Sparkhouse

Please describe your company and your position there.

I was the VP of Digital and COO at Entrepreneur Media, Inc. which produces Entrepreneur magazine and Entrepreneur.com.

For what projects/services did your company hire Sparkhouse?

I hired them for multiple projects over a span of many years. They produced, shot, and edited hundreds of videos for us for our YouTube channel and our website.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goals with these videos were to enhance our brand, create new sponsorship opportunities, and develop our library of quality video content for our audience.

How did you select this vendor?

They came recommended from a few trusted business partners. We’d tried many video production companies in the past and they were not as nimble, creative, or easy to work with as Sparkhouse.

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

The video projects ranged quite widely, but can be categorized as on-location interviews, sponsored videos, mashups, live streaming, events filming, and video production.

Many of the videos were produced on location and they were ready to travel and shoot at a moments notice.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

It was led by them. I didn't have to worry about deadlines not being met. They worked with our staff as needed and ensured everyone was up to date on progress or any issues that needed to be addressed.

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

Our content was created and packaged professionally. We secured very large video sponsorship deals with them as our partner. We could confidently sell with the knowledge we could make good on our promises in terms of the final product.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Workflow between widely dispersed teams can be difficult. We all did our part and the work got done.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their flexibility, their sense of enthusiasm, and their unwavering confidence in their capabilities.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Nothing stands out as a reason not to work with them again, which I intend to do.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We’re a digital marketing firm that develops content, digital media, strategy and creative concepts for various clients.

What challenge were you trying to address with Sparkhouse?

We wanted help producing an animated promotional video for a tourism agency.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They partnered with us on creative development, did all the casting, and produced the video. We gave them a brief of concepts we wanted and they created a solid script. They worked with our art director and created the animated film based on the imagery and characters she developed.

The finished product will feature on the client’s website. It’s focused for Instagram, but will appear on other social media sites as well. We normally work through editing, feedback, and direction in an iterative process. We had a very tight timeline. From initial briefing to finished video, the process was exceptionally smooth.

What is the team composition?

They cast the voiceover actor. Spencer (Account Manager, Sparkhouse) was the lead and did the editing; John (Creative Director, Sparkhouse) drove the creative development process on their side. We also worked with Torrey (CEO/Founder, Sparkhouse).

How did you come to work with Sparkhouse?

I’ve known Torrey for a few years and he’s helped us brainstorm concepts for past projects.

How much have you invested with them?

This was an $8,000 video.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our first meeting for this particular project was at the very end of January 2018. We just finished the video at the end of February 2018.

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

We just launched, but things are going well and we already have some good buzz behind the project. The client is really excited by the final product and we’re really pleased. It’s great to sit down with the editor and creative team to be more hands on with this kind of video. We usually plan for three rounds of revisions for this kind of project, but were finished in a round and a half. We had a shared vision with their team and the whole process was really seamless.

How did Sparkhouse perform from a project management standpoint?

Everything went well. We outlined a few things via email and embellished them through quick follow-up phone calls. This was a textbook example of a good project in action. They work hard and are responsive. They’re a very generous partner and they integrate well with our internal team.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re great listeners. They don’t get stuck in their own creative vision, but add ideas that enhance our concepts.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t say anything bad about our experience. They never dropped the ball and everything went smoothly.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I work at Five By Five, which is a creative agency in Los Angeles.

What challenge were you trying to address with Sparkhouse?

We were looking for a company to help us produce a recruitment video for one of our clients. The video would appear on the client's website and entice new talent who wanted to work at that studio.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They went to the location and shot footage of the studio, conducting interviews with and taking photos of the employees. Then, they put together a video and edited it. We wanted to bring out the personalities of everyone who worked at the studio and make it look like a fun place to work at.

Prior to that project, they also worked on a commercial for one of our clients. They produced a commercial that was 1.5 minutes long and was meant to appear mainly on YouTube and social media (it could also appear on television if purchased by the media).

What is the team composition? 

There were four people working on site and 1–2 more people who assisted with the editing and post-production process.

How did you come to work with them?

We did some research and interviewed a few production companies to do a commercial for us. Sparkhouse seemed to be a good fit for our needs, so we chose them. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spent between $10,000–$50,000.

What is the status of this engagement? 

We started working with them in July 2017 and our most recent project was completed in February 2018.

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

Our internal team is very pleased with the new video and the client loves it. The video will be posted on the client's website within the next month.

How did they perform from a project management standpoint?

