Slate and Mortar Ltd

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the creative director of Net Natives.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Slate and Mortar Ltd?

I've worked with Slate and Mortar quite a few times. They help us create video content for advertising and marketing campaigns for universities.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We’ve worked with them in different ways. Starting with a brief, they’ve managed production and post-production. In their work, they provide various different edits and include set graphics. We've also worked with them in a more creative context where we collaborated and co-created creative concepts for video campaigns. They do work for digital, TV, and cinema.

What is the team composition?

My main contacts are Jon (Creative Director) and Stuart (Co-Founder), and, depending on the project, we work with larger crews.

How did you come to work with Slate and Mortar Ltd?

Slate and Mortar had an existing relationship with the CEO of my agency, so when I joined as a director he gave me a few different references of people that they had worked with.

During my first job as a director, they were part of the crew. I really enjoyed working with Slate and Mortar because I found them super easy to work with, so we continued to use their services.

How much have you invested with them?

Some of the smallest projects we've worked on have been around £4,000–£5,000 (approximately $6,000–$7,000 USD). Our biggest project together was a TV commercial in 2018 and the cost was around £50,000 (approximately $70,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working together since the beginning of 2016. We haven't had any projects recently because the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to any video projects since our clients are universities and campuses have been closed for a long time. However, we worked on various projects in 2019, and I consider it an ongoing relationship.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The performance of the campaigns where we've worked with Slate and Mortar have consistently performed really well, particularly with universities. We've worked on a lot of projects together and the clients have always been really pleased with the quality of production.

They have done production management work as well, liaising with clients directly, and I've always had very good feedback in terms of their personal skills.

How did Slate and Mortar Ltd perform from a project management standpoint?

They organize very efficiently, hit deadlines, and get everything in on time and with good quality. They have always been very fast to respond and make changes, amends, or updates which are inevitable since things always come up at the last minute.

They've also been very good at taking care of awkward requests for access to working files, reel footage, and demands that have been outside the initial scope.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They are on par with my favorite production companies to work with. We expect a certain quality, and they will provide it. In terms of managing and planning projects, they’re very responsive.

With both Stuart and Jon, I've always found that we can have a good creative conversation and kind of bounce off each other. I don't always have to come to them with a finished scope that defines what the output should be. They always add value, even if it's just a production job.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't really think of anything to improve — the only problem that we’ve had was when we wanted to get together and work on editing. We had troubles because we're located in the south of the UK, and they're in the Midlands and North part, so it was a little difficult to get together.

Any advice for potential customers?

If you've got a clear idea of what you want to achieve, they’ll definitely help you achieve it. If you are in an earlier stage of putting your brief together, they'll help you with that and make sure that you're planning things in the right way. They'll bring in ideas and opportunities that you probably haven't considered, so go in with an open mind. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am Senior Research Fellow in the Clinical Trials Unit at The University of Warwick. The Unit specialises in the design, development and implementation of clinical trials.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Slate and Mortar Ltd, and what were your goals?

The creation of online videos for use in a mental health and wellbeing trial.

SOLUTION

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

University of Warwick approved provider.

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

We met with S&M on several occasions to discuss the trial and the importance of 'fit' for the PIPA Trial. The videos were focused on families and young people, specifically how families deal with the mental health and wellbeing of their children. We were keen to ensure the videos were accessible and 'realistic' in terms of scenarios.

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

Worked with Stuart Whitehouse and Jonothon Lees who were both extremely responsive to our ideas and worked alongside us in ensuring our remit was met.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The videos were extremely professional and we were included at every stage of their development. They listened to all of our ideas and provided excellent suggestions throughout the process.

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

Both Stuart and Jonothon were extremely approachable and willing to take on board our ideas. Easy communication and swift response to queries. Professional but friendly.

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

Organisation, production style, end product.

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

Overall we were very pleased with S&M. The only thing we would have liked would have been involved in the casting of actors for the videos However, we were satisfied with those we used.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I'm an executive at the University of Leeds

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Higher education provider.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Slate and Mortar Ltd to accomplish?

• Capture employability offer of the University in an engaging and informative way.
• Encourage applications to the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures.

SOLUTION

How did you find Slate and Mortar Ltd?

Other

Why did you select Slate and Mortar Ltd over others?

• High ratings
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

What was the size of Slate and Mortar Ltd’s team?

2-5 Employees

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

Producing a pitch based on our brief and specific budget. Regular meetings ahead of filming dates to discuss ideas and logistics. Two full days of filming with participants, directing them, inputting own ideas and approach. Editing of content, adhering to brand style. x9 videos capturing employability offer of each School within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures at the University of Leeds.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Number of clicks and watches on YouTube

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

Delivered items on time, always proactive. Regularly checking in with myself and my colleague with any updates or outstanding information. Managed planning and production timeline very effectively. Were positive despite the project having its bumps in the road.

What was your primary form of communication with Slate and Mortar Ltd?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email
• Messaging App

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

They had a unique vision and were engaged and enthusiastic.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Slate and Mortar Ltd could have done differently?

None.