Top Notch Cinema

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Chief Marketing Officer of The Spaventa Group

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

The Spaventa Group (“TSG”) is a leading investment company located in New York and we invest across various asset classes in addition to providing investment opportunities to both individual and institutional investors.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Top Notch Cinema to accomplish?

• Company Branding Video

SOLUTION

How did you find Top Notch Cinema?

Online Search

Why did you select Top Notch Cinema over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned
• Exceptional Portfolio of Work

How many teammates from Top Notch Cinema were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

We needed a 1.5-2 min company branding video. However, we didn't want a video that was the same boring video we see many financial institutions use. We want to convey professionalism, and dedication, yet convey our fun, dynamic company culture. We work hard and play hard and wanted to the video to represent who we are.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The final video.

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

Yes! They actually delivered ahead of time! Wow, no one does this anymore. They do! They accommodated every single one of our needs.

What was your primary form of communication with Top Notch Cinema?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Greg is a true creative and excels at what he does. Their portfolio of work and other videos was amazing. They take pride in their work and enjoy it. That's rare.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Top Notch Cinema could have done differently?

No

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder of a research and advisory firm

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Top Notch Cinema, and what were your goals?

I hired Top Notch Cinema to create several videos that focus on one of main service areas - speaking engagements.

SOLUTION

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

I was looking for a company with proven experience (portfolio) of working with small companies, for a team that can demonstrate very quickly that they understand what I am looking for, for creativity and most of all a sense that I can work with the team as individuals / people not only as professionals. In other words, good chemistry.

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

The team at Top Notch Cinema took time to understand my business and what I am trying to achieve with the final product. That was done via several phone calls, a formal questionnaire, and ongoing communication.

All the above led to a clear production schedule, and a very efficient execution during the production day. That was followed by postproduction. Throughout the process - the team proved to be extremely collaborative and responsive.

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

As stated above; I worked with several team members (head of client relations, head of production, and a coordinator on a regular basis as well as the filming crew during the filming day. The feedback process was smooth, usually via email. The key point here is the collaborative nature of these communications and the rapid response. I never had to wait too long to receive a response from the team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I just received the video files 24 hours ago and already shared with a few people all of whom gave it a glowing review. One of them, a future client, sent me a message saying: "Professional, sleek, clear and simply excellent."

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

The team at Top Notch Cinema - are Top Notch professionals. Everything in this project worked like a Swiss clock. On time. On Budget. With a smile. And as of tools - Vimeo worked perfectly for our purpose.

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

Most impressive are their relaxed management style which put clients at ease, and their professional / technical skills that instills confidence. Put it simply, these guys know what they are doing! In addition, their creativity (we had some technical challenges which they sorted out beautifully) and their willingness to go the extra mile were truly refreshing.

What I find unique thought is how they not only wanted to ensure that I am happy with the outcome but that THEY are happy with the outcome. They truly care about the quality of their work and they have very high standards.

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

Not really. I could not be happier with both the process and the outcome.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Northeastern Insurance Agency. Insurance Brokerage. Position: Brand Manager

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Top Notch Cinema, and what were your goals?

We hired Top Notch to create our Superbowl Commercial and a longer version to use on our digital platforms. Also to submit for longer commercial slots throughout the year. Gaols were to create engaging video content to use throughout the year for advertising.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Portfolio, Services Offered, Overall reputation

Describe the scope of their work in detail, including any steps and the final deliverables.

Projects always start with bringing an idea to them of what we are looking to create. Help develop script, offer suggestions. They come to our office locally (3 hour commute) and spend the day filming with us. They direct us and are always professional, great equipment. Send us the first cuts of each version, we suggest edits, they send over multiple versions until we are satisfied with final result.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

3 people

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The amount of leads/referrals we received after airing the commercial. After the commercial aired, we received an extensive amount of calls and generated a lot of business from the video Top Notch created.

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

They were always professional, organized, and responsive. Always available via phone, email, zoom. Very easy to work with and reliable.

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

They are the whole package. From the professionalism, equipment, and overall way that they do business. 10/10 would recommend. They do not stop until the job is done and the customer is satisfied.

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

Everything is great. They always go above and beyond.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the founder of a better-for-you snack food startup. We were seeking a video production group to help us produce our brand/intro video, which would also be used for crowdfunding purposes.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Top Notch Cinema, and what were your goals?

We were seeking a video production group to handle the end-to-end process of helping us produce our brand/intro/crowdfunding video. In particular, we were seeking someone to help with everything from the script to filming to post-production/editing.

SOLUTION

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

We considered about 5 total video production agencies before settling on Top Notch. In particular, we were impressed by some of Top Notch's prior work, and we also got a great impression of them after our initial phone conversation. Ultimately, Top Notch was the full package in terms of providing a solution to all of our needs and all within our budget, too.

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

We started with a rough outline of our video, and Top Notch helped turn that outline into a script. We went through several rounds of revision on the script, and also coordinated filming locations/dates/times. On shoot day, Top Notch took care of everything from the minute-by-minute schedule to making sure all of the necessary equipment was on-site and in-place. After shoot day, Top Notch edited our video - we provided a couple of rounds of feedback before ultimately finalizing the video.

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

We primarily worked with Greg, who was super flexible and understanding along the way! We had multiple groups providing feedback, and he was a pro in terms of consolidating all of our ideas.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Because of how quickly Top Notch was able to film and edit our video, we were able to include our video immediately upon launch of our new website. We're expecting the presence of this video to raise conversions.

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

Again, Greg was super easy to work with and super responsive, especially given some of our very specific requests and input from a number of different parties.

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

We were super impressed by how organized everything was. In particular, with the fact that we stuck to schedule almost to a T (and Greg, being the pro he is, planned pretty much ever minute, I think!). With how well shoot day went, we knew the final product would be great...but wow, we were super impressed with how our edited video turned out! It exceeded our (already high) expectations by 1000%.

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

A storyboard would have been nice earlier on in the process, but we understood that wasn't a part of our original scope. And again - our video turned out even better than we were expecting!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Chief Marketing Officer for Steel Wellness, where I put most of my focus on content creation and online marketing. Steel Wellness sells premium-grade CBD products that are 100% THC-free.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Top Notch Cinema?

We hired Top Notch Cinema to create video content. We saw their incredible portfolio and loved their professionalism from the very beginning.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to create a main brand video that could describe our business, what we stand for, and brief details about our product lineup. We also want to make videos that would feature each one of our main CBD products individually.

SOLUTION

How did you select Top Notch Cinema?

After looking at multiple options, Top Notch Cinema stood out thanks to their amazing online portfolio and their track record of working with successful companies. James and Greg are the cream of the crop when it comes to business owners who truly care about their clients. We traveled from Arizona to New York just to work with Top Notch Cinema!

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

We arrived at their studio where Greg had everything set up and ready to go on time. He reviewed our script with us to confirm everything was in order. We filmed enough content for all seven videos within a matter of only a few hours.

They provided lunch for myself and my business partner, giving us a chance to take a brief break in between. Greg was laser-focused from start to finish as he helped make sure every aspect of the video was absolutely perfect.

The simplicity of the process shined through in the end result with clean and professional videos.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Top Notch Cinema is highly communicative and very organized.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The videos are better than we could have ever imagined. Everyone we show them to mention how professional and effective they are in getting our brand's mission across.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Between Greg, James, and Lylly, we were always able to talk to someone on their team about each and every type of need we had. Lylly handled our administrative questions involving payments, scheduling, and beyond.

James assisted with preparing our business and content ideation. Greg handled the video production process. Top Notch Cinema runs like a well-oiled machine with clear and obvious proof that they know what they're doing.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We could brag all day about how easy it was to work with Top Notch Cinema. But the end results of our videos will forever be the evidence of a job well done.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We have zero complaints!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Backpacks For Life is a nonprofit that serves the homeless and at-risk veteran community in New Jersey. We distribute backpacks to homeless veterans, provide mentorship to at-risk veterans & their families and raise awareness around veteran issues. I serve at the Executive Director of Backpacks For Life.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Top Notch Cinema?

We hired Top Notch for a documentary covering the life of a war veteran who escaped Nazi Slave Labor. His history was incredible and it took a keen eye to understand his story and bring it to life in a digital format which no one had done to this point. We also hired Top Notch for the videos on our online search platform, ROGER, which are explainer/tutorial videos on how the platform works and how to best use it.

What were your goals for this project?

For our documentary project, our goal was to preserve the story of a Veteran who served our country and had an incredible story of his journey. We knew that this did not yet exist so having this story preserved but also told accurately was critical.

Our goal with our platform ROGER was to make videos that clearly stated how Veterans could utilize the platform, how service providers could offer up their services on the platform as well as a clear indication of why the platform existed.

SOLUTION

How did you select Top Notch Cinema?

We selected Top Notch Cinema after working with them on a project during our very first year of business. We knew they had a tremendous amount of professionalism and a sincere appreciation for our mission as a nonprofit.

They are an organized and detail oriented team that guided us in the right direction as people who don't know as much about video marketing and how to communicate effectively via video to our constituents and audience.

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

When working with Top Notch for our ROGER platform, we had an initial call which we gave a very tight timeline that they were more than happen to accommodate. We continued with a few screen recordings and phone calls from our end to walk the Top Notch team through the concept of ROGER, the functions of the platform and why we created it.

From here, the Top Notch team mapped out scripts for each video, and organized them in a way that they were short little videos for each person who was on the site (Veterans, provider, or general visitor). From here, the team was organized in providing versions of each video for us to provide comments and feedback on.

We went through about 3 rounds of revisions and all of our feedback was taken and accounted for without them even batting an eyelash. The team was 100% dedicated to ensuring the message we were trying to get across was done perfectly. Once we finalized the 3rd version, the Top Notch team passed over final videos which we were able to quickly download and then upload to our own channels on Vimeo/Youtube.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

We worked on a handful of rounds for the ROGER project but nothing ever felt that it was too many balls in the air, unorganized or all over the place. The top notch team was clear on where they were at with the project, always giving comments within the video which was helpful and using screen grab recordings when possible which made it easier to follow along on what they may have needed next. We worked closely with Greg, although other team members were always looped in and on the email chains. Working with Greg allowed us to streamline communications effectively. Each round we gave feedback, it was well received and in a timely manner and we were always given progress updates between each round of revisions.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Since launching our videos on the platform ROGER, we have had over 500 sessions on the site in just less than a week. We've received two press hits as a result of the launch and garnered feedback on the professional look of the site. I don't think we would have gotten the same feedback if we did not have the videos to show others how to use it.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Communication was handled via email and utilizing Vimeo capabilities to pass comments back and forth - this was AMAZING! Definitely helped us clearly share our feedback. The team was very responsive and if someone was out of the office, someone else on the email would confirm receipt and that was very reassuring given our tight timeline. Very effective workflow!

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The thing that stood out to me most about working with Top Notch is their sense of professionalism. We came to them with a concept, an idea and a vision and they found a way to take all our crazy thoughts and build out not only a road map but an organized set of videos for us to use to promote, market and educate users on ROGER the platform.

We were working on an extremely tight timeline and they never once showed any signs of not being able to meet the timeline. The team did everything to accommodate us. Further, I will say we were so impressed by Top Notch's commitment to really understanding our mission. I think that was critical in how these videos came out and they really took the time to understand our customer.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No areas of improvement to comment on!

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of an independent insurance agency that sells auto, home, and commercial insurance.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Top Notch Cinema?

We had an idea for a TV commercial and a social media commercial that we thought would help to bring in some additional business. We wanted to create an advertisement.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Top Notch Cinema filmed and edited our advertisement. For the commercial, I wanted to kick a green lizard through a wall. Then, the video would be an advertisement involving our office and our whole team. Their team worked on the idea with me and brought all the equipment necessary to the set.

What is the team composition?

We worked with two people. I coordinated the project with the co-owner and engaged with a camera guy.

How did you come to work with Top Notch Cinema?

Top Notch Cinema had an ad on Facebook and Instagram where they kicked a guy through a wall. I thought the technology involved was good. When I spoke to other companies, they showed me what they could do, and the technology wasn’t as good.

How much have you invested with them?

The project cost between $5,000–$6,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Top Notch Cinema filmed, edited, and released the commercial in August 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It worked out well. I was very happy with what they produced for us.

How did Top Notch Cinema perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicated by text, e-mail, and phone calls. We did everything every which way. Top Notch Cinema handled everything well.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The completion of the commercial was the best part. We’re happy with how the commercial turned out.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, they did everything I asked of them and I’m happy with their work.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

When you contact them, bring ideas of your own and have a plan in place. They didn’t bring a whole lot of ideas but I brought them the idea for the commercial.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Dr. Neil Tanna is a plastic, reconstructive and microsurgeon whose primary focus is breast reconstruction for breast cancer patients and plastic/aesthetic surgery.

