Shot Blast Media

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a senior research technologist at a government-owned organization that’s commercially operated and working in nuclear R&D for fission energy. 

What challenge were you trying to address with Shot Blast Media?

We’ve hired Shot Blast for their video production services. Our team is working on a variety of projects across the nuclear sector, and we’re aiming to better communicate our complex and nuanced technical projects to a wider group of stakeholders. We want to break down barriers in terms of what we’re doing and deliver a message about why our projects are important and relevant. Our organization wants to generate engagement and to show why people should be interested in such projects.

What was the scope of their involvement?

Our team has worked with Shot Blast on a series of projects. We initially gave them a detailed idea of what we were looking to achieve out of the animated videos. The team then asked questions and made sure they had a clear understanding of our goals.

From there, we’ve developed three animated videos across projects over time. Shot Blast has worked to understand the complex projects we have and draw around them. They take our key messages and themes as they create scripts. Based on our high-level ideas, they analyze what approach to take. They’ve also done a number of interviews with us to understand our messaging.

The team also considers a variety of views as they outline the video. While developing the animations, they communicate regularly with us to support the edits we require. Then, they work on the final sign-off and delivery. Overall, they’ve managed every aspect of the video production from beginning to end. They do everything using their own equipment. So far, we’ve created a couple of 2D animated videos and one 3D video. 

What is the team composition?

We interface directly with Lotty (Director). In addition to her, we also interface with their script editor. Around half a dozen people work in the background at different stages of development. 

How did you come to work with Shot Blast Media?

We found Shot Blast through a recommendation from a colleague. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested between £40,000–£50,000 (approximately $53,000–$66,000 USD). 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in September 2020, and the engagement is ongoing. 

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

We’ve received various comments for the videos. The fact that people have seen, noticed, and paid attention to them has been a measure of success for us. Our topics aren’t the most exciting subjects to talk about, but they’re important. As a result, we count the positive feedback and engagement of people with the videos as a form of success. 

We’ve also been able to publish the videos along with our press releases, on our website, and on YouTube. Some videos have been kept for our internal use, and we control where we can use them, such as in presentations and conferences. 

How did Shot Blast Media perform from a project management standpoint?

Shot Blast’s project management has been great. They communicate the progress of our projects all the time, and they catch us up with any issues or delays in delivery. We sometimes challenge the team in terms of schedules, and they’ve stepped up. Overall, they’ve always been good at keeping us up to date with what’s happening. To communicate, we use emails and Teams.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The team can work with complex and nuanced themes that we want to talk about; they know how to simplify and communicate complicated topics in engaging ways. They’ve done this in a way that I haven’t seen in other providers. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there aren’t any. I’ve always been pleased with their services. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Give Shot Blast a lot of details and background information about what you want to communicate. They’re great at drawing out all the important points and aspects of any project.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the health and safety manager for a large forging company, manufacturing forged metal part for the aerospace industry.

For what projects/services did your company hire Shot Blast Media, and what were your goals?

Our challenge has been to provide a suitable HSE induction for our company based in the UK. As we have two sites, we have needed the induction to be applicable to both. we have achieved this by the use of Shot Blast Media, filming processes and safety on each of the sites and then blending these into a standard company induction.

How did you select Shot Blast Media and what were the deciding factors?

We approached various media companies however settled with Shot Blast Media due to their timely response and professional website, which gave us clear options of means to achieve our aim

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

We established a script for the induction initially. this was then reviewed by Shot Blast so as to determine a suitable length and narrative for filming. Professional assistance was provided to tweak the script so as to get the most out of the message being conveyed. The next step was to provide a storyline for filming and to conduct filming across both sites.

The level of professionalism whilst filming and quality of film work has been exceptional and with a combination of 2d animation and video, Shot Blast Media have been able to provide a professional production.

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

From start to finish we have dealt directly with the same project manager. This has meant that there has been a consistent message.

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

Feedback provided by our management team first group of contractors upon initial view has been positive. the simplicity of communication of the health and safety aspects for site were clearly understood and the look of the production impressive.

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

The project manager has been able to communicate effectively through the tough period of the COVID pandemic. Their ability to use various mediums for communication has kept the project moving at a good pace. Regular examples of animation and video was shared so as to provide progress updates.

