they were involved all the way through. When they shot the commercials, we went to Los Angeles to be on the scene. Then, they took about four weeks to edit them. They sent them for approval, and we did 1–2 final edits before they were done.

We did two 30-second commercials. One of them was my idea, which they turned into a script. The other one was their idea, and we approved it. We used actors, and PluckStudio took care of finding them, doing casting calls, sending screenshots for approval, and so on. We filmed in an office building, and they worked with different crews and production teams.

What is the team composition?

We only interacted with Patrick (Founder). He handled everything.

How did you come to work with PluckStudio?

We found them through a Google search and emailed them.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent roughly $32,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We reached out to them in March 2022, and they delivered the final products in July 2022.

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

One of the videos just went live today on a local TV station, and it’ll be on another TV station next week. Eventually, we’ll put it on our website. So far, everybody who has seen it has liked it a lot. They’ve said it looks professional. Overall, it was a cute video production, and the video was humorous, which was the idea.

How did PluckStudio perform from a project management standpoint?

They exceeded our expectations. Some things ended up costing more for them. For example, the studio they rented was just rented for a number of hours, and they extended it. However, they didn’t charge us extra.

PluckStudio was on top of everything, and we had good communication. They finished the commercials a week and a half later than the original estimation, but they came out fine, so we weren’t worried about that. We typically communicated via emails.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were easy to work with and upfront about costs and other issues. They were clear in their communication, and Patrick was courteous. They handled the whole operation orderly and professionally, and we got exactly what we hoped.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They were a little optimistic about how quickly they could edit the commercials. We were originally told they’d be done by July 4th, but we got it about 11 days later, so they were off by a bit. Although it wasn’t a big problem for us, it could be a problem if somebody is on a tighter timeline.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Communicate clearly everything you want; put everything on the table.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm an independent marketing consultant and advisor to early stage, growth and mature brands.

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

We sought to create an associate appreciation video that would bring to life the many accomplishments of a senior leader. The restrictions were time and channel and the goal was to engage viewers beyond what a written note of appreciation could. The video launched from an email and needed to hook viewers quickly. This video was also our trial run with Pluck so we were eager to assess cultural fit of Pluck and our company.

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

We sought creativity, efficiency and effectiveness. We also sought an agency that could become our go-to for a relatively steady stream of short-form videos supporting a variety of program needs. While the turn-around time on this initial project wasn't excessively short, it would be considered fast-track by most agencies.

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

We had a kick-off call during which we walked through the main goals and restrictions of the project. We followed-up with a short creative brief with clear objectives. Pluck turned around a contract and SOW in short order. With minimal back and forth we agreed on terms. We submitted a story board and message flow which Pluck reviewed and provided important builds and creative suggestions. We were to have ~2 looks and major edits of the video once created so getting the inputs right was essential. We reviewed music and image selection and upon first view provided feedback on things like cadence and images. We probably had closer to 3 rounds of edits by the end, with the last being small tweaks.

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

We worked with Patrick Ortman. The feedback process was exceptional. He was diplomatic, open-minded, and gracious when both accepting and offering feedback. We remarked throughout and at the end that Patrick was both professional and delightful to work with.

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

The end video was well received by those who commissioned it. We have yet to gather end-viewer feedback.

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

Patrick was highly collaborative, open-minded and not at all defensive when taking feedback. He offered great ideas and builds. He was also able to understand our brand voice quickly. He proposed that we consider using a tool like Slack in the future but was understanding that for the time being we use email with outside vendors. He adjusted to the way we work.

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

Patrick understood our brand quickly as evidenced by his ability to recommend appropriate music and imagery options. We also found his complete lack of defensiveness a breath of fresh air. He always had a point of view but was not going to disagree with a subjective point if we weren't somehow compromising the end result.

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

This was our first project with Pluck and we didn't have any complaints during or coming out of it.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I work for a financial services company.

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

We hired Pluck Studio to help us create videos to launch our platform to advisors and to help engage them with the platform. Our goal was to foster a positive perceptive of the platform in helping advisors do business more efficiently and to encourage them to try the platform in their own business.

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

We talked to many video production companies. What we liked about Patrick was that he had a partnership mentality and a deep understanding of the financial services industry. He was part of the team and worked collaboratively with us in all phases of video production from concepting, to writing the script and interfacing with compliance, to the actual shooting.

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

We had a discovery call over the phone to determine the scope of our initial project (the Launch video). We then met in person to determine if we were a good fit and hear the Pluck team's initial ideas and concepts for the video. Once we decided to move forward, we signed an agreement and began working collaboratively on the video concept and set up interviews with advisors, led by Pluck, to learn about their experiences with the platform. Once the interviews were complete, we worked on a script and began casting. The Pluck team came to our office in NYC to direct and shoot the videos.

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

We worked directly with Patrick throughout all phases of the video. The relationship was (is) highly collaborative and we were able to provide feedback through the entire process.

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

Each of the advisor-facing videos we've made with Pluck featured testimonials from advisors who used the platform. These videos did a great job in showcasing the platform's capabilities and getting the "hold outs" to try the platform. The client-facing videos we created are still be used by our advisors in their social media and email marketing efforts with their clients.

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

Patrick and team were very accessible and easy to work with. We set up a Slack channel to make it easy to discuss deliverables and open items on a day-to-day basis.

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

What I love most about Patrick and Pluck Studios is that they treat us like a partner, not just a client. They genuinely cared about the success of each video we created and the impact they had on our users and engagement. They had a deep understanding of our brand and positioning, which made it easier to work together and deliver completed videos more quickly.

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

There were a few times where we had to go beyond our initial budget, but the team did a great job of laying out different options trying to mitigate changes to the budget as much as possible.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner and CEO of Bes'Dam Soup. We produce our own line of gourmet, homestyle soups, bisques and chili. We distribute these through our e-commerce store.

For what projects/services did your company hire Pluck. (A creative studio)?

I was in need of production of a national TV commercial for my brand, Bes'dam Soup. After research and reference checks, I hired Patrick Ortman of Pluck Studios.

What were your goals for this project?

This project was part a a national branding campaign blitz. This commercial's goal was to give an initial introduction to the viewers. It needed to get their attention, convey the goods and entice them to visit the site.

How did you select this vendor?

I researched other vendors in this area and checked references on all. I selected Pluck, because Patrick not only had great experience and references, but also showed a sincere desire for the project and my company. through several conversations, he got to know our story; how we've grown our business to a national level, and now, how vital this project was to us.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Patrick and I had several meetings about the national campaign and what this commercial needed to contribute. He then wrote the script, recruited actors, chose a shoot location and produced the commercial. He handled all post-production editing, sound, etc.

After it was finished, he even worked with media/ advertising agencies to ensure that the finished product was in the proper format for these advertisers to use. I believe that most companies would not have gotten involved with that, but Patrick helped, without charging me.

What was the team composition?

I worked directly with Patrick. He was the liason between the crew of 4-5, in addition to the actors who were hired.

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

This project had immediate positive results for the company. We track website hits and sales each time the commercial airs. This very successful project has resulted in more than tripling of online sales. I could not be more satisfied with the work of Patrick and Pluck studios!

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was smooth and beautiful! Patrick and his entire Pluck team are knowledgable, professional and a pleasure to work with.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The personal attention that was given to my project stood out to me. This is new territory to me, and I knew that I was in the best of hands with Patrick. I felt that he gave me the same commitment to detail and perfection that he would give to a multi-million dollar client. He knows his profession extremely well and is a pro from initial contact to well after production.

Also, while in LA for the shoot, a had a local family member come by who is in the business. He is usually easily impressed, but was VERY impressed by how he saw production. He confirmed that I was in excellent hands!

Are there any areas for improvement?

I really can't think of anything. I've already described my exceptional experience with Pluck. The final completed project came out great, looked sharp and has been branding & generating revenues for the company!

Please describe your company and your position there.

Prepdeck is an innovative, patent-pending kitchen accessory that helps keep things organized, tidy and stress-free in the kitchen. I'm the founder and CEO.

For what projects/services did your company hire PatrickOrtman, Inc.?

We hired Patrick Ortman to help with the end to end execution of our first commercial and branding video.

What were your goals for this project?

Our objective was to create a sleek, forward-thinking and well-branded production. Ideally, the video aimed to balance an aspirational quality with the broader appeal of our product’s functional operations. We needed multiple edits that varied from 30 seconds up to two minutes in duration.

