TalkingTree Creative

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the executive director at James Street Associates, a marketing communications agency that specializes in services to the logistics and supply chain industry.

What challenge were you trying to address with TalkingTree Creative?

My company needed to create informative videos for a client, but we did not have the necessary in-house expertise to do so.

What was the scope of their involvement?

TalkingTree Creative provides turnkey video production services. For this initial project, my team used our industry knowledge and information on the client to create the script. TalkingTree Creative reviewed the script to determine timing and how best to present our message in video format. They did location shooting and utilized their own equipment. The team compiled a list of narrators and sent us samples, and we chose the narrator we liked best.

TalkingTree Creative edited in-house. They completed and delivered these informative videos, and we are currently working on another project with them.

What is the team composition?

My team primarily works with two individuals, a full-time and a contract employee. Craig (Founder, President, & CCO, TalkingTree Creative) oversees everything, and we occasionally communicate with him on higher-level issues.  

How did you come to work with TalkingTree Creative?

We were working on another project with an individual who joined TalkingTree Creative. Once we began working with them, it was evident that they were a great fit. My company hired them for this video project because they had the capabilities to fulfill our client’s needs.

How much have you invested with them?

My company has spent over $100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our collaboration began in July 2017. TalkingTree Creative completed the initial video project for our client, and now we’re working on another project.

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

It’s difficult to say, since the purpose of the video is for our client to attract new industrial development, and this is generally a multi-year process. However, our client reports that the video has effectively created interest in their services and filled their sales pipeline with promising leads. The video has opened new doors for them, which is what they wanted to accomplish.

How did TalkingTree Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

TalkingTree Creative is cooperative and enthusiastic. They are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that a project satisfies the client’s requirements. Their can-do attitude has been constructive.

Communication varies depending on what phase of a project we’re in. TalkingTree Creative uses an online editing tool once we’re in the editing and post-production phase. We use this tool to share progress with our client, and my team and our client can make comments right on their work. This is our primary editing interface. We also communicate via email.  

What did you find most impressive about them?

TalkingTree Creative is committed to achieving great end results. They offer creative solutions that ensure the project is successful but also within budget.

Their perspective and expertise allowed them to determine what video presentation would best meet our client’s needs. We blended our industry knowledge and understanding of the audience with their expertise in video best practices. Our close working relationship has led to great outcomes.  

Are there any areas they could improve?

We’re very happy with what they’ve done. However, my team is sometimes not sure what the status of the project is; communication could be better, but that’s a minor criticism.

Also, we receive projects on an unpredictable basis, and sometimes it is difficult to match our scheduling needs with TalkingTree Creative’s availability. They are often fully booked for several weeks at a time, and this is challenging to work around. Of course, this is just the nature of the business.

Any advice for potential customers?

Be open and communicative about your needs. For the informative videos project, we were working with a client that was in a very specific industry and that had an audience with particular needs, so we had to convey all of this information to TalkingTree Creative. Don’t assume that they know everything, especially if you’re in a specialized area; share your expertise with them.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am an executive producer at Aquarian. We are a full-service production company that specializes in producing special events and corporate meetings.

For what projects/services did your company hire TalkingTree Creative?

We engaged TalkingTree Creative to design and produce introduction videos for the keynote speakers at our client's annual event. Additionally, they created the thematic design for all of the PowerPoint presentations for the conference.   

What were your goals for this project?

We hoped to provide a cohesive look for all of the design elements of the general sessions and provide some energy for the introduction of the keynote speakers.

How did you select this vendor?

We have partnered with TalkingTree Creative on many events over the past 15 years, so we are very familiar with and confident in their work.

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

Our company pitched the client on having intro videos for the keynote speakers instead of a simple headshot on a title slide. TalkingTree Creative opted for videos containing motion graphics, music, still photography, and the keynote speaker’s official biography.

I collaborated with TalkingTree Creative’s team on how to flesh out the videos so that they reached 60–90 seconds, so we included several images of each speaker. TalkingTree Creative picked out the appropriate musical selections, text and other supporting graphics.