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

The company has been very flexible and willing to take the time to adapt or change as new expectations arose. They have allowed us as the client to feel that we have a high level of control for the output of our production. Shot Blast has delivered a professional production, which portrays our safety requirements for the site

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

At the time of production we had limited physical contact with the team due to the pandemic. This was not a fault of theirs and as such, the use of Microsoft teams has been the media platform of choice for regular communication and sharing of progress.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the communications manager on a technical research programme. We were tasked with communicating complex nuclear science topics to lay audiences, which required creative animations to conceptualise these ideas.

For what projects/services did your company hire Shot Blast Media, and what were your goals?

Our topics are highly complex and abstract. Many audiences - even those in our industry - are not too familiar with the subject matter. To define and explain these topics, we needed a creative, engaging, and simple approach. We worked with Shot Blast Media to develop a couple educational animations for use on social media, website, and events. These animations therefore had to be quite brief while still packing a punch with lots of information.

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

We were impressed with Shot Blast's portfolio and newness to our sector. We wanted a fresh, non-nuclear perspective to think of things in new ways.

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

Lotty and the team worked with us (both our technical staff and those in communications) to tease out key information and come up with a plan. After an initial briefing, she interviewed each of us to understand our goals and concerns. We also spoke with a scriptwriter 1:1 to help the team understand our messaging and initial ideas. Shot Blast shared not only draft scripts and storyboards, but also voiceover artists and visual styles for our review, ensuring that we had visibility and input on all creative choices. We then had plenty of time to finesse details and create perfect final versions. Lotty was always receptive to our input and quick to make changes. Excellent communication and involvement all around!

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

We worked with Lotty, who kept us in the loop throughout the entire process (even to tell us non-news, which we really appreciated!). Lotty was reliable and enthusiastic, always open to feedback even on the tiniest details. We know our tasks weren't easy, but having this open dialogue helped us feel involved and influential in the final products.

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

Our internal and external stakeholders were really impressed by the creativity and storytelling of Shot Blast's animations. They appreciated how the videos "did things differently" to industry norm and were modern, engaging, and visually exciting.

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

Excellent and timely communication. Lotty promptly informed us of next steps and was open about any hold-ups or changes in the pipeline. We heard from her almost daily, which really helped us feel like she prioritised our project and was moving things along swiftly.

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

Outstanding communication and enthusiasm. It is clear that Lotty and the team love what they do, which really shows in the final product. They're unafraid to ask questions and challenge things while also taking our concerns and ideas into account. You can tell that collaboration is key for Shot Blast.

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

No, Shot Blast Media worked efficiently and quickly without ever compromising quality. Even when we had mishaps (having to re-record a voiceover midway through), Lotty was upfront and offered solutions.

Please describe your company and your position there.

Byworth Boilers is an industrial boiler manufacturer supplying essential process and space heating to industries such as food & drink, pharmaceutical and healthcare.

As the Marketing Executive, I managed the entire marketing planning, strategy, budget and activities.

For what projects/services did your company hire Shot Blast Media?

To produce videos such as high-quality testimonials to serve to convert leads to customers and corporate storytelling to deliver a compelling case to our company's purpose and why the brand exists today.

What were your goals for this project?

To achieve what our company's purpose was, their story - the WHY they were here as a successful company today. The result was our #jointheinnovators campaign which tells the story of Byworth's founder, his visions, his values and his purpose to which all live on in the company and its employees today.

It's part of their culture, their DNA. To complement the campaign and to tell the story in a visually compelling way, we produced a corporate video 'Join the Innovators': ? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOrMQuKWrNg&t=1s

The campaign has been a huge success with Byworth's sales engineers describing it as an invaluable tool in winning over customers.

How did you select Shot Blast Media?

Back in 2014, I researched companies that specialised in industrial video production. Shot Blast came out on top in regards to understanding our brief and our company and I have never had any need to go elsewhere.

We have had a fantastic working relationship for 6 years now and I look forward to working with hem for many years to come.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

They provided a 3 person crew (including drone operator). We worked together throughout the planning, filming, directing and post production of the entire project.

They helped us with our external voiceover artist and even helped us achieve a ‘one off fee’ when the voiceover company was trying to claim we’d have to pay royalties every year. In post-production we received multiple drafts which I gave feedback on to make amendments until we had the desired outcome.

