Stormy Studio

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the Senior Marketing Executive at CellDerma, and we wanted to launch one of our key facial serums to the consumer market.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We hired Stormy Studio to create a 1 min video which would highlight the key important information about the product and inform the viewers of the science behind the formula. We want to inform, educate and convince potential buyers that our serum is truly incredible for skin health.

SOLUTION

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

I wanted to use an animation studio based outside of London, as I think it's great to support smaller businesses. I did a lot of Googling to find a suitable studio. Stormy Studio had more experience with industry style explainer videos, but I could see that there were transferrable skills there and the initial chat with Jon solidified my choice. He was knowledgeable and kind on the call, a great listener and asked the right questions. His manner was just lovely! I knew he would be easy to work with and I trusted him instantly - something you need to have with an animator.

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

We had 2 or 3 kick-off meetings, and we actually changed the product early on, but Jon was understanding and the project stayed on track. I submitted a rough storyboard and script, reference images and videos and after the first draft, we had a lot of changes. I was never made to feel a nuisance, and it felt like we were both working towards the same goal. As a start-up, our time can be quite erratic with lots of different projects going on, but I was never rushed and this made the whole project with Jon enjoyable. I looked forward to each draft, and over the course of a few rounds of amends, the video was finished.

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

The feedback process was super easy. Jon would share the latest version via DropBox, and I would email back my feedback in bullet form, or with screenshots in a PowerPoint deck, if there was any issue with branding. The feedback was adhered to every time, and I didn't need to chase anything to be resolved.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our video was presented for the first time to 35 top beauty editors at our product launch event on the 20th October in Mayfair, and we received great feedback from them. We will be using this video for paid advertising across Facebook, YouTube and Google. I'm confident we will get a good ROI.

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

They had been easy to work with, informative, calm, and professional.

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

The attentiveness over email, their speed at replying and their motivation to get the project finished to a high standard.

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

There were a couple of issues with the quality of the initial 3D product render, but these were resolved very quickly without any negativity.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the VP of marketing for an innovative telecom company developing a self-powered cell tower.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We had a hard time letting potential partners visualize some of the [sometimes difficult to grasp] innovative features such as our tower's installation without cranes, self-protection capabilities, and how the multiple renewable energy systems work together to supply 99.999% uptime.

SOLUTION

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

We chose Story Studio based on their exceptional previous animation projects, thorough professional correspondence, and overall value.

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

Stormy Studio walked us through the entire process. We began with our script and talked through our vision on a kickoff call. They soon came back with an animated storyboard to refine. It was easy to give feedback through their system. We went back and forth with feedback and refined the animation each time. They did a great job understanding and implementing our feedback. Final video incorporated voice over, music, and motion graphics.

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

Our project lead was Jon and he was very responsive and thorough with our feedback.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have gotten great feedback and the animation will be a great tool for communication with all kinds of partners from employees to vendors to customers.

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

Stormy Studios utilized Frame.io which made giving feedback to specific sections of the animation very easy. Email was the regular form of communication. Nothing got lost in translation.

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

They had a unique visual style, and I was impressed with how they executed it.

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

No reason to nit pick. Very happy overall.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Marketing Manager for a specialist training and consulting company based in the UK.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Stormy Studio?

Historically, all of our training was delivered face to face in a classroom. However, as a result of COVID-19, we were required to convert all of our training into an online delivery format.

Since the pandemic we have continued to provide high quality and engaging training that replicates the interactive nature of our face-to-face training within a virtual environment.

We therefore required an explainer video that could help to showcase how simple and engaging our online training is.

What were your goals for this project?

We understand that some individuals, teams and organisations may be anxious or apprehensive about undertaking our training online - and so, we wanted to be able to firstly showcase how simple our training is to join and participate in, as well as to highlight what attendees will need for the training.

SOLUTION

How did you select Stormy Studio?

I spoke with 3 individual content production companies, and from the outset it was clear that Stormy Studio really understand what we wanted to achieve from the project and gave a friendly impression that they would be easy to work with.

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

From our initial discussion and project scoping, to the storyboarding and video content sign-off - each step was simple and friendly.

Jon led the work, and was a single point of contact throughout the whole project.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Each step included a demo and chance for feedback. This included the storyboarding process, followed by a number of live video demos all the way through to the final sign-off.

Any amendments to the work were easily received by Stormy Studio and updated very promptly.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The Stormy Team, and Jon in particular, really understood our objectives from the outset, and created an animated explainer video that will greatly improve our overall customer experience.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very easy to work with. Jon was the single contact and always available. In addition to implementing any amendments based on our feedback, he also pro-actively providing his thoughts on where/how the video could be improved.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The quality of work produced by Stormy Studio is exceptional, and working with them could not have been easier.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No areas of improvement needed. Everything was outstanding.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I work for a video production agency where we outsource talent globally to help produce videos. I am one of the Client Services Directors. My role is to oversee client accounts and production for videos.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Stormy Studio?

We were using another animation team but my client was not satisfied with the work being produced. They needed a bigger team that could work faster and develop unique animation styles. We chose Stormy to get us out of a bad situation with a client and their work saved the account!

What were your goals for this project?