TalkingTree Creative delivered a first draft snippet to give the client an idea of the creative direction. Based on the initial feedback for each video, we continued with that plan or revised and edited the video to accommodate the client’s specific comments. TalkingTree Creative later provided two more extended versions and again asked for feedback. They implemented any final changes and delivered the videos on time, roughly three weeks before the event.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Their project management process was clearly defined and easy to work with. TalkingTree Creative outlined all of the project milestone dates and each step of the video review process. The client and I each had ample time to communicate our feedback.

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

Our client was thrilled with the finished products—so much so that they have chosen to do videos again for the 2019 event. The videos were energetic and exciting, but they also added a layer of professionalism and polish to the production of the conference.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We communicated efficiently with their producer, who gave us frequent updates and feedback. We were impressed by the overall production process.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

TalkingTree Creative’s originality and eye for detail are what impressed me the most. Their professionalism, easygoing personality, and positive attitude made them an ideal production partner.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, they were such a joy to work with. We appreciate all of the great deliverables they produced for this project.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the co-creator and CEO of Make48, a competition docuseries. I am responsible for the overall vision of Make48's national and international growth and oversee major brand partnerships. I also serve as the creative director for Make48 TV.

For what projects/services did your company hire TalkingTree Creative?

TalkingTree Creative was brought in to provide creative guidance on 12 product videos in a 48-hour competition for our televised docuseries.

What were your goals for this project?

We have a competition where 12 teams must create a product and a pitch video in 48 hours to then share with judges and guests at the end of the event. We needed additional video production support.

How did you select this vendor?

We found TalkingTree Creative through a Google search for production companies in the Baltimore/Washington, DC area.

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

Once we selected TalkingTree Creative, they worked to learn more about our business and our video production goals. During our event, they collaborated with the teams of college students on their product videos. The TalkingTree Creative team edited and produced all 12 videos in less than 48 hours.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Their team is very buttoned-down and organized. They are true professionals.

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

The judging event was a success. The quality of the finished videos was outstanding. Our judges, guests, and teams were impressed by the creativity.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We primarily worked with Kaitlyn (Producer of Events, TalkingTree Creative), who did a fantastic job. Her team was well-organized and collaborative with our participants.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their team was professional, talented and, respectful of the environment around them. They had an incredible attention to detail and had the ability to get the job done right the first time.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No. They are a very impressive small business.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm an administrative manager who oversees the company's internal events.

What challenge were you trying to address with TalkingTree Creative?

Our annual “all hands” meeting has grown year after year, so we needed help to up the production value.

What was the scope of their involvement?

We hired TalkingTree Creative to provide a full-show production for our annual meetings. Previously, we’d used a simple PowerPoint presentation, but we wanted to create a larger-scale feel for those meetings. They offered expert production assistance, including handling set design, lighting, and sound, and integrating inventive camera work.

They managed production and preproduction of “talking-head”-style interviews of staff members that we turned into internal commercials. They helped us figure out the right verbiage to use, then scripted most segments with actors. They even used a green screen for one setup. They then created shots to be shown during the event and recorded the event the day it occurred.

Their team also coordinated with our contacts at the host hotel and supported the registration and check-in process for the roughly 1,000 attendees.

What is the team composition?

Usually, I work with Kaitlyn (Associate Producer, TalkingTree) and another point of contact. I prefer to have two points of contact to keep the process simple. We've also interacted directly with many of the people they've contracted (e.g., camera operators, sound technicians).

How did you come to work with TalkingTree Creative?

We wanted a local production company, and after interviewing three candidate firms, we chose TalkingTree Creative.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $100,000–$150,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We've been working together since around October 2015. We finished up a massive event in April 2018 and are already planning our next one for March 2019.

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

Bringing in TalkingTree Creative has greatly enhanced our employees’ experience at our annual meetings. They make it look like an exciting, enjoyable, and professional show instead of a dry PowerPoint presentation. Every year, they create a new presentation for the event, but they remember what we’ve liked in the past and produce work that meets (or exceeds) our needs.

