Sparkhouse

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

My company is a distributor of raw metal material. My role there is in marketing where I develop all graphics and art as well as provide direction to our partners.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

After a preivous failed attempt with another company, we were under the gun to get a video produced within two business days to showcase at our tradeshow. This video was a loop that would play on the big TV screen in the back.

SOLUTION

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

We selected Sparkhouse based on previous work done by them. We knew they were responsive and could deliver a great product.

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

We started with a quick kick-off call and the team got to work!

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

I worked with Max and he was very patient with me as I was juggling a lot on my end. He was very responsive and kept the project moving forward!

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Many people commented on how nice the video looked.

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

They were very responsive and kept the project moving forward

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

We were impressed by their willingness to make the project happen and their ability to provide solutions to me rather than problems.

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

It was perfect!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Executive of Sky Rays

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Design and sell new products

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Sparkhouse to accomplish?

• Create a video for website header
• Create videos for product advertising content
• Capture pictures for website and social media content

SOLUTION

How did you find Sparkhouse?

• Online Search
• Clutch Site

Why did you select Sparkhouse over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Sparkhouse were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

We needed professional videos to be used for our website and for advertising purposes.  Sparkhouse was hired to create Three 30 second videos for us.  One for the wbesite header and two for social media advertising, including voice over.  They sourced the location, the actors, voiceover actor, and wrote the script / storyboard.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The quality of the videos and the ease of the process was the measure of success.

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

Every week the project manager would send an email with deliverable goals and what was needed from me (if anything).  The team was always responsive and available for calls anytime.

What was your primary form of communication with Sparkhouse?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

I was most impressed with their ability to take control of the project from start to finish, without much work needed from my end.  They had a great creative team and were very efficient and effective in getting the deliverable done.

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

NA

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm an executive of Electrotec Audio. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Sparkhouse?

We needed to create a promotional video of our new product with the goal of increasing our company's brand awareness, brand engagement, and leads. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

When we initially engaged with Sparkhouse, we spoke to Torrey (CEO & Co-Founder). We've arranged a shooting in our studios of our soon-to-be-realeased high-powered audio speaker. After we've agreed on the project's price and timeline, the team has shot a review and a two-and-a-half-minute interview of me at the studio. The video also includes animation work. 

Sparkhouse has shot video material and taken high-quality stills, delivering enough material to sharpen and use for various purposes when our product goes to market in July 2024. Additionally, Sparkhouse has worked on our Kickstarter program and website. Sparkhouse has completed our video within four weeks, and we're still working with the team to edit video content as needed. 

What is the team composition?

I've worked with around six teammates from Sparkhouse, including Torrey, a lead cameraman, an assistant cameraman, four studio assistants, and an audio assistant.

How did you come to work with Sparkhouse?

The service provider that manages our social media marketing recommended Sparkhouse to me because they had previously worked with them with satisfactory results.
How much have you invested with them?
We've spent a little over $5,000 on this project.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Sparkhouse in February 2024, and our engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We've successfully published the video, and our general feedback is that it's first-class. I want to congratulate the entire Sparkhouse team because they've gotten so caught up in our project that they've worked long hours and are happy to do it. I'm thrilled with Sparkhouse's effort and professionalism. The team is helpful, and I recommend Sparkhouse to everybody. I've worked with video companies for many years, and their team has a first-class operation.

How did Sparkhouse perform from a project management standpoint?

Sparkhouse delivers work on time and on budget. The team communicates well with us via phone calls and collaborates via Google Docs. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Firstly, Sparkhouse has a vision. Secondly, the team is very creative individually and as a team. And thirdly, by working as a team, Sparkhouse is very efficient and fast in achieving the desired results. Every teammate is clear as to what they have to do and how they have to do it. Torrey is the director and orchestrates his team to perform individually and as a group.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything for the Sparkhouse to improve. 

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

I suggest clients go in giving Sparkhouse a clear framework of what they need, and if they don't know, I suggest spending time ahead of the shooting to clearly lay out the plot, the footprint, and the concept that is required. I recommend working with Sparkhouse's creative developers to create a clear identity for the end product. 

If the client is well prepared, engages with Sparkhouse with a clear vision of their needs, and asks for ideas they may have to improve the project, Sparkhouse will certainly do that. There is no ego involved; Sparkhouse is a purely creative team, and I've found that very refreshing and productive.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the managing director of a consumer products company. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Sparkhouse?

We needed support producing a TV commercial with the goal of increasing orders and brand awareness. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

After an initial call with Sparkhouse, Torrey (CEO & Co-Founder) emailed me back and provided information. I provided more details about our project's requests, and the team produced a quotation I accepted. Sparkhouse then created a new version of the script I provided, incorporating their ideas. The team gave me a timeframe for the video's production and let me select the cast. 