How did you select this vendor?

I assessed PatrickOrtman, Inc.’s previous work. After multiple conversations with Patrick (Founder & Partner, PatrickOrtman, Inc.), I felt confident his team was the right choice. He took the time to understand our needs and goals. I could immediately tell that he was thorough and could deliver a quality product in line with our vision, no matter what effort that required. 

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

Patrick took a deep dive into our business to understand our product, target customer base, and overarching goals. We worked collaboratively to write a script, select locations, and vet actors. From there, they flawlessly executed the project from start to finish. We had some last-minute needs and requests, which they always happily accommodated. They delivered what we needed time and time again.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

PatrickOrtman, Inc. maintained a robust line of communication throughout the entire process. They strictly managed timelines, resources, and deliverables. Patrick was always in control and made sure we felt informed at all times

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

We used the commercial and brand video to successfully launch our brand in Summer 2018. The video assets PatrickOrtman, Inc. produced were a significant factor in our success. We beat our initial launch goals by more than ten times.  I have no doubt that Patrick's work played a critical role in those stellar results.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The collaboration was excellent. PatrickOrtman, Inc made everything feel comfortable. Our communication was clean and crisp. It was helpful that we agreed on most things. Even when we had different opinions, our incredibly valuable conversations would lead to the best result.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Overall, the quality of the final result is the most notable criteria for our engagement. I admired the ease with which they worked. PatrickOrtman, Inc.’s willingness to adjust to our changing needs stood out as exceptionally impressive

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president and owner of NPD Logistics. We’re a full-service transportation company.

What challenge were you trying to address with PatrickOrtman, Inc.?

We visited several clients last year over the holidays and noticed that some didn’t know about our full range of services. To address this issue, we decided to create an educational video that explains everything we offer.

What was the scope of their involvement?

We were looking to create a commercial-style brand video that incorporated all of the various transportation services we offer. We wanted to avoid sounding like an infomercial, and I didn’t want to be in it personally. The PatrickOrtman team created a storyboard and I was able to send notes on areas for emphasis. After some minor revisions, we filmed and compiled on-site footage with several of our clients. There were no props, no stages, and no stock photos/b-roll. The final video is a minute and five seconds long. He had full control over creative direction, and we’re very happy with the end product.

What is the team composition?

I worked closely with Patrick (Founder & Partner, PatrickOrtman, Inc.), and we worked with two other team members on the day we were filming.

How did you come to work with PatrickOrtman, Inc.?

We were researching agencies with extensive video experience on Google, and after meeting with the PatrickOrtman team, we were confident that they could produce high-quality content.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in January 2018, and we shot at the end of February. They just finished editing and delivered the final product.

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

Upon its completion, we posted the video on our site and across several social media platforms. The quality of the video is excellent, and the feedback we’ve received has been very positive. We’re a small business and the video helps us stand out from our competitors.

How did PatrickOrtman, Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

Patrick managed the project very well. At the beginning of the project, he asked for a formal timeline and I didn’t need it rushed at all, which decreased the price.

What did you find most impressive about them?

During the project I had a chance to sit down with Patrick and his team for lunch, and I was very impressed by their professionalism. They were down to earth and very easy to work with. I was skeptical at the beginning of the engagement, but they did a phenomenal job. I would recommend them to anyone looking to produce a strategic video for their business.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, nothing comes to mind.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of ADAK, the place for athletes. We create a world of experiences for elite athletes, conveniently coordinated over text right in our members' neighborhoods.

For what projects/services did your company hire PluckStudio?

We were looking to create a commercial that clearly and beautifully described our product & service offering.

How did you select this vendor?

We found several production studios for this commercial. We selected Pluck after discussion with Patrick, and hearing about his process and quality of work.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

End to end commercial shoot.

What was the team composition?

Patrick led us through the journey, and on the shoot days there was an additional 3 individuals on the team.

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

We saw 14k views of our commercial on social within a week.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was very effective. Patrick was extremely open to our input, and was an overall pleasure to work with!

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Patrick's willingness to stay flexible in an intense environment, ability to identify what we needed before we knew, and ability to execute in a dynamic environment was incredible.

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

Nothing clearly identifiable at this time.