They innovate year after year, which is why we continue to use them. It never feels like they produce similar output for every customer.

How did TalkingTree Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

They've learned the ins and outs of our fundamental processes.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Over the years, they’ve gotten to know us and now feel like a part of our team. They’ve always done a fantastic job, and I’d give them more work if I could.

Are there any areas they could improve?

TalkingTree Creative continues to grow, but they should be wary of getting too comfortable. The most recent project didn't start out that well because the new employees they’d brought in weren’t as skilled as the team we were used to. Once we discussed our requirements, they delivered to the high standard we’ve come to expect from them.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Ask lots of questions and be very specific about what you want, what you don’t want, and how much you want to spend. Once they have the details, give them the flexibility to implement ideas you may not have considered.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a Medical Affairs Manager within a pharmaceutical company.

What challenge were you trying to address with TalkingTree Creative?

Attending a medical conference, we wanted to connect more with our external audience by creating video highlights of key sessions. Talking Tree provided us with the support and capabilities to plan for the event, build a set, create and edit videos within 24 hours.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They designed and executed a live on-site video studio to produce television-style talk shows for the conference. Initially, they collaborated with us to work out how everything would happen during the event. They provided creative ideas, turning a simple location into an elegant, classy site that would strike a chord with our audience. This involved sourcing all production equipment, crew, studio sets, and lighting.

On the day of the conference, they produced a series of 20 videos featuring interviews and panels with medical experts. We needed them to edit and produce the materials within 24 hours of shooting, and they delivered the videos within that time frame. Over the next four days, we distributed the videos to our audience.

What is the team composition?

We primarily worked with Craig (Chief Creative Officer, TalkingTree Creative) and Kaitlyn prior to the event. While Craig oversaw everything before the event, Kaitlyn did a fantastic job supporting the managing of the studio during the conference. Additionally, the 2 editors David Telles and Devyn Hoy were incredibly talented, they ensured the materials were edited within 12 hours to enable us to go through the companies governance framework.

How did you come to work with TalkingTree Creative?

A colleague of mine found them. We'd engaged them for a previous event in Washington, D.C. They performed well, so we hired them for our next two events and plan to continue our relationship.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $50,000–$200,000 thus far.

What is the status of this engagement?

Their work lasted from April 2017–May 2018. We wrapped up our last event in May but are currently planning for a project in September 2019.

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

Thanks to their videos, we were able to reach a substantial number of external audience members in each respective market. The team was collaborative and acted proactively. Whenever they faced a challenge, they would always manage and support the team, instead of waiting to ask. We’ve worked with TalkingTree Creative for a few projects, now, and they’ve only continued to improve and evolve.

How did TalkingTree Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

We worked in close tandem prior to the event; it was a true collaboration between my side and theirs. Every time we made a suggestion, they helped us identify whether it was plausible or financially feasible as well as any potential challenges. By planning ahead, they made sure that they could deliver on our timelines.

Above all, they were transparent with us about what they could and couldn’t do. If Craig didn’t think an idea would work, he wouldn’t entertain it. However, he would always provide an alternative to suit our needs. In terms of communication, we used email and Skype.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Building on my earlier comments, I appreciated their collaborative nature. They wanted to make sure that we could achieve what we set out to do in the first place and supported us every step of the way. When we told them that we needed a 24-hour turnaround, they worked hard to make it possible. It wasn't just one person leading the effort; rather, the whole team was talented and proactive.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, nothing comes to mind. I'm really pleased with what they've been doing so far.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

As soon as you’ve got a project in mind, speak to them because they can help you scope it out. Additionally, have regular catch-ups with the team and involve each member on calls. It’s important to establish a relationship to understand how your team works with theirs.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I manage all corporate events and trade shows for an IT services firm. I also work with corporate marketing and our video production team.

What challenge were you trying to address with TalkingTree Creative?

Several times a year for our corporate events, we need outside assistance with A/V production and content creation.

What was the scope of their involvement?