As his Project Coordinator, I manage many aspects of his practice from surgical scheduling to community outreach and social media, and everything that falls in between.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Top Notch Cinema?

Top Notch Cinema was utilized to spend the day with patients of Dr. Tanna's who are on their journey through breast reconstruction to hear and film their testimonials in an effort to educate people around the world about their breast reconstruction options.

What were your goals for this project?

The goals for this project were to

• Educate about breast reconstruction options
• Share real women's journeys through breast reconstruction
• Utilize videos for websites, YouTube, social media outlets

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We have worked with this team before. They are highly professional and produce high quality work in a timely and efficient manner.

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

After working with Top Notch Cinema to obtain a date for filming, the goals of these patient testimonial videos were laid out. They understood how to portray each woman as an individual on their own journey.

The process was seamless from start to finish. Each video demonstrates a clear story as we asked.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Top Notch Cinema allowed us to take the reins for the project and relayed helpful ideas to make it 100% effective.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The videos are being rolled out over Breast Cancer Awareness Month. So far there has been much success over the shorter cuts that were created for us to be under 60 seconds for Instagram and Facebook. We have seen more traffic on both social media outlets.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Response time via email and phone was very quick. The team was receptive to ideas and very helpful in transforming those ideas into a final product.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The video quality and professionalism was most impressive about Top Notch Cinema. They were very easy to work with, flexible with our scheduled and the outcome was exactly what we were looking for.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Everyone can always make improvements, but from out time working with this team everything was A+.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner/founder of online legal forms startup.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Top Notch Cinema?

Branding video and several launch commercials.

What were your goals for this project?

Introduce the business and brand to a specific demographic

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Interviewed many vendors like Top Notch. Top Notch stood out and review of previous projects was impressive.

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

Top Notch spent a lot of time researching and understanding my project. Reviewed all the materials I provided them. Wrote a solid script. Worked with me to revise the script until I was 100% satisfied. They selected the best location for the shoot. Traveled to the shoot and set up and recorded 100 takes to make sure it was perfect.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Professional. Prompt. Creative. On-time. All-around amazing work product and pleasure to work with Top Notch. Greg - Top Notch's director and producer - is brilliant and genuinely cares and takes pride in his work product. That is why you get 1000% out of Top Notch.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Professional. Prompt. Creative. On-time. All-around amazing work product and pleasure to work with Top Notch. Greg - Top Notch's director and producer - is brilliant and genuinely cares and takes pride in his work product. That is why you get 1000% out of Top Notch.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

No issues. Smooth. And you have at least three people on your project. Always able to reach them.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They take pride in their work product. They go the extra mile, taking the time to learn about your project. The branding video was amazing and the three commercials are coming along beautifully. I plan to hire them to produce at least one commercial a month going forward.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Nope.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

New Land Capital is a real estate private equity firm based in New York City. Our firm has completed many successful transactions and manages a diverse portfolio in the New York metro area.

We specialize in retail, office, development, residential, industrial, hotel properties, and bridge loans. I'm the Chief Communications Officer at New Land Capital.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Top Notch Cinema?

Corporate video production

What were your goals for this project?

We needed a corporate video that was inspiring and engaging enough to show in front of an international audience at the world's largest family office investment meeting in Monaco, as well as at a private charity gala this fall.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We researched vendors online, starting from Google search results, followed by reading customer reviews, and then having a call with the producers.

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

The team had a chat with us, discussed our goals, and told us what resources they'd need from us in order to carry forward with our vision (such as logos, etc).

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Top Notch Cinema's staff was constantly in touch with us via email and phone late into the evenings and on weekends even, continually engaging with us in back-to-back conversations, screenshots with comments, and feedback regarding our creative process.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They delivered on time on all occassions and impressed us with their combination of speed and professionalism. People from around the globe complemented positively about the quality of their work.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was very effective. We never missed a beat and they were in touch with us almost instantly after we reached out. They're very good about replying via email quickly.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They're willing to go above and beyond for the customer. We made many, many revisions, but they were extremely flexible when many other companies might have walked away, particularly after they collected the final payment from us. These guys stick with it!

Are there any areas for improvement?

They're doing an amazing job!