Storyfarm

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the executive director of the Baltimore Child Abuse Center. We are a nationally accredited children’s advocacy center. We work with law enforcement, social services, prosecutors, and medical and mental health professionals to be able to provide a 24-hour response.

In particular, we provide a coordinated response to children that are victims of sexual abuse and other trauma such as witnessing a homicide or living with domestic violence. 

We give medical exams, provide mental health services, and case management advocacy. We also have a training and outreach program to help educate the community on how to prevent these things from happening in the first place.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Storyfarm?

We recognized that video is a powerful medium, and we wanted to take advantage of the widespread ability to get media out through social networks to tell our story.

It’s a difficult story to tell, and it’s a difficult topic that people don’t want to talk about because if it hasn’t happened to them, they don’t want to believe that it happens to kids. But, when dealing with child abuse, you need to find helpful, receptive people who are ready to listen to the conversation.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They have been our long-term video partner. They’ve worked with us to help us tell our story for over 10 years. Storyfarm has employed a variety of methods, including animation and live video.

Storyfarm has very effectively worked with us to share that story, conveying a very private and personal journey. They’ve made it something that people can wrap their heads around and begin to understand.

Some videos are about our program, some are about public service and public awareness campaigns, and some were specifically about education. Video topics included child sexual abuse, facets of the criminal justice and child welfare process, and the risks of teen sexting as well as the impact of homicide on children.

Typically, most of our sessions start with a brainstorming session to think about what we are trying to get across and how we can do it in the most impactful, effective, and even creative way. 

We give them an idea of our vision and they facilitate those brainstorming sessions. They will come back with different storyboards and options. 

From there, we work on an agreement with them. Storyboards and scripts are created, and the video production process goes from there. After a video is shot, they’ll go through a couple of editing rounds, and there is dialogue back and forth.

What is the team composition?

It depends on the production. For one of the huge productions, the whole Storyfarm team was there which was about 10 to 20 people. In a lot of the creative meetings, there are five people. 

They want to get as many voices involved as they can in the creative process. Everyone doesn’t just look to Beau (Partner & Director of Photography, Storyfarm) and John (Partner & CEO, Storyfarm) for guidance and direction. 

As leaders of an organization, they are open to other people’s suggestions and input. John cares about this issue wants to get it right. Even when other people are leading the project, he is almost always included in the email and gives creative input.

How did you come to work with Storyfarm?

I’m a former prosecutor, and I prosecuted sex crimes in Baltimore City for about 10 years. During that time, we had a lot of high profile cases, and I met John who covered a lot of our stories and was working with our local NBC affiliate. I respected his work, and I think he respected my work. 

Flash forward a couple of years: I had left the prosecutor’s office, and he had started his own company. I started as the leader of the Baltimore Child Abuse Center, and there was an article in the Baltimore Business Journal about John’s new company.

I called him and told him we should start a project together. I think we were one of his first clients. It’s been exciting to watch his organization grow, and I think he’s liked watching us grow, too. 

How much have you invested in them?

We’ve spent over $150,000 on the videos. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in 2009, and we have ongoing projects with them.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

In our latest project, we invested in social media. They have a good command of SEO and how to place the videos. We’ve already had a million impressions on some of our videos. These are things that nonprofits crave. 

For a nominal investment in terms of placement, they deliver a high-quality product. Our sexting public service announcement was placed before an Avengers Endgame this past spring. We’ve had a lot of eyeballs on it.

We were lucky enough to get grant funding to do these projects. In the last big project that we had a massive grant for, they maximized the money we had. The film production included actors and sets, and they did an amazing job. There is little that can’t be done if they put their mind to it. 

They know how to work with us, and they share our vision of not wanting to do cookie-cutter videos. They take the time to understand and appreciate who we are. We feel special, and we get their A-game every time, which I think is rare in this field. 

How did Storyfarm perform from a project management standpoint?

Their project management is exemplary, and they're very client-focused. 

Also, they recognize that we’re a nonprofit and have given us a good rate. They’ve done projects that would have cost up to 10 times more for much less money. This is because they believe in the cause, which is really important to both of us.

We communicate a lot by email, sometimes by phone call, as well as face to face. We don’t have excessive meetings. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They are creative visionaries, and they are a true partner. They really believe in our mission and work with us. We aren’t just a paycheck for them — they want to see this work out well.

They are willing to try new things, which brings a creative fresh edge. For all of our videos, they’ve been able to remain succinct. They understand people’s attention spans, and so they get to the point as quickly as possible.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t think so. I am confident that if they don’t get something right, they’ll redo it and try to make it meet our standards. They’re willing to bring new technology, techniques, and ideas into our equation, so it doesn’t get stale at all.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Future customers should share an equal investment with the team. What you put into it is what you get out of it. You need to be able to share what your vision is without holding back. 

You should trust the process and trust them. There have been times where I wasn’t sure about one of John’s ideas, but I have trusted them, and they’ve never been wrong. Once you develop a relationship with them, they will deliver what you are looking for.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I work on brand marketing and operations for the oldest online psychic service offering intuitive, caring advice to people looking for answers, guidance and hope. Our vision is to redefine how people achieve lifelong happiness and growth through metaphysically-based guidance.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Storyfarm?

We've hired Storyfarm every year to create short introductory videos of our top Advisors and the subjects that resonate with our customers. These videos need to feel warm, approachable and informative, as customers will base who they want to seek advice from based on how they connect with that Advisors information. Storyfarm understands our Advisors, our customers and the brand that we put forward.

What were your goals for this project?

Our video program is first and foremost a tool for advisor promotion and customer engagement. We see these videos playing a conversion role in the sales funnel, as well as a means to drive traffic and engagement with the brand.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Back in 2011 we went through an RFP process to select a vendor. We've been so impressed with Storyfarm that we continue to use them as our long term, trusted partner for our brand video needs.

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

We hold an annual video shoot to which about a dozen of our Advisors are invited to participate. After 2-3 days of shooting, we work with Storyfarm to create the content and we promote it through the remainder of the year, as well as re-promoting specific pieces that tie into our editorial and promotional calendar.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

We've worked a number of different ways with Storyfarm. We've done the traditional edit>feedback cycle, but what what's worked best over the years is a collaborative real time edit either in person or virtually. We've been doing this for so long, it's faster and easier to work this way, plus it's a lot of fun.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our videos are cited by customers as a key asset in their decision making about who to speak with. Our oldest videos continue to get thousands of views, as the content is evergreen.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

I can't say enough about it. It's a pleasure to work with Storyfarm. They understand us and they understand our business. They deliver an excellent product.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They really understand our business and our goals with the project. They'e creative, professional and highly skilled. They're super easy and fun to work with, and our teams have become friends.

Are there any areas for improvement?

none

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the VP of sales and marketing for Youngstown Glove Company. We provide flame-resistant, cut-resistant products within the electric utility space.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Storyfarm?

We hired Storyfarm to create a video for our company.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Storyfarm handled both pre- and postproduction for the video. Together, we came up with the ideas and narrative. From there, they had a video shoot that we attended and participated in. Their team then managed all of the edits and gave us the final product. 

What is the team composition?

About six people worked with us on the project and John (CEO, Storyfarm) was my main point of contact. 

How did you come to work with Storyfarm?

Even though our previous video project with a different vendor went well, I knew I wanted to reach out to a friend for the project. I’d known John for a number of years and I felt confident in the work he’d done previously, so I contacted his team. 

How much have you invested with them?

This project cost around $25,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together in June 2017 and we received the final files within the month. However, we’ve just started a new project with them this year. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Everyone we’ve shown the video to has been impressed. The quality of the work is unique in our space. There’s such an art to producing video and Storyfarm brought a magic touch to the work. 

How did Storyfarm perform from a project management standpoint?

Storyfarm was great to work with and very informative. Their team kept me in the loop and were on the ball. They fully met our needs. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Storyfarm brought a magical visual quality to the work. It's very professional. We’ve seen this type of quality in movies and commercials, but now it’s in our own videos, too. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

If I had to think of anything they could do better, there could always be more communication in every project. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I highly recommend Storyfarm if you want to tell a quality visual story. They will bring your vision to life and you’ll be happy with the final product.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the VP of Live Wire Media Relations. We handle PR, strategic and crisis communications, and video production, as well as social media content development and posting.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Storyfarm?

They helped us create several videos for use on our website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We hired them to help us with two projects. The first was what we call our “day in the life” video, which we display on our website to help prospective clients and employers understand who we are and what we do. The second project was a set of client testimonials that highlighted our services and the relationships we’ve formed with previous clients.

They were pretty intimately involved in our first video because we only had the concept and developed it from the ground up. We had a number of discussions about the ideas we wanted to convey and the narrative we wanted to use. It was a very collaborative process, but they took the lead role as far as determining the storyboard and script. They also handled all the technical aspects of filming and assembling the video.

With the testimonials, we arranged the participants and supplied the content, so Storyfarm only handled the production aspects. This included scouting locations, blocking where the interviewees would sit, adjusting the lighting and sound, filming B-roll footage, and so on.

What is the team composition?

There were five people in total, but we mostly worked with two of them.

How did you come to work with Storyfarm?

Their CEO is a friend of mine, so I reached out to him.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with them from February–July 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve heard a lot of positive feedback about the video quality and the engaging storytelling approach. Everyone who was featured in the testimonials was pleased with their results.

