Theory Films

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the senior communications officer at a national police charity in the UK. The organization supports serving or retired police officers and their families when they suffer psychological or physical harm from their job.

What challenge were you trying to address with Theory Films?

We had commissioned a unique version of a children’s book, and we wanted to animate the story and bring it to life in video. We have had some videos created for fundraising but centered around beneficiary stories. This project was entirely different for us; we wanted this video to be special and more creative than someone sitting in front of the camera reading a book.

Additionally, there was a product to sell behind the video. We wanted people to be drawn in, want to buy the book, and watch the video repeatedly. We already had someone to narrate it, and we wanted someone to bring it to life in film.

What was the scope of their involvement?

First, Theory Films gave us a quote, and we agreed on a timeline. They explained what was needed from us and what they could do, as well as discussed what might work well as a venue and a backdrop. We sourced the venue ourselves and we already had a narrator lined up so there was no need for casting. They instructed all their technical people and make-up artists and took care of storyboarding.

The team steered the project. They asked me to put a script together for an intro and an outro including all the points we would like to get across. Filming took half a day and then Theory Films animated the storybook for the video, and added music, and sound effects.

What is the team composition?

I worked with Theory Films’ two directors, and there were five people during filming, including a sound engineer, a camera operator, and a make-up artist.

How did you come to work with Theory Films?

I had seen their work online, and have a mutual contact with one of the Directors. There was one particular video on their website where I really liked how they brought a product to life, so I decided to approach them for this project because I wanted the video to tell a story.
Initially, I spoke to them about the concept and whether it was something they would be able to do, as I didn’t know a lot about them. I had looked at some reviews and asked them for previous clients for references, which they happily sent. Their previous clients gave me good feedback. Theory Films also sent me some more examples of previous work, some of which was similar to what I was asking for. 

Although they said they hadn’t done anything exactly like our project before, they offered to animate the video for us and made some really good suggestions. As a charity, this was a big project for us, so we wanted to make this a great product and get value for money. I felt like I could trust Theory Films and that they would do a good job, potentially exceeding my expectations.

How much have you invested in them?

We spent £10,000 (approximately $12,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with them from January–March 2022.

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

We have a lot of feedback from people who’ve watched the video on our social media channels. The video has many hits on YouTube, and we’ve sold lots of copies of the books.

How did Theory Films perform from a project management standpoint?

They kept to the budget, and I communicated well with them; they were responsive to my emails and calls. The team worked with our deadlines and made sure that they could meet them. Theory Films completed the video in two and a half weeks. Although it was a tight turnaround for them, they managed my expectations and kept me up to date, so I wasn’t worried, and they delivered on time.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Theory Films made us feel like their only customer. Although our project was probably smaller than what they usually do, they didn’t make us feel any less important. I didn’t even realize the scale of some of their projects because the team was invested in our project and wanted to deliver something fantastic. Additionally, they were very down-to-earth and personable.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t have anything negative to say; they delivered the project well and were very skilled in what they have managed to put together. The quality of the video is excellent.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

My advice is to have your brief and ideas, but be open to Theory Films’ creative input to improve your project. If you’re not a particularly creative person but have a vision of what something might look like, make sure you use their expertise and have that in-depth discussion with them.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the Graphic designer and marketing manager for an online jewellery company

For what projects/services did your company hire Theory Films?

To make an animated explainer film to promote the company and it’s processes

What were your goals for this project?

We hoped for increased traffic to our website, increase in our social media following and increased sales

How did you select this vendor?

Their website promoted their business very well and was everything that we were looking for in a company for this project. They were also fairly local to us

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

After selection we talked about what we were trying to achieve. We set out a story board and then let the guys do the rest!

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

They worked with us to ensure we ended up with a video that we were happy with. We worked with one of the team who was incredibly helpful through the whole process and talked us through each stage as they were doing it

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

We saw an increase in social media interactions aswell as website visits. Our sales have increased since the video was put live

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The project manager was incredibly helpful through the whole process and talked us through each stage as they were doing it

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The quality of the video is great. The staff were so helpful and were fab at explaining what they were doing. They gave us some really good ideas that we wouldn’t have come up with ourselves. Their creativity is second to none!

Are there any areas for improvement?

We were more than happy with the whole process and are keen to work with The Theory again soon

Please describe your company and your position there.

I run a photography company - I manage the business as well as photographing clients and products.

For what projects/services did your company hire Theory Films?

We hired Theory Films to create a promo film to attract new clients and business.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted people to understand what our business does and why they should book with us. The idea was to attract people to our website and call us.

How did you select this vendor?

After looking at several production companies in the area, we decided to choose Theory Films as they offered quality work, had worked with high end brands as well as SMEs like our business.

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

Theory Films listened to our brief and ideas, before creating a storyboard. They then filmed my business over a few shoots before sending us several edits for feedback and for us to approve.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

We were kept informed at every stage and were really impressed with attention to detail as well as the final product.

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

After launching the promo our enquiries increased. We are able to re-run the promo and see a spike in calls and emails.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Theory Films appointed one key contact to manage the whole project from beginning to end. This was really helpful and consistent.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Theory Films offered advice, were very approachable and made key suggestions that took our vision to the next level.

Are there any areas for improvement?

N/A

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the co-founder and COO of TradeCloud, a digital communications platform designed specifically for the physical commodities industry.

For what projects/services did your company hire Theory Films?

Numerous projects:

• help videos for our platforms users (6)
• marketing videos for new releases and fund raising (4)
• interviews with the co-founders to explain the TradeCloud concept (4)
• A virtual reality experience for a specific conference

What were your goals for this project?

Production of videos and VR experience in an innovative, modern and professional manner in a cost efficient, timely manner.

How did you select this vendor?

Recommendation from another happy customer of theirs.

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

Numerous however the general process was,

• We discuss the concept of what we are looking for
• Send them a rough script and any platform stills which we wish to be included
• The Theory make a concept script, next to a description of the visuals which we comment / approve
• Once the video is produced, we review.

If small changes are required, they are made.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Please see above.

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

All productions were of a high quality, produced on time and on budget. The Theory Films team really listens and seems to understand intuitively exactly what we are looking for each time.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Perfect. Remote work or face to face, the Theory team is a pleasure to work with.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their ability to listen and understand what we are looking for and then adding to it with their passion, innovation and imagination in a completely complimentary way.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No