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    Halethorpe, MD
    +1.240.252.1200

Corporate Event & Video Production

4.9
4 reviews

TalkingTree Creative is an award-winning event production company headquartered in the Baltimore-Washington region, and serves an international client base. Our clients include corporations, nonprofits, associations, and government agencies such as BAE Systems, Hughes, KPMG and more.

 
$5,000+
 
$100 - $149 / hr
 
2 - 9
 Founded
1993
Show all +
Halethorpe, MD
headquarters
other locations
  • 20 F Street, NW 7th Floor
    Washington, DC 20001
    United States
    +1.202.684.2225

Reviews

4.9
4 reviews
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Video Production for Televised Competition

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

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Less than $10,000
 
Aug. 2018 - Aug. 2018
Project summary: 

As part of a televised and time-sensitive competition, TalkingTree Creative collaborated with teams of college students and shot, edited, and produced 12 product idea videos within 48 hours.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Kansas City, MO
Tom Gray
CEO, Make48
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The judging process was a success as all guests, participants, and judges were impressed with the quality of each video. Under organized leadership, TalkingTree Creative’s team operated well under very strict deadlines. Their attention to detail ensured a mistake-free post-production process.

BACKGROUND

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.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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.

SOLUTION

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.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Event and Video Production for Business Services Firm

“They innovate year after year, which is why we continue to use them.”

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4.5

Quality: 
4.0
Schedule: 
4.0
Cost: 
3.5
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
Oct. 2015 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

TalkingTree Creative provides 360-degree video production services for events, including scriptwriting, filming, interviewing, lighting, sound, and set design. They also offer on-site logistical event support.

The Reviewer
 
501-1000 Employees
 
Alexandria, Virigina
Senior Executive Admin, Business Services Firm
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

TalkingTree Creative’s ingenuity and expertise has consistently augmented attendees’ experience. A customer-centric approach fosters two-way learning and enables them to deliver videos well suited for the target audience. They understand broader objectives, making them ripe for continued engagement.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

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

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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.

SOLUTION

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.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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.

4.5
Overall Score
  • 4.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    Our work makes it challenging to meet their deadlines. They're flexible while making sure we still finish on time.
  • 3.5 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    To someone unfamiliar with them, they can feel overpriced, but we now recognize the huge impact they make.
  • 4.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    They continue to exceed expectations.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I've referred them many times.

Event and Marketing Production for a Pharmaceutical Company

“It wasn't just one person leading the effort; rather, the whole team was talented and proactive.”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
Apr. - May 2017
Project summary: 

TalkingTree Creative supported us to create video highlights from key sessions at Congress to connect with our external audience. Talking Tree provided us with the support and capabilities to plan for the Video Highlights, build a set, create and edit videos within 24 hours.

The Reviewer
Medical Affairs Manager, Pharmaceutical Company
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

TalkingTree Creative’s videos captured the conference’s highlights and generated increased audience engagement. From event planning to post-production, the team supported all efforts, delivering the final videos within 24 hours. They overcame all challenges and provided innovative solutions.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

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

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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.

SOLUTION

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.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Video and Event Production for Telecommunications Company

"Initially, they brought creative ideas, and over time, they’ve been a worthwhile business partner. "

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Confidential
 
2005 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

TalkingTree Creative has coordinated event and video production for corporate events for over a decade. They provide A/V services, and videos projects include product information and employee training.

The Reviewer
 
1,001 - 10,000 Employees
 
Baltimore, Maryland
Director of Events, Telecommunications Company
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Event and video deadlines are always met, making TalkingTree a reliable partner over many years. They adapt well to all budgets, and the quality of work is never compromised. Their small staff adds a personal element that is absent in larger firms.

BACKGROUND

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.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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.

SOLUTION

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.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They were always organized.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    They're affordable and willing to work with the budgets we have.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer