Sparkhouse

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the Vice President of a Marketing Agency in Irvine, CA.

For what projects/services did your company hire Sparkhouse?

We've worked with them on a number of TV Spots and videos. This project, in particular was producing over 50 versions of :60 and :30 TV spots in both English and Spanish and another 6 in Vietnamese.

What were your goals for this project?

During the Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare, our agency kicks our marketing efforts into high-gear with media buys across California. To personalize the TV spots for each market, and because we wanted to track to results of the buy, we developed similar, yet customized spots per county/market.

There were also 3 different endings per spot, and we produced them in 3 languages, resulting in several different versions. The timeline was short, and Sparkhouse was able to complete them all on time and on budget.

How did you select Sparkhouse?

Sparkhouse was referred to us by another Marketing agency, and we've worked with them on a number of projects. Because we had successes with their team and the spots and videos they've produced, we knew they would be a good fit for this project.

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

We provided a majority of the custom illustrations and the scripts, and Sparkhouse handled storyboarding, the animation, VO, Music, additional graphics and editing.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

After a kick off meeting with the entire team, they hit the ground running. They used google sheets to keep track of the 50+ versions, and fram.io for easy review and feedback for both our agency and the client. The project manager kept us on task and edits were completed in a timely manner.

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

The client was very happy with the TV spots, and we received great results.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

After a kick off meeting with the entire team, they hit the ground running. They used google sheets to keep track of the 50+ versions, and fram.io for easy review and feedback for both our agency and the client. The project manager kept us on task and edits were completed in a timely manner.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Sparkhouse makes things easy. They understand that as an agency, we have tight deadlines and that the approval process is layered because there are multiple people involved in the approval process.They deliver.

Are there any areas for improvement?

The only hang ups really came from Sparkhouse not being able to get the Voice Overs done as quickly as we had wanted, because of the lack of response from some of the VO Artists. We understand that - and we were able to work through those issues and they were able to get them resolved.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CPO and co-founder of Plumedot, a digital signing company.

What challenge were you trying to address with Sparkhouse?

We were trying to create a video to raise funds from investors.

What was the scope of their involvement?

The goal was to create a video that conveys our message and what we’re offering to investors. We couldn’t meet in person because of COVID restrictions, so Sparkhouse set up recording days virtually. They brought all the actors we wanted to hire and sent us the voiceovers. They took care of everything.

What is the team composition?

We worked with quite a few people. The head of Sparkhouse was involved, as well as a team of about five or six. We felt like we were getting more than adequate support on the project.

How did you come to work with Sparkhouse?

We did some research online and found Sparkhouse had some great reviews. We watched the videos on their website and really loved their style. We thought they had an eye for what we wanted to accomplish and that they seemed superior to the other video production vendors we were looking at.

How much have you invested with them?

The total cost was between $10,000–$15,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from September 2020–February 2021. 

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

We haven’t deployed the video yet, so we don’t have any metrics. From a qualitative standpoint, we’ve shown the video to some members of our target audience, and they all loved it. They thought it was phenomenal and engaging. It’s a huge plus for Sparkhouse that they were able to pull off such a compelling video.

How did Sparkhouse perform from a project management standpoint?

We used Frame.io to make comments directly on the video. We also used Google Docs to collaborate back and forth on the progress of the project, the script, the action items, and other things like that. We went back and forth over email. 

Overall, Sparkhouse was extremely prompt in delivery. There weren’t any delays on their side. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

We were really impressed with their patience in working with us. Midway through the process, we realized we wanted to change our message, which took us about a month. The team figured out how to fit different video clips together, solving the problem with a lot of patience.  Sparkhouse went above and beyond any video production company I’ve ever come across. They’re one of a kind.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing I can think of. I don’t think there’s anything Sparkhouse could have done better.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Engage with them. The experience speaks for itself. They’re definitely worth the price they charge, and they’ll do a fantastic job. We have no regrets working with them.

Please describe your company and your position there.

Our company, Refinery Pass, develops safety orientations for the petroleum industry and serves these orientations on an online platform. I am an owner and creative director of the company.

For what projects/services did your company hire Sparkhouse?

Sparkhouse helped Refinery Pass dig us out of a projected hole! We had an influx in projects due to COVID and they helped dig us out of a hole.

What were your goals for this project?

Out goals was to lighten the load on the animators internally by hiring outside help.

How did you select Sparkhouse?

Looking at many companies online, I could tell by Sparkhouses portfolio that they were able to deliver quality work. What sealed the deal was their ability to communicate.

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

Refinery Pass would hand over a marked up script of what the animations would look like, along with audio and a graphical library for their animators to work with. Once an animator would give the animations their first pass, we'd review internally using a platform called Frame.io which worked nicely.

