Second Home Studios

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the former head of art for Health Unlimited.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Second Home Studios?

We needed a film made for our client to showcase their success, and expansion.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We gave them the storyboard our client had approved. They took that and made suggestions for improvement, such as better transitions. They did a mix of stop motion, and 2D animation. 

The film was to be put on the client’s website. They had a lot they wanted to say, and animation seemed the best venue to do it.

What is the team composition?

There was an entire team working on the project, including animators.

How did you come to work with Second Home Studios?

We considered 2-3 production houses. We were aware of Second Home Studios and their work. I reached out to them about the project. They had the talent, as well as the ability to work within our time and budget restraints.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about £20,000 (approximately $24,000). 

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from January–March 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It was a smooth process. They exceeded our expectations, delivering what we asked for. The film was exciting while kept within the budget. 

How did Second Home Studios perform from a project management standpoint?

They did quite well. In the beginning, they made a working calendar to layout when they would be working on certain points, and when they would be seeking approval from us, which provided a great deal of clarity. We communicated via phone. They were available, responsive, and receptive to our feedback.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They go above and beyond, adding their own touches, to bring concepts to life. They were very easy to work with. They’re a good team of talented and creative people who have an attitude that they can do whatever you ask of them. It made me feel like we were in good hands throughout the project.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Give a very clear brief, and make sure you understand each other during the first meeting. Be open to their advice as they have a wealth of things available to them. They can make the project better than you imagined it.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the group creative director for a fully integrated communications company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenges were you trying to address with Second Home Studios?

We were looking for an animation company that could work with us. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I commissioned them for a project for one of our clients who manufactures industrial-grade generators. We couldn’t do the animation in-house because it was quite complex, so we brought in Second Home Studios. 

We wrote the script, but Second Home did the storyboarding and animation. 

What is the team composition?

I think we worked with three people, including Chris (Creative Director). 

How did you come to work with Second Home Studios?

I knew Chris already because we run in similar circles. In addition, they’re a highly experienced animation studio. It was a nice surprise to find a local animation studio that had won a BAFTA. 

How much have you invested in them?

We spent between $15,000–$20,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from April–July 2019. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We were really satisfied with the final product. The client was also very happy with the video. The client won several contracts partially as a result of the video. The video also got nominated for several awards. 

How did Second Home Studios perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re very professional and are easily accessible. The team is friendly and responsive. They went above and beyond to deliver everything we needed. Even with the changes that were made partway through the project, they still delivered. 

We met in person a few times, but we mostly communicated through conference calls and emails. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They really care about the work that they produce. It’s not just about giving the client what they want, they care about the craft. Their team is passionate and professional. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could do more to promote themselves. It would also be nice if they partnered with clients to help with pitching as well. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers? 

Just be professional and honest. Our client made several changes midway through the project, but we just made sure to communicate with Second Home Studios about that clearly.