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

The video has received 5.5k views on YouTube. We had a competitor completely copycat and rip off the video (even though ours had a huge strategy behind it which made it genuine unlike the copycat's).

The copycat video has received 430 views on YouTube. The video has been a huge success with Byworth's sales engineers describing it as an invaluable tool in winning over customers.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Communication was brilliant at all times and the crew helped direct my colleagues in a way I wouldn't;t have been able to achieve - they know what they're doing and they get it done quickly and efficiently!

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They are easy to work with as always. The team tirelessly worked to our brief, especially on the film day and would adapt to our ever-changing needs.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No - nothing could improve - we have a fabulous working relationship with them.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Managing Director of La Romantica Beds. We manufacture and distribute beds and mattresses across the UK and Europe.

For what projects/services did your company hire Shot Blast Media?

We hired Shot Blast Media to enhance our company profile on social media. After having a great response to the first video that was produced in 2019 we went back to them to help us promote our new accessory, the mattress protector.

What were your goals for this project?

To create a video that showcases the mattress protectors we supply and also bring this new venture to the public and clients attention.

How did you select Shot Blast Media?

We met the Shot Blast team originally at a charity event for Leeds Mind where they were helping and shooting the event. Lotty, the M.D was very professional and approachable so we decided to set up a meeting a discuss how we could increase our companies profile through video.

Having first done the skit video on social media with Shot Blast which we were very impressed with, we decided to go with them again for this second project.

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

We had many meeting to help us get to the final idea of having a slow motion video of different household objects, including a lovely dog bouncing on a mattress which was covered by the mattress protector.

This would show how robust, waterproof and user friendly the mattress protector was and highlighting the fact that Romantica now supply mattress protectors.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Their project management was fantastic and I was kept in the loop at all times. They are all very professional and also easy to talk to.

It helps very much to be able to talk freely about what you want to achieve and have people who listen and take notice of your requirements. They met all deadlines and were very accommodating in all aspects of the project.

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

Despite of Covid the project was still a great success. We have had many of our customers use the video on their own websites to promote our mattress protectors.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Shot Blast are very good at communicating with their clients. We had no problems getting hold of them and were always kept in the loop regarding timetables, props and filming. I was very impressed.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The most impressive thing about Shot Blast is that the team is very good. They all work well together and all of them are prepared to help you in what ever way they can. They also stick to their deadlines.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I think Shot Blast Media are joy to work with and I would recommend them to everybody.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a marketing coordinator for Croda energy technologies, we are a global specialty chemical manufacturer.

For what projects/services did your company hire Shot Blast Media?

We hired shotblastmedia to create some video assets for new products we were launching. Alongside this, to create new assets for our brand refresh.

What were your goals for this project?

To generate leads for our upcoming product launches, and create sufficient buzz in launching our new brand.

How did you select Shot Blast Media?

A referral through another creative we work with.

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

Lotty led us through the options available within the budget and we decided two edits (3 min and 60 sec) were suitable for our primary channels. Linkedin, website and our more traditional channels (sales presentations, webinars).

Lotty was great in helping us understand the process, from script creation, style, storyboarding and was available to support us throughout the project with meaningful insights. It was a real great collaboration to get to the end result.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Frequent calls at each step of the process. - suited us perfectly. I feel like Lotty could have been more autonomous if I had let her, but given that it is a new brand and a complex business, I felt comfortable providing more support.

I have no doubt they'd be more comfortable having more autonomy in the creation of the video in the future if you were a business that didn't have time to support Shotblast with the details. - but it is in your interest to work closely to get the best final result you are happy with if it is critical.

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

Outcomes are pending

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Excellent communication - friendly and supportive.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They had great knowledge, support, and control in situations that were unfamiliar to me, who has not created many video assets. Right from the start, setting my collogues at ease on filming days and organizing their team to be timely and professional at 3rd party sites.

Even when filming at our manufacturing sites, they acted with great professionalism adhering to all safety and covid procedures.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Excellent pace of the project, held up by us! - but an understanding that projects can take longer in larger companies. Thanks for your patience and delivering some excellent assets.

Please describe your company and your position there.

Im an orthodontist and own my practice in Colorado.