Due to our planning and Sparkhosues performance, the animators would usually only need to make another pass and the videos would be green-lit to hand over. There was only a couple of times where the video would need a 2nd or 3rd pass, but that was generally in the beginning when Sparkhouse and Refinery Pass were learning to work together.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

We used Frame.io to makeup the videos and make comments at specific timestamps. It worked so well that Refinery Pass adopted it for our internal and client reviews.

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

Sparkhouse nailed everything subsequently allowing us to expand as a company and take on more simultaneous projects without having to hire more animators. An owner couldn't have asked for more.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was highly effective. Most of the kinks were on Refinery Pass's side, learning to teach someone else how to animate in our style. Once we got over that hurdle with better preparation, we were a well-oiled machine!

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I found their communication and project management to be impressive. It's hard to find companies that communicate well, everyone is on the same page, and we as the client have good visibility on where things are at! They knocked that out of the park.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I don't think there are any areas for improvement. Sparkhouse, just keep doing what you're doing. We appreciate everyone and all the help in 2020!

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the director of e-commerce for a dietary supplement and wellness company.

What challenge were you trying to address with Sparkhouse?

We were looking to create a video to use across our e-commerce platforms as well as on our own website.

What was the scope of their involvement?

Sparkhouse produced a series of four videos for us. Each 30-second video focused on a unique product of ours and featured an actress engaging with the product and listing its benefits and features. Their team was responsible for storyboarding and scriptwriting as well as a few minor edits. 

What is the team composition?

We worked with three members of the Sparkhouse team, including the owner, a project manager, and a copywriter.

How did you come to work with Sparkhouse?

After searching for video production vendors on Clutch, I came across Sparkhouse. I engaged with a few different companies but Sparkhouse best understood what we were looking for. They had examples on their site of past work that was very similar to what we wanted so we decided to work with them.

How much have you invested with them?

We invested about $15,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement with Sparkhouse ran from October – December 2020.

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

The videos have already led to a small increase in conversions, and we expect to see a bigger difference over time. The production quality of the videos is above and beyond the industry standard. The videos are visually stunning and flow very well compared to the competitors. 

How did Sparkhouse perform from a project management standpoint?

Sparkhouse meets deadlines and encourages a seamless workflow. They laid out a timeline of steps early on and stuck to it. We were able to call or email them at any time with questions, although this was rarely necessary since they kept us informed throughout the process.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Sparkhouse kept us in the loop the entire time. They clearly understood what we were looking for even when we couldn’t articulate it ourselves. Nothing was ever shot without our approval. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, we told them exactly what we wanted and they were able to deliver on that.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Listen to exactly what they say and fill out their forms carefully to make sure they have what they need to succeed.. Follow their project management layout because that certainly helped us.

Please describe your company and your position there.

Digital Artist Management, Inc. provides recruiting services for the video game industry. I am the president and founder of DAM, Inc.

For what projects/services did your company hire Sparkhouse?

DAM hired Sparkhouse to generate a branding video for DAM and two supplemental videos that we can use to better engage with our customers.

What were your goals for this project?

The goal of working with Sparkhouse is to improve DAM's engagement with potential customers. The games industry is growing at a torrid pace and it's challenging to connect with customers. The use of video in our digital marketing strategy to reach these customers was a top priority.

How did you select Sparkhouse?

Sparkhouse's team is very impressive. They are consultative and thoughtful in their approach. Our decision was easy after viewing several videos Sparkhouse created for other organizations.

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

Sparkhouse helped us build an outline for the topics we wanted to cover in the video and shaped a narrative around our vision. Once the narrative was agreed upon, we shot the video at Sparkhouse's production studio.

The team was very professional and patient...especially considering our team has no prior experience in front of the camera. Once the video assets were shot, Sparkhouse's editing team worked on creating the final video.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Sparkhouse's feedback loop was efficient and accurate. The momentum of the project never stalled.

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

We are extremely happy with the end result of the video. Despite our lack of experience working in front of the camera, Sparkhouse executed on creating a branding video that represents our business and exceeds our expectations.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Sparkhouse's use of Frame.io made it easy to provide feedback on the progress of the video and the edits were made extremely fast.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Professionalism, patience, communication, execution.

Are there any areas for improvement?

It will help if there was a list of best practices or suggestions for Sparkhouse to distribute to the actors/contributors who may not have worked in front of the camera.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of Human Marketing, a full-service digital marketing agency.

What challenge were you trying to address with Sparkhouse?

We wanted to fill in the gap of video marketing and video production, which is something we don’t handle a lot internally.

What was the scope of their involvement?

We’ve done about four or five projects over the past three years with Sparkhouse, but we worked with them on one recently. 

We start with the organization process, and they’re very detailed about getting all the prerequisites in order. Before we even begin the actual video, we have high-level brainstorming meetings with the team, where we make sure we have the concept down.

From there, we move into the creative overview and agree on those briefs before going into the wireframe. We then start on the production elements like sound, voiceovers, audio, and more finalized production elements. Next, we work on the script, and finally, move into actual video creation or animation. 

In the case of this project, we went with animation. We did a few rounds of edits for the final animation before it was completed. 

What is the team composition?

I usually work with two direct contacts. For this project I worked with Spencer (Account Manager) and John (Creative Director). Broadly, I’ll usually work with Torrey (CEO & Founder) on most projects, who oversees from a high level.

How did you come to work with Sparkhouse?

It was several years ago, but we were either introduced to us or we found them through a search. They’re local to us. 

How much have you invested with them?

This particular project was about $6,500. We’ve facilitated ones as high as $30,000–$40,000 in the past.

What is the status of this engagement?

This project took place between September–November 2020, but we’ve been working with Sparkhouse for about three years. 

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

In this case, I was the client, since the video was for an app we created. We’re very happy with Sparkhouse’s work — the video speaks for itself. We use it in our website to convey in short form what our product is and what it does. So far, it’s been very well received.

How did Sparkhouse perform from a project management standpoint?

From a project management perspective, they’re great at keeping us on track. We’re busy and there are sometimes delays, but Sparkhouse great at checking in at the start of every week to let us know what they’re working on and what they need from us. They’re very diligent and consistent. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

I really enjoy working with Torrey. He always ensures the project is going well, even going so far as to get involved where and when needed to make sure we’re happy. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

We could probably have a few more meetings, whether it’s over video, the phone, or in person, rather than communicating so much over email. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be prepared as much as possible to share what you want. Have your vision, story, and as many elements as possible written down, so it doesn’t hold the project up.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Marketing Coordinator at a Global WiFi company named Skyroam. Our business unit is located in San Francisco, California and deals primarily with selling Skyroam hotspot hardware, accessories and WiFi services.

I am responsible for helping our marketing managers organize and execute campaigns across all channels, maintain healthy lead generation, generate creative assets with our creative partners, and assist our sales team with new partner onboarding and marketing materials.

For what projects/services did your company hire Sparkhouse?

We hired Sparkhouse to create a new promotional video for our flagship product, Skyroam Solis X, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

As an international travel brand originally, our marketing team had to make a major pivot after covid turned the world upside down and international travel completely stopped in its tracks.

The Sparkhouse video project was initiated to help our team'd efforts of telling a new story for Skyroam hotspots.

What were your goals for this project?

We hoped to touch a new audience with this video and secure our place in the domestic, everyday connectivity space that we were not necessarily focused on before.

We plan to promote this video through organic and paid social, add to our website as a hero promotional video, and drive more traffic through connected TV advertisements.

How did you select Sparkhouse?

We had worked with Sparkhouse on another video in 2019 and the rest of our marketing team had nothing but good things to say about the production crew at Sparkhouse.

It was clear that Sparkhouse wanted to be heavily involved in the creation process and promoted themselves as a marketing production company that provided more brainpower than just a regular production company, which made them stand out to us.

In a time like covid, with so much uncertainty, we wanted a production company that would help us navigate the project piece by piece and provide constructive opinions and feedback as we progressed.

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

We started by writing a brief for the Sparkhouse team, including the project objectives, requirements and overall message. From there, Sparkhouse drew up a proposal for us with more details around timeline, shoot dates, and pricing, which we accepted and got the project rolling.

We worked with Sparkhouse on the video script, mood board and AV script, and then scheduled the shoot date. In post-production, Sparkhouse sent over 3 versions of the video for approval - first for cut, second for UI screen recordings, and third for color correction.

At every step of the way, we were asked to give feedback and approve what was being created!

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Sparkhouse provided us a project manager, creative director and editor to work with throughout the process.

There were definitely more team members working on the project that we would see acknowledge our feedback on certain assets, but the three mentioned above were the main team members we were in direct contact with throughout the process.

There was opportunity for feedback at every step of the process - script, mood board, talent choice, AV script, video cut edits, video coloring edits - sometimes multiple rounds of each.

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

Our executives are very impressed with how much this video was able to communicate in such a short amount of time and are happy to see our marketing pivot being activated through such a positive creative asset.

Our broader, global team in China and Berlin are blown away by how fast the Sparkhouse team was able to pull this together! With time, I'm sure we will have more successful metrics to share as a result of this video!

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We were assigned a project manager that gave us weekly updates of what we could expect for the work week. He provided ever-present calendar links to schedule calls with him if we needed to.

Every creative piece of the project that we needed to approve was sent through a platform that allowed for easy feedback and streamlined communication, making our lives at Skyroam much easier.

Every member of the team was quick to respond to our notes and emails.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Sparkhouse really is who they say they are - strategy focused video marketers. They will dig deep into the goals of your campaign or project to help you arrive at the best visual communication for your message.