They did a good job creating a production and shoot schedule before they visited the studio. Also, they kept me updated on their post-production process and responded immediately when I reached out to them for any reason.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They feel like an extension of our team. We trust their creative instincts.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything. We're very happy with the results.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Communicate your vision clearly to them and they'll be able to bring your ideas to life. They have a talented group of directors who are always willing to help.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a co-founder of Thompson Tee. We invented an undershirt that blocks sweat.

What challenge were you trying to address with Sparkhouse?

We were looking to develop some creative video content to deliver on multiple marketing strategies.

What was the scope of their involvement?

We created several live-action videos with Sparkhouse. One introduced us and explained our product in a casual manner, and one is a more entertaining video that describes various scenarios and reveals our technology. It was a collective effort on the creative aspects, but they ultimately scripted the videos and brought a team together to execute on our ideas.

What is the team composition?

They’re a relatively small operation, but we worked with six or seven of the fifteen or so on staff.

How did you come to work with Sparkhouse?

We found them through a group called Human Marketing, who was helping us vet the companies we were interviewing. They worked with Sparkhouse in the past and recommended them very highly. We had several marketing groups proposing ideas in the beginning, and Sparkhouse came up with what we considered to be the most in line with our desired message. They seemed to listen to us, whereas some other companies seemed to be forcing their own strategies without considering our brand.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around $35,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with them from December 2017 through January of this year.

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

We have three videos with them, two of which have already been published. Our introductory “explainer” video is at 150,000 views, and that’s after less than two months. From both the creative side and the production side, Sparkhouse is a great bang for your buck. Video and audio have been very high quality, and we’re continuing to work with them because we’ve been so impressed.

How did Sparkhouse perform from a project management standpoint?

They communicated very well, and always asked us great questions to make sure the videos were as effective as possible. Some vendors are hesitant to involve the client and work independently, often leading to gaps between the idea and the end product. Sparkhouse was completely engaged, and we were very happy with the results. They felt like an internal department, rather than just a vendor.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their creative is very unique, and they always thought outside of the box. They were great listeners and always took extensive notes on our goals, which made them stand out from other creative groups.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We were completely satisfied with all three projects and are currently considering another three in moving forward.

Advice for potential customers?

Explain your objectives clearly and confirm that they understand what you’re looking to achieve. Sparkhouse does a great job with listening, so give them substantive feedback and make sure everyone stays on the same page.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the marketing manager at Nekter Juice Bar, a chain with about 100 locations nationwide. We serve freshly made juices, cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and Açaí bowls.

What challenge were you trying to address with Sparkhouse?

We wanted to create a few updated videos to play on a loop in our stores while customers waited that showcased the fresh ingredients that go into our menu. In the past, we've had videos that weren't as engaging or upbeat as we would've liked.

What was the scope of their involvement?

Sparkhouse's team created three videos on a loop, collaborating with our team on the script and storyboards for each. The videos showcased our fresh ingredients, using slow motion shots of produce and some text animation.

They also redid our franchise marketing video, updating it with new content and a voiceover.

What is the team composition?

We mostly worked with four people, as well as a handful of others on the day of the shoot.

How did you come to work with Sparkhouse?

Steve Schulze (President and CEO, Nekter Juice Bar) knew Torrey Tayenaka (CEO and Founder, Sparkhouse) from past experience. When we needed to update our videos, Steve reached out to Torrey and we went from there.

Someone I knew within the advertising agency community in Orange County also had glowing reviews for them.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about $10,000-$15,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in September or October 2017 and just finalized the project [in February 2018].

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

Overall, feedback has been great from both staff and customers in stores. The videos are upbeat and communicate exactly what we wanted our customers to see.

How did Sparkhouse perform from a project management standpoint?

They were great, especially compared to our experience with a previous vendor. Their solutions-oriented team went above and beyond in terms of planning and production. Anytime we had feedback, they'd hop on a call right away and come up with a plan to make adjustments as needed. The whole process was seamless.

What did you find most impressive about them?

From their creative abilities to their approach in communicating with our team, working with Sparkhouse has been great. Their professionalism sets them apart.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. I can't think of anything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Make sure you have a clear vision going into the planning process. Sparkhouse provided us with a few ideas for video concepts, which helped us choose a direction that was best for our brand. That pre-production work is critical to getting the best end product for your business.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the Business Development Manager at Goldencomm, an e-commerce website development firm.

What challenge were you trying to address with Sparkhouse?

Originally, I wanted to create a viral video on a limited marketing budget.

What was the scope of their involvement?

Sparkhouse produced five or six different live-action product videos projects, including the viral video, for our website. For a gourmet drink mix, they hired real actors and filmed in a kitchen environment. In each case, our goal was to show how easy the products are to use. They also do storyboarding and scripting in addition to production.