For what projects/services did your company hire Shot Blast Media, and what were your goals?

I have a patent for a dental product that needed an animated video. I'm using the video to present the concept to companies to sell or license.

How did you select Shot Blast Media and what were the deciding factors?

I saw some YouTube videos they did that I really liked.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

The software is to show how a dental patient's low jaw and teeth move relative to the upper teeth. This is important information for the dentist to know because when fabricating dental crowns they need to fit with the opposing teeth. It is a fairly complicated concept that Lotty and the Shot Blast team were able to clearly convey in the video.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

Lotty was the lead and the one I communicated with most. There was one other animator that was involved.

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

I had been working with another production company in LA for 6 months trying to get this done with zero results. Lotty and the Shot Blast team were amazing! In a matter of a few weeks they had completed my video and it was an excellent outcome. The whole process was enjoyable and seamless.

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

They were very organized and always timely. Lotty always responded very promptly.

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

They really got my concept from the beginning. They really communicated well.

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

It was a great experience. I don't think they could have done anything better!

Please describe your company and your position there.

Corrocoat combines engineering expertise and application technology, to ensure the best long-term corrosion protection of all types of equipment and structures. As well as being the market leader in corrosion engineering, we offer many composite and mechanical engineering processes and techniques. I am group marketing manager looking after the marketing needs of 34 partner companies worldwide.

For what projects/services did your company hire Shot Blast Media?

To produce an animated video introducing the world of corrosion control (especially offshore and marine markets) to a new aerosol applied protective coating. The first time two pack components have been available in one aerosol can.

What were your goals for this project?

The animation to be used on all social media platforms and to be used by commercial and technical teams around the globe in both face to face meetings/presentations and as link material to support tenders.

How did you select Shot Blast Media?

Corrocoat has worked with Shot Blast on video projects in the past and we have a strong relationship based on the fact they have a good understanding of our business and products.

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

The video had to be able to show the target market how a two-component product could be housed in one aerosol. Shot Blast worked with us to explain the unique 2 in 1 aerosol can, how to properly mix the two components, and importantly how to apply the product to the best effect. The process was interrupted by the coronavirus lockdown and furlough schemes but when that had cleared work began seamlessly again.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Shotblast provided the animation professionals and a voice-over artist and we worked with Lottie W. throughout as our main contact. She liaised with us and communicated our needs to her wider creative team.

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

The animation has been widely praised by our group partners and is being used daily around the globe to explain this new approach to corrosion control. Feedback has been very positive.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Lotty and the team are only ever a phone call or email away, reaction times are very fast and any questions or problems are quickly resolved when they arise.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The rendition of the aerosol can as a 2d animation it very impressive and very professionally done. The animation is detailed and crisp and each step in the application process shows exactly how an end user should used the product. Exactly what we wanted!

Are there any areas for improvement?

None from my point of view.

Please describe your company and your position there.

Head of Innovation for the UK National Nuclear Laboratory

For what projects/services did your company hire Shot Blast Media, and what were your goals?

Video describing our recent Blockchain proof of concept project to engage stakeholders.

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

Colleagues had worked with Shot Blast Media on other projects and we impressed by their professional approach and final product.

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

Video capture of our Blockchain project, wrapped with animation to explain the approach and purpose of Blockchain more broadly.

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

Worked with Lotty mainly who PM'd the project and supported the direction of the videos.

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

Very impressive final products that relayed the messaging we wanted.

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

Easy, relaxed, professional.

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

We were impressed with their ability to grasp key concepts quickly.

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

No.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm Senior Digital Marketing Executive for Pandrol, who manufacture railway components and equipment globally.

For what projects/services did your company hire Shot Blast Media, and what were your goals?

Shot Blast have been hired on numerous occasions to film our products and manufacturing facilities, and editing the footage into compelling content.

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

We have built a good relationship with Lotty over the past 3/4 years through various projects.

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

We briefed them on the work and ensured everyone was inline, and then filmed on track. We then sent them a guide for how we'd like things edited.

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

Lotty is excellent to work with on the organisational side, and James is an experienced videographer with good working knowledge.

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

High quality videos produced that everyone internally was proud to share over socials and on our website.

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

Friendly and efficient.

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

Their prices were genuinely very competitive compared to other agencies in their field.

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

NA