Twisted Scholar, Inc.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Administrative Services Supervisor of the company

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We provide wastewater management services for the urban areas in Thurston County, Washington.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Twisted Scholar, Inc. to accomplish?

• To create a virutal tour of the wastewater treatment plant
• To explain how we clean the community's wastewater and produce renewable resources
• To highlight clean water careers

SOLUTION

How did you find Twisted Scholar, Inc.?

Initiated a request for proposals

Why did you select Twisted Scholar, Inc. over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned
• Great talent

How many teammates from Twisted Scholar, Inc. were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

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

Video Series: Wastewater Treatment 

The project goal was to produce a virtual tour video of the local wastewater treatment plant. Video could offer the tour experience to people unable to visit in person, either due to distance, time, or limited mobility. We set out to make videos that would inform and entertain diverse audiences in our service district, ranging in age from 9 to 99, as well as industry peers near and far. 

The intent was to keep the tour video at 15 minutes or less, a challenge since a typical in-person tour takes at least 45 minutes. We also wanted to produce a series of shorter videos on related topics, for audiences with specific interests and/or a preference for quick clips. Like an in-person tour, the videos would explain the wastewater treatment process and resource recovery and help viewers understand how they can help protect water resources by knowing what not to flush. 

And, the videos aimed to highlight clean water careers in a way that would encourage people of all backgrounds to consider a wastewater career. The project team included staff from the plant’s Communications, Education, Operations, and Maintenance divisions. 

We contracted with Twisted Scholar because they specialize in educational videos. They had the expertise to add a creative flare including animated graphics, soundtrack, and sound effects. We provided the Twisted Scholar with a variety of resources, including technical information, key messages, and imagery to direct the production. 

Working collaboratively with staff from throughout the organization, Twisted Scholar developed a script to guide development of the video, spent two full days onsite recording video, and captured many hours of raw footage to distill into the finished products. Animated graphics were used throughout the video to orient the viewers and illustrate complex ideas. 

Production of the video included interviews with employees speaking on camera about the important work they do and how treatment processes work. Interview segments featuring facility staff elaborated themes in the script. Animated graphics illustrated parts of the process that people normally cannot see because they are underground or out of sight.

The project completed six videos:

• The virtual tour video of the treatment plant (15 minutes) 
• A short version the steps to cleaning wastewater (3 minutes) 
• About our organization (1.5 minutes) 
• What not to flush (2 minutes) 
• Clean water careers (3 minutes)
• Wastewater superheroes (3 minutes - a humorous version of the careers topic)
• Reclaiming resources from wastewater (2 minutes)

The upfront investment of time and money yielded a resource with lasting value as we can now use and distribute the videos at virtually no cost. The finished videos were posted online and promoted through social media and other avenues. Since then, the videos have been viewed thousands of times, with the complete virtual tour having most of those views.

The videos won an award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the National Environmental Achievement Award for Public Information & Education, in the video category.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The videos have been used many times in presentations and meetings, been shared to numerous contacts, viewed thousands of times online and received entirely positive feedback. They have proven to be durable; they've remained current and useful several years after completion. They also won a prestigious national award from an industry association.

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

From start to finish, Twisted Scholar was responsive and timely with all work products. They offered ideas to make the best possible products. Through numerous review cycles, they never hesitated to rework video elements to make them even better.

What was your primary form of communication with Twisted Scholar, Inc.?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Twisted Scholar has a focus on producing education videos. No matter how dry or tedious the topic, they demonstrate intellectual curiosity and creativity to produce highly engaging content. They are also great people to work with. I have worked with Twisted Scholar on several other projects, in addition to the one described, and each time I have found the process thoroughly enjoyable and have been delighted with the results.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Twisted Scholar, Inc. could have done differently?

Not a thing. Every time, they go above and beyond to deliver the best possible videos!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Entry Navigator of Tacoma Community College

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Tacoma Community College is an educational institution.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Twisted Scholar, Inc. to accomplish?

• New Student Orientation Videos

SOLUTION

How did you find Twisted Scholar, Inc.?

Referral

Why did you select Twisted Scholar, Inc. over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Twisted Scholar, Inc. were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Twisted Scholar created new student orientation videos that highlight TCC's career pathways, resources, student services, and new student checklists. Online orientation is mandatory and we needed videos to balance the text and to give students visuals of TCC life, student body, and career pathways.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We wanted to create more visual content for our online new student orientation so students could get info in more than one format (text). Twisted Scholar did a fantastic job creating videos that capture life as a TCC student.