They helped a mutual client with photography and product videos, but I recommended their branding support services as well. To refresh corporate identities, they do branding updates and mood boards.

What is the team composition?

I work with one or two people at a time, the founder and/or a producer.

How did you come to work with Sparkhouse?

I found them. They understood all aspects of digital marketing, not just the visualizations. The team was a fun group of confident people.

What is the status of this engagement?

Work started in 2013 and the latest project wrapped in January 2018. They just completed a photography shoot and are now moving into media production.

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

The work was outstanding, professional and exceptionally creative. The founder exceled at storyboarding; I think he was born to do it. We noticed improved traffic and video views on one project, but don’t have analytics for anything done before that.

The whole team also proved their strategic branding and marketing skills. Most employees are film school graduates, but are more strategic than other industry professionals. They make insightful recommendations and have a good grasp on industry best practices. I keep recommending them for their overall talent.

Sparkhouse made it easy for us, as a startup, to work with a limited budget. They’re creative about getting resources, such as free actors from Los Angeles, at a cost-effective price.

How did Sparkhouse perform from a project management standpoint?

It’s great that I work with only one or two people. The producer or founder marshals all the resources: actors, scripts, location shoots, etc. They take care of everything.

The founder especially is not shy to bug me until he gets what he wants. They’re great project managers, getting tasks completed on time and on budget.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The combination of digital marketing prowess and video production competency stands out.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could take me to lunch more often, but I have no serious critiques.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Have a realistic budget in mind because most video production companies engage under a certain amount. However, Sparkhouse can adapt to meet clients’ financial needs. When I started as a startup, I was impressed with how they were able to get resources without breaking the bank. The more direction the client provides, the better they can execute.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We help tech product companies build brands that help sales growth. We specialize in the consumer electronics industry, with expertise in retail activations and digital marketing. I'm the CEO.

What challenge were you trying to address with Sparkhouse?

We were looking for a video production house with the creativity and talent to execute on our creative briefs and as a long-term partner to work with our company.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They've worked with us on 12 campaigns. They've made high-concept brand films that have involved everything from surfing at the beach, to having a family taking flight at the airport, to having helicopters and military vehicles descend upon our client's warehouse. The requests have ranged from doing 3D digital development to CG animations.

How did you come to work with Sparkhouse?

I met one of the partners at a local networking event. We chose to work with them because of their creative hunger and ambition to push the envelope.

How much have you invested with them?

We've spent around half of one million dollars with them.

What is the status of this engagement?

We've been working with them since 2011. We have small projects with them currently.

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

They're a full-service video production company that has successfully delivered upon our creative briefs. We have millions of views through the virality of the content. People like how they keep their finger on the pulse of emerging trends.

How did Sparkhouse perform from a project management standpoint?

They're always on time and budget. They're very collaborative; they're like an extension of our team.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They understand how to build a brand.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I have nothing to say.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the field sales director at Taylor-Dunn, a manufacturing company of electric vehicles for industrial and commercial use.

What challenge were you trying to address with Sparkhouse?

We wanted to produce three-minute videos of our products, so our customers can learn about their features and benefits.

What was the scope of their involvement?

Sparkhouse has produced 27 videos for us. The videos are about three minutes long and include animations, dialogue, and product demonstrations. They wrote the scripts and used in-house actors to portray the selling features of our vehicles. Sparkhouse took standstill, moving, and aerial shots of our products in action. The videos were posted on our website and on YouTube.

The videos are meant to support our sales efforts. We attach the videos to emails sent to customers, so they can get an understanding of our products. New sales representatives learn from the videos to understand the products' features. Whenever we come out with a new product, it is expected to have a video put together for our employees’ tool kit.

What is the team dynamic?

Torrey [Tayenaka, CEO/Founder, Sparkhouse] and his team went to Taylor-Dunn to film and produce the videos. They wrote and revised scripts to correctly show what we were selling.

How did you come to work with Sparkhouse?

I believe they were called Orange County Media when they first emailed me. I interviewed different audio/video production companies and they seemed like an aggressive young company that understood the message we wanted to portray.

How much have you invested with them?

We invested under $50,000 with Sparkhouse.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them since 2011, and did two or three videos in 2016.

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

These videos have been phenomenal because they became training tools for our employees and gave the customers the opportunity to see our products without having a live demo done on site. Most of our competition does not have product videos and this project has progressed us far above them.

How did Sparkhouse perform from a project management standpoint?