How did Storyfarm perform from a project management standpoint?

It was really easy to work with them. They’re great listeners, great collaborators, and they excel at creative thinking. It was obvious that they had a clear vision for the videos, but they also made sure the content and aesthetics suited our brand and marketing needs.

We primarily kept in touch by phone and email, but their office is close enough that we were able to meet in person a few times, as well. They were very diligent about responding to our messages and everything was completed right on schedule.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They delivered excellent quality with high attention to detail and a focus on yielding good results. Not only that, I can’t overstate how great their customer service was. It’s easy enough to find a contractor who delivers a good final product, but it’s a much better experience when their team is as friendly and easy to work with as Storyfarm’s.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, not that I can think of. I’d definitely recommend them.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Video production is their area of expertise, obviously, but they’re very much collaborators. They’ll be open-minded and willing to accept feedback, so don’t be afraid to speak up.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I was the director of brand and content strategy at a large education company. My responsibilities included content creation and video production.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Storyfarm?

A prior video firm had done a poor job of connecting our brand with our students’ stories. We were looking for a new partner to develop relevant and inspiring content to enhance our new brand campaign.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to increase our brand awareness and familiarity by clearly defining our company’s intent.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We requested a proposal from five firms. We provided them with a thorough and creative brief and asked that they respond with approaches and solutions to our challenge, as well as scope and cost estimates. We ultimately chose Storyfarm based on their unique perspective, an achievable timeline, and fair pricing.

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

With a basic understanding of our vision, Storyfarm handled the full production of the video content. They were heavily involved in the conception phase, candidate screenings and interviews, directing process, actual production, and the post-production stage of our TV and online promotional videos.

For the interviews, Storyfarm helped us identify alumni with strong brand alignment, a compelling story, and an engaging on-camera presence. They helped us organize the pre-production phase by setting up shoots across the United States. They ran seamless shoots to assure that the alumni had a positive experience.

In post-production, they effectively managed our client. There was a myriad of variations for each of our digital and offline channels and they kept all of them clearly organized.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

We weren’t the easiest client. We requested multiple rounds of revisions, but Storyfarm willingly took all of our feedback in stride. We never felt like a burden to their team. The production director did a phenomenal job of keeping both sides up to date on the changes.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We did see statistically significant lift across our brand awareness and familiarity benchmarks. Furthermore, this content is still being leveraged more than a year later. My digital marketing colleagues loved these assets!

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Our communication with their production director was seamless. She kept me apprised on a daily basis as to the status of our project and raised any red flags if our deadline was at risk. We also had full access as needed to the creative director and DP.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Storyfarm is a great production partner. They possess a great blend of creativity and accountability. They consistently go above and beyond their SOW to ensure client satisfaction and a strong creative product.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Sometimes their sole use of Google Docs could be frustrating as they couldn't see our track changes on word or excel documents.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the VP of communications at a consulting company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Storyfarm?

We wanted to put together a video about our company and the value we provide.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We explained our goals to them and they created a project plan. Then, they developed the script and the storyboard, did custom animation, and provided the voiceover. They also handled all the editing.

We wanted to have an engaging video that our sales people could share with new prospects. Storyfarm definitely delivered on that goal, producing a visually appealing and warm video that shows our audiences that we really care about them. One of the key goals was to highlight our value proposition and to show that we're different from other companies in our field.

What is the team composition?

We had two main points of contact.

How did you come to work with them?

We worked with Storyfarm on other projects previously, so we’ve had a long-term relationship with them. One of our colleagues knew of them and recommended them to us. We wanted to work with an experienced, local firm, so we decided that Storyfarm would be a good fit.

What is the status of this engagement?

This project started in June 2017 and it ended in June 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The feedback from our sales team and our prospects has been very positive. The video tells a good story and connects to our target audiences.

How did they perform from a project management standpoint?

They did an excellent job and were very flexible. We had regular phone calls and emailed back and forth between the calls. We also met with them in person.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their level of expertise was unmatched. They were eager to meet all of our needs and provided valuable recommendations. They have strong values and adhere to the quality standards they've set for themselves.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. I appreciate their expertise.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Tell them what your goals are and let them come back to you with their ideas. Let them be creative because they might think of something you've never thought of.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the executive vice president of sales and marketing of NFI Consumer Products and UPM Pharmaceuticals. We are an OTC healthcare company and a contract manufacturing company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Storyfarm?

I approached Storyfarm about seven years ago when I was running the marketing for UPM Pharmaceuticals for a sales video to show potential clients. The work they did morphed over the years as we developed into an OTC healthcare company. They began to take over our national TV ads, as well as sales video needed for that market.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Storyfarm has done around 30 videos for us, which are explainer style videos, as well as advertisements. For each of those videos, they made three to four edits, whether it was making it longer or shorter, changing content for us, or changing out opening and endings. I have well over 200 projects on my computer that they have created, edited and sent to me.