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

Twisted Scholar delivered the videos on time. They were very easy to work with when we needed to make changes and always sought our feedback to ensure we were getting the content we wanted.

What was your primary form of communication with Twisted Scholar, Inc.?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

It was such a pleasure to work with Erin, Chris, and the film crew! We had a great time throughout the filming days. And when we needed to re-do one of the videos Twisted Scholar did magic with the content we sent them.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Twisted Scholar, Inc. could have done differently?

I wish we were located in the same town so we could work with them more!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Creative Director of Stafford Creative Inc.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Advertising Agency

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Twisted Scholar, Inc. to accomplish?

Introduce, educate, and entertain the target market about a new technology product.

SOLUTION

How did you find Twisted Scholar, Inc.?

Online Search

Why did you select Twisted Scholar, Inc. over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Twisted Scholar, Inc. were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

To create an educational yet entertaining 5-10 minute video to introduce and explain a brand new technology for brain training. The product launch was the first of its kind in the U.S., bringing together experts from neuroscience in Japan, research from U.S. universities, and the senior living market supporting older adults and brain health.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Within the budget, Twisted Scholar was able to produce both the long-form 6-minute video with more detailed explanations for first-time users of the product, as well as edited shorter "modules" that could be used to promote Thinkie and the Thinkie system on websites and social media.

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

Marty and Erin were amazing at responding to the scope of this project, which was unique and challenging. We had multiple end-client stakeholders, some in Japan and some in the U.S., who were extremely happy with the outcome. We always felt taken care of and listened to, and their above-and-beyond client service was an incredible plus for us. They delivered on time and on budget. And everyone involved, from the talent to the volunteer seniors to the end client, had a positive experience!

What was your primary form of communication with Twisted Scholar, Inc.?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

We were impressed with their preparation and attention to detail, which made our shoot days a positive experience for all involved. What we found most unique were the energy and dedication both Erin and Marty put in to the project, their desire to listen and understand, and to bring their best creative selves to the project.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Twisted Scholar, Inc could have done differently?

Wouldn't change a thing - they were all we could have hoped for, and more!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Learning and Development Manager of Jaz'd

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Training and Development

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Twisted Scholar, Inc. to accomplish?

• Enhance my skills for a job interview
• Great quality work

SOLUTION

How did you find Twisted Scholar, Inc.?

Previous working relationship

Why did you select Twisted Scholar, Inc. over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned
• previous positive relationship

How many teammates from Twisted Scholar, Inc. were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Twisted Scholar produced a video of me by highlighting my personality and skills. They were able to really enhance my 'likeability' for any potential employer. The attention to details in the final product was amazing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I was able to get several interviews that highlighted my personality in this video. I landed the best job because the my personality matched with the culture of their company.

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

Not only did they deliver on time, they were ahead of the deadline. We had several calls and I was able to view snips as they were finalizing the video. Awesome connection with the crew! They took my suggestions and gave their professional input, which we agreed and finished the project.

What was your primary form of communication with Twisted Scholar, Inc.?

• In-Person Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

I was impressed by their personal connection with me and the continuous communication throughout the project. The attention to details, flexibility and professionalism was established from day one with me. They also gave great suggestions on how to accomplishment my goal. They made me look good!

I have a video that I can use for a very long time! Erin and Marty are the best. They take a real interest in producing exactly what you want, no short cuts!

Are there any areas for improvement or something Twisted Scholar, Inc. could have done differently?

None! I'd use them again if I had another project and would refer them to anyone that is in need of a great video.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Executive Director of Association of Washington Public Hospital Districts (AWPHD)

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Represent all 57 of Washington's Public Hospital Districts.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Twisted Scholar, Inc. to accomplish?

• To educate the public about PHDs
• Build a brand awareness

SOLUTION

How did you find Twisted Scholar, Inc.?

• Referral
• previous experience

Why did you select Twisted Scholar, Inc. over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Twisted Scholar, Inc. were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Worked with AWPHD to develop, script, produce, and launch an educational video about Public Hospital Districts.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Feedback and reviews from our constituents 
• Successfully communicating our message in a limited time-space 
• Gathering a diversity of viewpoints in production

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

Absolutely. The level of communication from the TS team was exceptional. We were able to adjust along the way to make the best use of e time and resources.veryone's

What was your primary form of communication with Twisted Scholar, Inc.?

Email or Messaging App

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

They evidently love what they do! On top of meeting the technical and l challenges of a statewide project, they connected with the people they interviewed and that showed in the final production.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Twisted Scholar, Inc. could have done differently?

No