Scope & Sequence

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Unite America is a nonpartisan election reform and better governance group. We work to reform the political system and bridge the partisan divide, with the overarching goal of fostering a more functional government. I’m the senior communications manager who oversees our external communications and brand.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Scope & Sequence?

We wanted to create a video to visually illuminate the ideas behind the work of Lee Drutman, who is a critical advisor to our organization. He authored the book “Breaking the Two-Party Doom Loop,” a fundamental and foundational work to the movement at large. We thought that visualizing Drutman’s thesis would be a good way to reach wider audiences.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Scope & Sequence produced a video that would serve as an educational resource not specific to our organization, but potentially serving all organizations that similarly operate in our space. They abided by our request for an informative, versatile piece that could be posted on any platform (with platforms like Vox or Twitter in mind).

What is the team composition?

We worked with three people, including Chris (Creative Director, Content) and Jonathan (Creative Director, Design).

How did you come to work with Scope & Sequence?

We’d worked with the teammates I’d mentioned when they were at a previous company. We’d had a very good experience with them then. We’d learned that they’d started their own firm, so we knew to reach out to them when we needed a partner.

Chris and Jonathan are excellent question-askers who excel at grasping the nuances of what you’re looking for. We got that sense from them even in our exploratory conversations, which allowed us to confidently pursue a partnership with them.

How much have you invested with them?

The cost of the project was somewhere between $10,000 – $49,999.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project took place between July – September 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

There aren’t any metrics or statistics to share because the videos haven’t been released yet. That said, we’ve been very happy with the collaboration.

How did Scope & Sequence perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re very good on this front. They set a timeline from the get-go and adhere to it. While they establish benchmarks, they’re flexible to pivot if necessary. Although we tend to deviate from the project plan, they excelled at keeping us on track.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’d highlight their ability to understand their clients’ needs. After getting off the phone with them, I’d often share a look with my co-worker, and we’d say “wow, they just really get it.”  They’re driven by a passion for their work and would bring energy to all our phone calls, which made them really fun to work with.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I can’t think of anything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be detailed. Include all the involved parties and disclose any possible bumps in the road when explaining your project to them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Let Grow of President

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Our nonprofit is making it easy, normal and legal to give kids back the independence they need to grow into competent, confident, happy adults.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Scope & Sequence to accomplish?

• Make an animated video explaining our mission.
• Show the breadth of our goals and how we are getting there.
• Help parents, teachers, donors and the press understand we have a simple way to fight childhood anxiety.

SOLUTION

How did you find Scope & Sequence?

Referral

Why did you select Scope & Sequence over others?

• Great culture fit
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Scope & Sequence were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

We came to S&S for an animated video that would explain what we do, how we do it, why we do it, why this is so important, and why we are unique. This is a hard thing to summarize or visualize. They gave us a script, we edited it, they gave us a rough outline, and we went back and forth three times, suggesting major changes to the look, emphasis, and story arc. 
They listened intently (and without defensiveness), absorbed and crafted their way to a video we LOVE. It took a lot of conversations but that's how we got something we cannot wait to share as our THIS IS WHO WE ARE video.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The fact we had three or four major iterations of the video before we were done, and several little edits as well. Each one got us closer to what we wanted. Sometimes we needed a big overhaul, sometimes it was just a tweak of the script, or a bit of the background.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

They were really responsive. When we were disappointed with the first version, the team was eager to hear why it didn't work for us, and what they were missing. They asked for MORE background info from us, and clearly read it all.

What was your primary form of communication with Scope & Sequence?

Virtual Meeting

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

Their openness to our feedback, which really took the video from point A to point Z. They never seemed fed up, or tired, they were always ready to make this video better. They listened to us AND they gave us great ideas, too. They weren't passive. They were like a team training for a big race: always trying hard to be the best.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Scope & Sequence could have done differently?

Not that I can think of. I guess I wish they were local so I could meet them in person. I've come to like them all a lot.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Senior Vice President of Empower Mississippi

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are an advocacy organization that promotes education freedom, economic opportunity, and conservative criminal justice reform.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Scope & Sequence to accomplish?

• Create an animated explainer video to create understanding and awareness about education savings accounts for parents in Mississippi.

SOLUTION

How did you find Scope & Sequence?

Referral

Why did you select Scope & Sequence over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Scope & Sequence were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Scope & Sequence was responsible for producing an animated explainer video. They provided key deliverables such as story board, concepts, script, animation, and a final product all within clearly defined timelines.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Once the video is released, we will use the number of impressions generated to measure reach. Success will be determined by the number of impressions and engagement with our company's website.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Scope & Sequence delivered everything on time and as expected. They were incredibly responsive to feedback and met our needs at every stage of the project. Further, regular communication facilitated a fantastic working relationship and ensured our needs were met.

What was your primary form of communication with Scope & Sequence?

Virtual Meeting

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

The team at Scope & Sequence are incredibly talented, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. They were responsive to our needs, receptive to feedback, and skilled at navigating challenges that presented throughout the project.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Scope & Sequence could have done differently?

None that immediately come to mind.