Video Explainers

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the manager of a cleaning company. We do commercial and industrial cleaning for our local area.

What challenge were you trying to address with Video Explainers?

We were looking for a way to make our website more professional. We saw on Google Analytics that a lot of people were landing on the home page, but we weren’t getting as many conversions as we had hoped. We were looking for a way to grab the attention of the customers and engage with them in a quicker, simpler, more fun way. We did our website in-house, but we didn’t have time to dive into doing video animation ourselves.

What was the scope of their involvement?

In the beginning, they gave me a walkthrough of the whole process. We opted to do our own script because we knew it was very specific to our customers, and we didn’t want to leave that to chance. 

Due to the price (structured per-60 seconds), we decided to shorten our script from three minutes to about two minutes long. Then, we sent them the script to see what they thought. They quickly edited a lot of the grammar and punctuation errors. It probably saved about 10 seconds in the whole video, which is substantial.

After the script process, we went into the draft illustration phase. At this point, they took each part of the script and made it into a general storyboard and drafted illustrations. Even though the illustrations were stick figure draft style, they definitely had the cognitive ability to convey what we were trying to say and the picture in our heads. We approved that process, and then they flushed out those drawings a little bit. 

We chose to have the product illustrated after our company mascot (since we’d already had a lot of Q&A sessions and feedback about it). They came back with a theme illustration for the entire video based upon that.  After that, they flushed it out and drew the whole storyboard portion, which was excellent. We approved that and went onto the voiceover and auditioned a few cast members.

They provided the first draft of the final cut in January 2020. There are just a few adjustments to be made, and it will be done soon. We plan on doing about 20 videos with them.

What is the team composition?

We’re working with the project manager and customer support specialist. There were two individuals we tried for the voiceover.

How did you come to work with Video Explainers?

We vetted quite a few companies to get quotes, timelines, and to see who might be the most responsive. Video Explainers quickly fell in the top of that bracket by price point, communication, response rate, and their willingness to go through things. They seemed to know their field very well.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested less than $10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in November 2019, and the work is ongoing.

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

In every phase of the process before approving it, we’ve had our whole team take a look at it. Everybody has been completely thrilled. 

However, we haven’t seen any website conversions because the project isn’t completely done yet. We haven’t had the opportunity to post it on the website or used it for marketing. I’m very confident in it though.

How did Video Explainers perform from a project management standpoint?

They meet deadlines and communication is good. Usually, we go through Q&A sessions, assess everything, and get everybody’s feedback. That process has been pretty pleasant. Everybody has had smiles on their faces and there’s laughter in the room. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their illustrations are top-notch. They have exceeded our expectations. Their ability to take a small sentence and illustrate it exactly how you’re picturing it is magical. The rest of the staff was really surprised that they didn’t have to give so many revisions and edits. We’re so happy to not have to go back and forth.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We thought some of the sketch illustrations were drafts, but it was exactly what was in the final illustration. While it turned out to be great, we didn’t know about it. In the future, now we know to give feedback during that process so the final illustration comes out a bit better. This is nothing negative about them; we just weren’t prepared for it.

The second thing was the animation process. The animation was a bit underwhelming. When they provided us the theme of the animation, it didn’t move very much. When we had a scene with two individuals meeting, they pretty much stood in that position. 

We assumed that they’d wave hands, shake hands, fold their arms. Instead, it was just wiggling things, making the eyes blink, and the mouth kind of move. It wasn’t much in terms of dynamic movement, which fell short of our expectations. This is the reason the project has been taking a little bit longer because we are going back and asking for those illustration revisions.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a content marketing manager for an automotive dealer group.

For what projects/services did your company hire Video Explainers?

We hired Video Explainers to create a short, animated explainer video that explained our sales process in a fun and engaging way.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted a fresh, eye-catching visual style that would set clearly convey our goals and set us apart from the competition.

How did you select Video Explainers?

I posted a job request on Upwork and Mehroz from Video Explainers reached out to me. Their past work, clear communication style, and fair price convinced me that they would be the right fit.

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

They broke the project down into milestones and checked with me after each phase was complete. They were receptive to changes and always make revisions quickly and skillfully.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

I always had clear and timely communication from Mehroz. I never felt like I was being put off or unheard.

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

We haven't put the video into circulation yet, but our team is thrilled with the look and feel of the video.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Flawless. Being in different time zones worked out great. I could share a file or instructions, go home for the evening, and have revisions waiting for me in the morning.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They went out of their way to accommodate the client's requests for custom illustrations. That personal touch really helped our video stand out.

Are there any areas for improvement?

My experience was great and I see no need for improvement.

Please describe your company and your position there.

CEO of Zoysia Farm Nurseries. We grow and sell direct Zoysia grass.