In the manufacturing business, we needed to explain our capabilities and how we can assist current and future clients. On the healthcare side, we developed ads through creative sessions, storyboarding and dialogue, as well as script writing. We merge what my group has thought of creatively with what their group has thought of creatively. Nine times out of 10, we end up using Storyfarm’s creative and script writing. From our side, we make edits to ensure that FDA and regulatory wording matches. They format the commercial so that they would play well, have a point of sale, and a call to action at the end of the commercials to drive people to retail.

For the OTC healthcare side, most of the videos have been live action featuring celebrities or talent that they have hired, in addition to creating animated videos for us as well. One, in particular, is phenomenal, and we went to national TV with it. They also created little sales videos we would present to retailers to help us get a product on the shelf. If we had a product we were pitching to a retailer, they would animate the product, and design it so that we could have a potential commercial allowing the retailer to see it before the product even hit the market. They have done a little bit of everything for us. They are wonderful partners.

We did a commercial for our Blue-Emu brand with two Hall of Famers, Johnny Bench and Mike Ditka. Storyfarm traveled to Chicago with me and we did the shoot there. Not only do they do all the script writing and shooting, they help me with the location spots and getting those secured, as well as design and clothing and all of those details for the shoot. When I show up at shoots now, I bring nothing but myself, and everything is ready to go when I show up. The sites are rented, they take care of the food and clothing for the actors; every aspect is taken care of.

How did you come to work with Storyfarm?

Our original factory, when we were in the contract manufacturing business, was in Baltimore, and we were trying to find a way to get a sales video created. I searched within Baltimore for a video group. I had all the groups in Baltimore that were up and coming or well-known fill out an RFP for how much it would cost. Storyfarm won the business.

How much have you invested in them?

Over the past seven years, we have invested over $1 million with them.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together seven years ago, and the relationship is ongoing with the most recent project completion in July 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

In 2014, when we bought the Blue-Emu brand, it was approximately an $8 million brand. I don’t want to take away from how we have placed the ads, but in four years, we have grown the brand from an $8 million brand to an over $40 million brand solely based off the TV advertising they have done. Where you place the media plays a big role in that; however, without their content, we wouldn’t have been able to do it.

Over the years, the Storyfarm team members have become friends of our team. Our team feels like Storyfarm is an extension of us. They have done videos for another brand, e.p.t.™, as well. One of our employees here is pregnant, and, e.p.t.™ being a pregnancy test, it was a perfect opportunity to do an Internet campaign where she records videos in-house and we launch it. We were having trouble with the system that they edit videos in, and with a simple phone call to Storyfarm, at no charge, they helped us and fixed it. Now we are able to do our own videos. They not only make videos for us, but they also assist us in our own video editing to help us help our brand grow at no charge. They are willing to lend a hand when asked.

How did Storyfarm perform from a project management standpoint?

When I first bought Blue-Emu, I was very involved. We went back and forth, and our creative meetings would go weeks at a time. Over the years, I have learned that if I just let Storyfarm do what they do, they handle everything. I used to handle the clothing for the actors, hiring the talent, reserving the places to shoot. Over the years, their relationship with me has morphed into me telling them what I need, and they take care of it. It has turned into a turnkey system for me, where I no longer have to do a whole lot. They handle every piece that I would have forgotten about.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They are very honest. I work a little bit with UPN these days, and they wanted another sales video made, but were trying to cut costs. Storyfarm submitted an RFP form, but their cost was too high. They were very honest in not wanting to lose money on a shoot and submitted their price. I found their honesty noteworthy and worth its weight in gold. It proved to me why I continue to only use them on the consumer healthcare side. The pricing is what it is, and they are very honest and upfront about it.

We only use Storyfarm for our projects now. The level of trust I have with them doesn’t require me to reach out for RFPs anymore. I can’t put a price tag on the amount of trust I have for the team.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. They are perfect. They are my gift to my marketing team.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Senior Producer of Maryland Public Television

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are Maryland's public television station. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Create an animation

SOLUTION

How did you find Storyfarm?

Knew of the company

Why did you select Storyfarm over others?

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

How many teammates from Storyfarm were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

We requested two short animations (total 60 seconds) depicting a Chesapeake Bay log canoe in various stages of capsizing, as well as the evolution of the log canoe from traditional dugout to racing sailboat. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The animations were delivered on time and on budget; they exceeded our expectations in terms of creativity. 

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

Yes, everything was delivered on time. The senior producer assigned to this project, Tia, was very responsive. She understood what we were looking for and was able to add another creative perspective. 

What was your primary form of communication with Storyfarm?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

They understood my vision and expanded upon it. 

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

No