Their team will help you through every phase of the video-creation process starting from concept development and script writing, all the way through post-production and final delivery of the video.

They are well organized, effective communicators, and inspiring creatives that will deliver your next best video.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Nope. Sparkhouse was very professional and kept us in the loop for every decision. They were a fantastic crew to work with and we will definitely recommend them in the future!

Please describe your company and your position there.

Consumer product brand in the fitness industry. I am the inventor and co-founder

For what projects/services did your company hire Sparkhouse?

We hired Sparkhouse to produce a kickstarter video for us

What were your goals for this project?

we needed a 2-3 minute video that was fully edited with sound design and 3D animation to convey the value proposition for our crowdfunding campaign

How did you select Sparkhouse?

we found them online and simply based on previous work along with a sense of trust and confidence during the interview process, we chose them

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

they walked us through the creative process to help conceptualize the product and break it down in a way the conveys the message clearly and concisely to the consumer. The most professional onset experience I've had. Stuck to the schedule to the T. Post production was collaborative and needed very few edits to complete the final cut

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

We had access to our vendors through email, phone and management portals. Very easy to get a hold of them through any of these channels

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

We've already started testing their videos for our ads and getting incredible feedback and market validation

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Workflow was incredible. Sparkhouse was extremely flexible and open minded. they stepped in when they felt their expertise called for a better solution and stepped back when our vision needed to be conveyed.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their level of adaptability and to move quickly was impressive. There were times we needed edits on the fly and they were always quick to deliver.

Are there any areas for improvement?

none! they nailed it. i'd use them again all day

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the chief growth officer at a cannabis company, overseeing sales and marketing. Our products are distributed in over 150 dispensaries throughout the state of California.

For what projects/services did your company hire Sparkhouse?

During the pandemic, our company had an urgent need for a training video that could be used remotely to educate staff on our products.

What were your goals for this project?

We needed to create a professional video utilizing only current imagery and video assets in order to get a training video out to market very quickly!

How did you select this vendor?

I found Sparkhouse through an online search. They were incredibly responsive, thorough and able to meet my budget and timeline needs.

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

Sparkhouse provided a scope of work, budget and timeline for approval. Once everything was approved, we jumped in to the briefing process. Through phone calls and digital communication, I provided the needs for the project.

Sparkhouse was able to take that information and deliver a brief, mood board, script and concept. From there we went in to production, a couple rounds of editing and finished product.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

The project management was incredible. We had one primary point of contact who communicated proactively and timely. He coordinated all internal communication to ensure everything was completely accurately and on time.

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

This video will be used to educate staff in many shops throughout California, resulting in touch free education and increased sales.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The communication was seamless. Timely, accurate and proactive.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their ability to take feedback and deliver the vision set them apart.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of a pop-up museum, called the Donut Life Museum. It’s similar to other interactive exhibit museums. It’s very immersive and each room illustrates a significant moment of life. It’s donut-themed and utilizes donut puns.

What challenge were you trying to address with Sparkhouse?

They helped me piecemeal some of the images I had to create a branding video.  

What was the scope of their involvement?

It was a one-minute video. To get started, they just needed graphics or images of the exhibit. I sent that over in a folder. We’re an interactive exhibit, but are trying to adapt because of COVID-19. We were also looking to produce hand sanitizer and face masks once the museum is reopened. I sent them those images, and they embedded that into the branding video for us. They implemented those images, text overlays, and come music behind it.

What is the team composition?

In addition to our main point of contact, there were three other people on the team who were copied on emails.

How did you come to work with Sparkhouse?

One of my classmates from college reached out because they were helping small businesses record branding and promotional videos. Then I applied through the application for the complementary video and explained how our business was impacted by COVID-19.

How much have you invested with them?

It was a pro-bono project.

What is the status of this engagement?

The turnaround time was pretty quick. It started at the end of April 2020, and I got the video back about three days later.

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

They did a pretty good job. I liked that the turnaround time was pretty quick and they did a very professional job. I also really liked their music selection. They worked with me to make minor tweaks at the end, and they were very helpful with that. The video turned out very well. They did a really good job, especially since it was just a few days long.

How did Sparkhouse perform from a project management standpoint?

They were really responsive. From our first email communication, they responded within a few hours. Whenever I had a question, they responded right away. It was really easy to work with them. The application helped them prepopulate a lot of the information they needed to get started. Overall, the process was seamless.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I really like how they included the text overlays and they chose the perfect soundtrack for the video. It looks very professional and their transitions are very well. done.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I don’t think so.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be very clear about what you want and the message you want to send across. On top of that, being prepared with all of your materials. I had all of my archived images, logos, graphics, and fonts ready to go, so it was easy to share with them.