For what projects/services did your company hire Video Explainers?

We had an out of date traditional video that had products we no longer sold. We had changed all our planting tools added a ready to plant product and an exclusive starter fertilizer that needed to be added to a new video.

What were your goals for this project?

Up date the information that consumers need showing newer methods.

How did you select Video Explainers?

Looked at reviews and examples of videos from various companies.

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

We used the old video as a foundation removing the elements no longer applicable and inserting the new products and ways of planting. Collaborated on a script that fit around 2 minutes we targeted for the video to run.

They really got the concept and the storyboard was almost spot on what we were looking for. We had lots of VO candidates so it all came together quite quickly. With very minor tweaking to get to the finished product.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

There was very clear communication, clear expectations of us and commitments from them on the timing of every deliverable along the way. There were never any surprises!

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

They did exactly what they said they would, when they would, how they would and for how much. They completed our expectations 100%

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Quick and easy, never any delays. We understood up front if we wanted a finished product by mid March we would have to turn around the delivered elements within 24 hours.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The communication was very clear and direct. I only had to deal with one person who grasped the concept of the project from day one. There was a plan and everyone stuck to it.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I wish I could provide some helpful areas to improve, but to be fair they really met our expectations at every turn and never caused a moment of anxiety as to if we had selected the right partner or that they would not deliver the project on time in full. Hard to improve on that!

Please describe your company and your position there.

We provide multiple SaaS solutions to sales and customer facing teams utilizing Salesforce. I am the Director of Marketing who oversees all marketing efforts for our 3 brands.

For what projects/services did your company hire Video Explainers?

We launched a new brand after merging two companies and needed an explainer video to quickly tell prospects who we are and what solutions we offer.

What were your goals for this project?

Find a cost-effective vendor to provide us a finished product that accurately reflected our branding and messaging.

How did you select Video Explainers?

Online research initially and then reaching out to individual vendors to find out cost and turnaround times.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

We completed a questionnaire, provided details for a script, edited the script, provided our branding colors, reviewed assets as they were being developed so we could request changes along the way.

The vendor was able to incorporate some of the minor (yet impactful) elements of our branding on our website to help create a continuity between the video and our current branding.

What was the team composition?

We worked with a single project manager.

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

The project manager was quick to respond and extremely accommodating on all our requests. I was often times slow to respond but our project manager was extremely patient and would remind me of my outstanding tasks so we didn't fall completely behind.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very effective

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We were impressed with the way they were able to stay on top of tasks and ensure things didn't fall behind even though I was slow to respond due to current workload

Are there any areas for improvement?

No

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the marketing manager at LoadSpring Solutions. I am a digital campaign strategist, with extensive experience developing lead nurturing email campaigns, social media campaigns, content strategy and management, PPC, SEO/SEM, and staging website UI/UX in multi-channel customer journeys.

Dedicated to orchestrating individual interaction channels that complete the last mile to closed-won for mid-size to enterprise-level clients.

For what projects/services did your company hire Video Explainers?

We have worked with Video Explainers several times. We have hired them to do holiday videos to send to our customers, and have some other explainer video projects in mind for the future.

What were your goals for this project?

We hoped to see an increase in traffic to our website, the time spent on our website, and sales. We intended to use the video on social media channels.

How did you select Video Explainers?

I had worked with Video Explainers on several projects while I was the Marketing Director at another company. The quality of the work, the expediency of completion, their pricing, and most importantly the satisfaction of my clients from those projects is why I decided to bring them along as new vendors to my current company.

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

Video explainers explained the process in great detail from the onset. They asked us relevant questions about our business. We collaborated on our storyboard and artistic direction. Their team quickly edited the videos and went above and beyond when we needed to make changes from our original ideas. They were very accomodating.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Our project manager was incredibly efficient, providing turnaround deadlines every step of the way that far exceeded our expectations. Communication was exceptional.

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

We have not yet distributed the video but anticipate it will be as well received by our customers as they have been previously with active engagement so important for customer renewals.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Our project manager was incredibly efficient, providing turnaround deadlines every step of the way that far exceeded our expectations. Communication was exceptional.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They are always accommodating, providing creative feedback, and extremely efficient. This company is particularly collaborative, and it was a very positive experience. We look forward to working with them again.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Everything was 100% to our satisfaction.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of ProteiQ Biosciences GmbH, company specializing in next Gen MS proteomics.

For what projects/services did your company hire Video Explainers?

We required a promotional / demo video for our newly launched cloud based service.

What were your goals for this project?

Develop a short (max 1 minute) dynamic video, highlighting the main values of the product.

How did you select this vendor?

Based on previous work Video Explainers did for us.

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

Very structured process with clear milestones, from scoping, to story boarding & final reviews.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

We had a contact to account manager who passed our feedback to the development team.