The goal was to ensure the client was happy with the project. They wanted to cancel the project but we switched teams and got Stormy Studio on board and they saved the project. The videos are now displayed on their websites

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We had previously used Stormy Studio for other projects but never for this client. After this project Stormy Studio has become one of our regular animation teams for a lot of our client's videos. We have access to over 10,000 creative teams through our production platform, and we picked them, which says a lot. The deciding factors in picking them was their talent, their fast communication and fast delivery.

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

The team had to develop unique animations from scratch for 7 videos. The video topic was very healthcare and technology specific so it was a hard brief to deliver to. The team had to develop animations in 2D but make it look like a 3D space, which was achieved. Stormy had to work long hours and over weekends to ensure we met deadlines, which they did!

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

There were 2-3 animators working on this project at any given moment. Their role was to animate the videos. They were very generous in terms of rounds of feedback, they just wanted to deliver the project successfully and didn't complain about how many amends there were!

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The client did not cancel the project or account with us and has not put up multiple projects in the pipeline which we have not engaged with Stormy Studio to assist with. This project was important for my client in terms of getting their message about their software out to their consumers. All our goals were exceeded for this project. The client LOVES the videos!

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

I don't think the team could have assisted us any better than they did. I was calling and texting them all hours of the day and they always answered and met their deadlines.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their strengths are communication, creativity, staying calm under pressure, listening to the client's requests and delivering on time all within a reasonable budget. I like working with Stormy because I feel I can get in contact with them at any time. That is key for vendors we work with.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No there are no areas for improvement.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I run a marketing advisory firm called Hockeystiq

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Stormy Studio?

We hired Stormy to help develop a creative marketing campaign, characters, storylines, and a video series highlighting our product.

What were your goals for this project?

To create compelling video content that would explain the value propositions that our product delivers in a fun, light-hearted and effective way.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We put out a request for proposal, and from the very start, Stormy was professional and brought great ideas to the table.

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

Stormy handled almost everything from end-to-end with some collaboration from our side on the narrative, and technical details of the process.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

The team at Stormy was very supportive and worked with us through a few rounds of iteration until everyone felt confident with the end result.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We've used the videos to acquire upwards of 90% of all users of the mobile app and have since translated the video into various languages.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very effective.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They produce high-quality work, while maintaining great communication and quick turnaround times.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Nothing to report.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Head of External Relations for Malaria Consortium, a global health non-profit organisation, dedicated to the comprehensive control of malaria and other childhood infectious diseases (pneumonia, diarrhoea), malnutrition and dengue.

My role is pivotal in ensuring the positioning of the organisation with external audiences through a wide range of communications and advocacy activities.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Stormy Studio?

We needed an explainer animation that combined real life imagery with animated sequences that covered the complex reasons why women do not always take up preventive treatment for malaria when pregnant.

Pregnant women in malaria-endemic countries are very vulnerable to malaria and the disease can have severe and even fatal consequences for both them and their unborn child.

What were your goals for this project?

The goal was to get across quite complex but sensitive issues in a short video that could speak to a wide range of audiences - both in affected countries and globally.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We developed a tender document, and drafted the narrative, then sent out to several agencies who provided animation services.

All responses were assessed and compared against specified criteria such as cost, experience, style, by the Head of ER and an independent procurement committee to ensure adherence to internal policy and external Charity Commission procurement rules.

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

The script was finalised internally, with some inputs from Stormy Studio with respect to timing and structure. The design process was discussed and story boarded.

This was adjusted to fit with cultural and contextual requirements for such a sensitive film. The music options were shared and discussed, as was the VO choice. The whole process was very collaborative.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

We developed a one-to-one relationship, as their response time was excellent and they were very supportive.

We usually caught at least once a week and any small changes/adjustments were done almost immediately to pave the way for the next major phase of development.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project was very successful both in design and in the collaborative style of Stormy Studio. I am very happy with that as it isn't always the case (I have worked with other animators).

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very effective workflow. Any delays on either side were acknowledged and allowed for.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Superb design style and attention to detail. Extremely responsive to requests for change/adjustments and determined to find solutions. Very good creative approach to illustrating a complex issue and finding the links.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Marketing Manager of Moody's Investors Service

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Credit Rating Agency

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Stormy Studio to accomplish?

• High quality videos

SOLUTION

How did you find Stormy Studio?

Other

Why did you select Stormy Studio over others?

Other

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

A new video on how to obtain a new ESG related product

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Engagement

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

High quality

What was your primary form of communication with Stormy Studio?

Email or Messaging App

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

Their responsiveness stood out.

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

None.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Manager of Marine business park.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Stormy Studio?

We hired Stormy to carry out some mock up design work for a future regeneration project.

What were your goals for this project?

To create a design to help visualise the finished project

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We spoke and Stormy grasped quickly what we needed in terms of delivering the project.

Describe the project in detail.

Stormy communicated with us throughout, the project went very smoothly.

What was the team composition?

We delt with a project manager who kept us informed and updated with progress throughout.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Visuals and graphics were superb, just what we needed. The project was completed on time and on budget.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Communication was easy, we had confidence in their team throughout the project.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Skill set, communication, delivered what we asked for.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Not that I can see