TalkingTree provides A/V services such as lighting, staging, and presentation. They also create videos up to 15 minutes—anything from corporate case studies, product information, or training tools. We have also used them for live casting and speaker training.

What is the team composition?

We have two main contact points—the chief creative officer and an assistant producer. Beyond that, we outsource as needed.

How did you come to work with TalkingTree Creative?

There was an interview and vetting process for multiple firms. Initially, they brought creative ideas, and over time, they’ve been a worthwhile business partner.

How much have you invested with them?

I would prefer to not disclose those figures.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began the partnership prior to 2005 and it is ongoing. We work together for five events per year and have created several hundred videos.

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

We’ve had an increase in corporate shows, but other metrics are private. We’ve had vendors come and go, but their team remains integrated members of our program.

How did TalkingTree perform from a project management standpoint?

They do a great job. From the event production side, the event is going to happen with or without us, but they always hit the deadlines we have. For videos, they handle multiple deadlines well.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their attention to details and their services make them special. They'll do whatever it takes to get the project done.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. They’re a small business, and their devotion to our project reflects that. I don’t know if it would be the same if they were a larger organization.

Any advice for potential customers?

I would recommend making them a partner. If you include them in the decisions, it becomes a rewarding relationship.

This review was updated on May 6, 2019, by the client. New content is below.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the vice president of enterprise marketing and organizational development at Hughes Network Systems. We are a managed network service provider for businesses that have several locations. 

What challenge were you trying to address with TalkingTree Creative?

We host and sponsor many events and conferences each year. For several years, we’ve worked with TalkingTree Creative to help us significantly advance the quality of those events.

What was the scope of their involvement?

TalkingTree Creative has been helpful in two primary areas for us: finding better uses for the equipment we use at events and improving the quality of the content we produce. Each year we’ve worked together, there have been 6–8 large events that they have played a role in.

Before working with TalkingTree Creative, the event managers at hotels where our events were held would provide us with basic audio and visual equipment—a projector, a screen, and maybe a small stage. With TalkingTree Creative, we sometimes still use that equipment, but we are now able to leverage their experience to improve customer experience.

Further, we’ve relied on them for a number of video and animation projects to enhance the production value of what we present. That sometimes includes us providing them with our prepared slides or materials, but it has also involved their team coming on-site and shooting new video content.

What is the team composition?

Our team size depends on the project. For many years, we worked with Craig (Chief Creative Officer, TalkingTree Creative), but as the company has grown, he has hired several other capable people for us to work with. For most events, we work with two people—usually a production manager and a creative director. For our annual sales conference, we prefer to have a much higher production value, so we’ll work with 4–5 people.

How did you come to work with TalkingTree Creative?

They introduced and marketed themselves to us several years ago. We happened to be interested in improving our audience experiences at that time, so we brought them on for a project. The improvement was so pronounced for that first engagement that we were thrilled to continue working with them.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent well over $5 million.

What is the status of this engagement?

I’d estimate that we began working together in 2007. Our engagement remains ongoing.

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

Over the years, at our annual sales and marketing conference, the audience satisfaction has gone from 82–83% up to 95–96%. I want to think that part of that growth is our own company improving in specific ways, but I certainly attribute much of that success to TalkingTree Creative’s ideas and originality.

How did TalkingTree Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

Project management is the area where we needed the most help and the area where TalkingTree Creative has worked the hardest. They’ve been instrumental in planning events starting several months out. Once we select a delivery date, they work backward from that point to determine a timeline for the whole project. We’ll talk 2–3 times per month for a while until that grows into talking every day in the lead-up to the event. We use Webex routinely for meetings and video conferences, and we use Wipster, which allows us to view and comment on video projects as they’re going through the editing process.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Any good company pays attention to detail. TalkingTree Creative understands the details that matter to us, and they pay attention to those. Additionally, if we decided to change the budget for a specific event from one year to the next, they’ve proven to be very flexible while still providing excellent work.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, we’ve worked very well together.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I try to be as open as I can with them about what my ideas are and what I want the video or event to accomplish.