We never had an issue if we wanted to change the script. We would go back at least three or four times with film edits if there was something that didn’t match or like.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They are nice people to deal with, they are on time, and they understood what we wanted. The completion of videos was quick, and they exceeded my expectations.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the director of creative development for a business magazine.

What challenge were you trying to address with Sparkhouse?

At the time, our organization had no dedicated video department internally, so we needed help with both production and editing. They became our main source for producing video content to use on our main website, social media accounts, and various marketing and advertising efforts. As a publisher, we had a lot of content, and Sparkhouse had great ideas about how to utilize it in videos. The overarching goal was to gain additional advertising clients through our digital initiatives.

What was the scope of their involvement?

Since the beginning of our partnership, they have worked on probably hundreds of videos with our editorial and marketing departments. I often worked directly with Torrey Tayenaka [CEO and founder, Sparkhouse] to brainstorm ideas, gather necessary files, and begin individual projects. The rest of the time, Sparkhouse worked directly with our staff to produce video content based on the individual department’s needs.

Most of the content involved interviewing entrepreneurs, individually and as a group, and filming both keynote speakers and breakout sessions at our events. At certain events, they also assisted our digital team with live streaming. Our team was given a lot of leeway to request content, such as “how to” videos, among other topics.

A few times, Torrey assisted in the production of video pitches to advertisers. Although most of the content came from our side, he occasionally provided creative suggestions, including sharing pre-roll or a quick-cut clip of something that he thought would sell our brand effectively to advertisers. Sparkhouse’s involvement was a little bit of everything.

What is the team dynamic?

Our other staff worked with some of his partners, but I worked exclusively with Torrey.

How did you come to work with Sparkhouse?

Sparkhouse has been a vital partner in our business for 6 years, ever since our then-COO set up an introduction. After that initial meeting, we did a couple of test shoots, and the work we received was of such a high quality that we decided to engage them on a more regular basis.

How much have you invested with them?

Anywhere between $50,000 to $200,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

It began in 2011 and is ongoing.

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

Although I do not have any specific metrics or statistics on the matter, there is a noticeable difference in quality to the video content we produced before and after we engaged Sparkhouse. From a design perspective, Torrey helped to establish a style and identity for our magazine’s video content.

How did Sparkhouse perform from a project management standpoint?

Torrey was the principal for our organization, and although he worked with a team, I do not know the specific numbers for each individual project. Their work with the marketing and editorial departments was always reliable and well organized, with Sparkhouse being heavily involved at every stage of the process. Any issues that came up were the kind that one would expect to happen at any ordinary video shoot. In terms of communication, Torrey was responsive and timely.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Sparkhouse is open to constructive criticism and is not afraid to voice their opinions. Torrey is an extremely flexible production partner, in that he allowed us to provide as much direction as we saw fit, but he was also able to take the reins when he was more engaged in a particular creative idea. His development of our video content’s style was essential to getting our digital presence to where it is today. During the editing process, very few revisions needed to occur, which was an important timesaving factor for us.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the senior graphic designer for JWC Environmental. A global company in the wastewater and industrial wastewater industry.

What challenge were you trying to address with Sparkhouse?

Our video library consisted of content from the 1970s. We were looking to our update our videos in order to accurately showcase our products and better serve our customers. Primarily, we needed an updated maintenance video for one of our product lines.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They assisted with the production of a maintenance video, and are producing a product introduction video in its entirety. The maintenance video is used by our European clients. It provides the information on how to disassemble and reassemble our products in order to improve their functionality. That project was a collaborative effort as we filmed it in-house and gave them the raw footage. We then worked closely with Sparkhouse from the storyboarding stage to completion of the video. The second video, which is still being produced, introduces a new product to the industry and illustrates how it works. This will feature a mixture of both video footage and animation.

How did you come to work with Sparkhouse?

Sparkhouse was originally in our office building. I spoke to them, and a business relationship was formed. When starting the video production project, we first considered other companies. However, they weren’t creative or flexible enough to meet our needs in a way that Sparkhouse could.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent close to $5,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in early 2015, and the relationship is ongoing.

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

The maintenance video is only applicable to a niche group of customers. The product introduction video will be distributed to the appropriate social media channels but is not complete. As a result, I don’t have access to certain metrics at this time. However, I can say their work was excellent and they’re some of the best people I’ve worked with in my 30 years of industry experience.

How did Sparkhouse perform from a project management standpoint?

Their expertise in storyboarding, communicating, and collaborating made the product better than expected.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They care about their client, and their knowledge of the video process makes the storyboard come to life.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Honestly no, I can’t think of anything they need to do better.