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

Not yet, we haven't even launched.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was very good, we create annotated feedback and passed it to their account manager who saw that implemented.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They have a robust and efficient process to get to a great result. It is our second time we work with them & they just nail it. Haven't seen so much of process security in creative industry.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Nope, it was very profesisonal

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am an Executive Assistant at a technology startup that has developed an application that is a state-of-the-art mobile and online platform that enables the self-management and organization of sports leagues. Our Enterprise League Platform is the first of its kind, end – to – end solution that handles all aspects of league organization and administration.

For what projects/services did your company hire Video Explainers?

Within our application, we offer Coaching and Refereeing certification videos. We decided that we would like this content to be animated which is why we hired Video Explainers.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was to create a series of animated videos, in multiple languages, that could be used as educational content for users of the application.

How did you select this vendor?

I found Video Explainers through UpWork.com.

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

The process was overall very smooth. Video Explainers took a look at our scripts and came up with storyboards for each video. Although we experienced some difficulties and miscommunication at the beginning, this was solved by more communication.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

The project management was overall good. I wish we had more communication, maybe a weekly phone call, but it was good.

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

The videos were completed and are now in our application!

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

As mentioned earlier, the workflow was generally good. I believe we both experienced difficulty at the beginning, but we were able to work around this.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was most impressed by the quality of the animations! They are great!

Are there any areas for improvement?

Communication

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a Program Director at the International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN). ICAN strengthens women’s institutions and activism for rights, peace and security in their countries, while amplifying their presence and gendered perspectives in regional and global policy arenas.

For what projects/services did your company hire Video Explainers?

We have used Video Explainers for a number of years to create 5 minute animations (explainers) on how to address gender in peace processes.

What were your goals for this project?

to make complex thematic issues more easily accessible to a wide audience.

How did you select this vendor?

We contacted a number of companies, had discussions with them and evaluated sample work.

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

I was not the one who originally contracted VE but since I have been in touch with them the process is as follows: - we develop a script and suggestions for images - VE develops a storyboard - we have multiple back and fort on this - ones storyboard is finalized, VE develops illustrations - we approve voice over - and eventually full animation is developed

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Our animations are very specific and need to be understandable and appropriate in a variety of contexts so the feedback process is cumbersome and we for through many phases. But Video Explainers is always willing to revise, no matter how many revisions it takes.

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

We continue to translate the animations into multiple languages and they are used widely among policy makers, high-level diplomats and civil society.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The communication is always extremely fast and easy and the turnover time is good too. I really appreciate that. VE is understanding our needs better with every video.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The flexibility and patience, and willingness to revise so many times.

Are there any areas for improvement?

At times we do have to give the same feedback over and over and I wish this was not the case. But overall it is amazing.

Please describe your company and your position there.

My name is Cephus E. Simmons, Sr. and I am the Founder and CEO of SealCath, LLC founded in 2013 and headquartered in Charleston, SC. We are a startup manufacturing company that just complete the manufacturing of my first medical device invention, the Cephus Catheter. The Cephus Catheter is the first double balloon catheter designed for colorectal use.

For what projects/services did your company hire Video Explainers?

We were looking to create our first video to introduce my invention and the product of a startup manufacturing company. Video Explainers was recommended to me by a colleague.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to increase awareness of the product and help everyone understand the importance of it in improving healthcare. The end results were instrumental in its delivery. The feedback I received was exactly the results we were looking for.

How did you select this vendor?

Video Explainers was recommended to me by one of my colleagues.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

The product went well. With every step, would receive an email identifying what that would do and how long it would take. It first started with a review of my script. Then, the initial video review. This was very helpful in identifying flaws in my script. I then made revisions and returned the edited script. These steps occurred until the project was completed.

What was the team composition?

I communicated with Jack for the entire project.

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

The project was very successful. The feedback I received from the reviewers were positive.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was efficient.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The most impressive about Video Explainers is how hard they work to ensure that the video was exactly what I wanted. They went beyond to ensure my happiness.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There was not area that needed improvement for this project.

Please describe your company and your position there.

Owner

For what projects/services did your company hire Video Explainers?

We created a video to define our company to consumers.

What were your goals for this project?

We hoped to help our clients understand who we are and how we operate. We published the video on our website and social media sites.

How did you select this vendor?

We found them on google.

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

There was a thorough questionnaire that we filled out. Jack was our point of contact, who helped clarify any questions they had.

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

We haven't been thorough with tracking, but there was an increase in traffic from our social media to our website

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

They are very thorough and quick to respond.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The final product was exceptional.

Are there any areas for improvement?

They charge a premium for their product, but they are a premium company... so I was willing to pay more for this level of quality.