Sparkhouse then started the video's production and shooting. The team sent me the first draft and ran several changes and versions of the video. When Sparkhouse completed the final draft, they created three different time-length versions of the commercial of 60, 30, and 15 seconds each, adding animation and computer-generated imagery (CGI) work. Sparkhouse also delivered various still shots from the video and offered marketing support after the video was completed, should we require it.

What is the team composition?
I mainly worked with Torrey and Max (Senior Account Manager), although 4–5 teammates were included in our emails.

How did you come to work with Sparkhouse?

I found Sparkhouse on Clutch. I emailed a couple of companies, and after speaking to a few, I felt comfortable moving forward with Sparkhouse.
How much have you invested with them?

We spent $15,000 on this project.

What is the status of this engagement?

We engaged with Sparkhouse between December 2023–February 2024.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We published our commercial on our YouTube channel and haven't started marketing yet. We were surprised by the quality of the video and the price we paid. Sparkhouse went above and beyond the project's scope and was highly professional — I'd definitely recommend them.

How did Sparkhouse perform from a project management standpoint?

Sparkhouse delivered work on time and on budget. The team was very good at keeping me in the loop about their progress via email and Zoom. Sparkhouse used Frame.io to share the video's versions for us to comment on, and any suggestions or changes I asked for were delivered straight away. Sparkhouse's pricing was reasonable, with no add-ons or extra charges.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I was mostly impressed by Sparkhouse's project management. The team quickly got back to me and implemented changes without complaining or asking for more money. Sparkhouse ensured we were happy and delivered the best video. If I had a change idea and Sparkhouse thought it was good, they were keen to implement it. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything for Sparkhouse to improve.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

I recommend engaging with Sparkhouse. We felt very pleased with the results.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Transit Safety Consultant of Operation Lifesaver

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Rail Safety Education

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Sparkhouse to accomplish?

• Produce a childrens Public Service Announcement for transit rail safety
• Produce a childrens coloring book for transit rail safety
• Produce an activity book for transit rail safety

SOLUTION

How did you find Sparkhouse?

Company had used previously

Why did you select Sparkhouse over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Had great zoom meeting with them

How many teammates from Sparkhouse were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

They were tasked with producing a transit rail safety childrens Public Service Announcement video for the ages of 4-12. The video would be 1 minute with a 30 second version cut from the full length version. They were also charged with producing a 12 page coloring book and a 12 page activity book based on the PSA, focused on transit rail safety. They did not disappoint. They delivered a great 1 minute PSA and terriffic books.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The PSA was done in a very professional manner. The coloring books and the activity books came out terriffic. The covers produced are very inviting. Our users have been very excited about all the products.

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

They are a pleasure to work with. They sent us drafts every step of the way. We have a difficult approval process with many different sets of eyes reviewing and making comments and Sparkhouse was able to make all the changes that were asked for. All the products were delivered based on the timeline discussed. Again quick responses to our idea changes.

What was your primary form of communication with Sparkhouse?

Email or Messaging App

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

Their ability to listen to your ideas and then put them to paper. I also found the staff to be very helpful and they asked questions when needed to keep the project moving.

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

A Job Well Done!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Creative Director of Starfish LLC

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Starfish is an independent full-service branding and creative communications firm that pioneered the discipline of Brand Experience.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Sparkhouse to accomplish?

• Product video/photography production
• Creative Direction

SOLUTION

How did you find Sparkhouse?

Online Search

Why did you select Sparkhouse over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

What was the size of Sparkhouse’s team?

6-10 Employees

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

Sparkhouse worked closely with our design team to bring our concept for a brand product launch to live across various channels. They helped us with casting talent, creating static and video assets, 3D renderings and animation.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Thanks to the help and partnership from Sparkhouse, the client was able to have a successful 360 degree product launch in 2022. Our work together included foundational assets for the brand. We produced videos that served as education for consumers about the brand and product, and compelled them to buy. Since launch, the brand has had steady sales and revenue growth, even winning an innovation award from Fast Company, and a strategy award for most creative brand launch.

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

Sparkhouse worked well to incorporate our feedback and make revisions in a timely manner. They met deadlines well and consistently clarified our needs as we worked through the process, ultimately delivering an on time, high quality product.

What was your primary form of communication with Sparkhouse?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email
• Messaging App

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

The founder, Torrey, is involved in almost every project and has a very open relationship with his team. This makes for great communication throughout the entire project and allows for everyone to be on the same page. The ultimate collaboration between our team and Sparkhouse allowed for success in each step of the process which would not have been possible without the open nature of Torrey & his team.

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

In some instances, we looked for them to push our designs and visuals to the next level and enhance them with more exciting animations than we could think of ourselves. This sometimes took more direction and feedback than expected but ultimately we were able to communicate more effectively and get a better product because of it.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Finance Manager of Ridgerock Tools, Inc.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We import and sell a variety of hand tools, power tools, and automotive tools

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Sparkhouse to accomplish?

• Create a Brand Video and some Product Videos

SOLUTION

How did you find Sparkhouse?

Referral

Why did you select Sparkhouse over others?

Referred to me

What was the size of Sparkhouse’s team?

6-10 Employees

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

Sparkhouse was tasked to create a brand video to showcase the brand as well as several of its key products. Key deliverables are a 30 sec video that meets Amazon's requirements for Streaming TV and 2 other videos highlighting two particular best selling products.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• An Attractive Video that attracts a high number of viewers to the brand
• A lift in sales and branded searches on Amazon.com
• More clicks and views into Brand store and detail pages of products and higher conversion rate on Amazon.com

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

Sparkhouse team members were very responsive and accommodating. They took the time to listen to questions and concerns from all stakeholders in the project. They really try to understand what the company is trying to showcase and then build their video concept around that. They really went above and beyond to accommodate even some of the oddest requests for actors, wardrobes, props, etc.

What was your primary form of communication with Sparkhouse?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email
• Messaging App

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

The most impressive thing is how much attention to detail is given to their craft. However, at the same time, they are open to feedback and suggestions from "non-professionals." They know how to balance drawing out the client's needs and delivering something that meets or exceeds expectations.

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

None. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Marketing Manager of Tutoring Club

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Academic assistance for students of all ages and skill levels.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Sparkhouse to accomplish?

• Three separate commercials covering a variety of our services
• Film all three in one day at two separate locations
• Create 15 and 30 second edits of each

SOLUTION

How did you find Sparkhouse?

Online Search

Why did you select Sparkhouse over others?

• High ratings
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

What was the size of Sparkhouse’s team?

6-10 Employees

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

We hired Sparkhouse to take our ideas for and turn them into high-quality commercials for television, YouTube, and OTT. This included reworking our initial script, casting, filming/directing, and editing. Deliverables included 15 second edits, 30 second edits, plus versions of each with a lower third displaying our website.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Focus group approval
• YouTube view rates

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

I was very impressed with the management of the project from top to bottom. Their team understood the deadlines we had, and worked diligently to meet our goals. Their communication was thorough, responsive, and professional. When we made requests, they went the extra mile to accommodate us and they were great about letting us know how long things would take.

What was your primary form of communication with Sparkhouse?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email
• Messaging App

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

This is our second time working with Sparkhouse, and we are as impressed now as we were the first time. I think it's common to find a company that's either creative, or excellent communicators, or reasonably priced, but it's very uncommon to find a company that excels in all areas. Their team went the extra mile to truly understand our brand and our message, and elevate it.

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

We have zero complaints. We're looking forward to working with Sparkhouse again in the future.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO of Wildfire Media

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Digital marketing for attorneys.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Sparkhouse to accomplish?

• Create high quality videos for out client

SOLUTION

How did you find Sparkhouse?

Online Search

Why did you select Sparkhouse over others?

• Pricing first our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

What was the size of Sparkhouse’s team?

6-10 Employees

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

Sparkhouse took our concept and built on it enthusiastically, creating a script and ultimately shooting and editing our video. This was the third time we have worked with Sparkhouse and are consistently blown away by their professionalism and creativity. They have always delivered a polished video tailored to our needs and always go above and beyond the initial scope to make sure we are happy with the final product.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Quality of final product
• Timeliness

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

Everything Sparkhouse promises is delivered well and on time. When we had to change things at the last minute or make updates due to our error they always accommodated us.

What was your primary form of communication with Sparkhouse?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email
• Messaging App

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

They are so easy to get work with in terms of figuring out what our needs are and how to execute them perfectly and on time. They are incredibly flexible and talented.

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

None that we saw.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Marketing of Vortex Doors

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

A Leading Provider of Commercial-Industrial Door Repair & Replacement Services - Serving a Diverse Range of Market Segments

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Sparkhouse to accomplish?

• Create an updated Field Marketing Training Video

SOLUTION

How did you find Sparkhouse?

Online Search

Why did you select Sparkhouse over others?

High ratings, Close to my geographic location, Pricing first our budget, Great culture fit, Good value for cost

What was the size of Sparkhouse’s team?

6-10 Employees

What was your primary form of communication with Sparkhouse?

Virtual Meeting

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

Sparkhouse conducted an internal company audit to identify our needs and use cases for the new video, and to understand our expectations. They assisted our team with scriptwriting and storyboarding, pulling inspiration from provided videos and best practices.

They casted our main actor for the video and visited our corporate office to work through the best locations to film each segment. Sparkhouse arrived early on site to setup their equipment and prepare our actors for the day.

They filmed, directed, and edited our video to meet our needs, and provided multiple rounds of revisions until we were satisfied.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Overall satisfaction from upper managers who have a long history with Vortex and who will be directly implementing this program.

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

Sparkhouse delivered everything on time and as promised. They responded very quickly to our needs and made sure we were satisfied in every way possible.

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

Their level of professionalism was very impressive as well as the quality of work provided.

Are there any areas for improvement or something {provider_name} could have done differently?

None. They should keep on doing things exactly the way they are now.