Case Study: Creating A Custom Video for A University’s Student Support Program

The Goal

Our client contact heads up the program at an Ohio university that provides specialized, focused support for students who have learning differences, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and other conditions that could make college more difficult. They are pioneers in the field and have decades of experience, but are still setting the pace for this much-needed service. Our client wanted a brief video that teased their on-campus program, gave glimpses into campus life, and included interviews with staff, students, and family members. Their target audience included students, parents, and therapists. Oh, and they were really hoping to have this video wrapped up in three months, so it could be featured at an important annual conference. Would the AMST team be able to deliver?

The Strategy

After our initial discussions with our client, we decided that it was best to iron out all the details beforehand, and then set up a day for a site visit. On that day we’d be able to capture all the footage necessary to then create the ideal representation of the program that our client was hoping for. After much collaboration with the team and our client (who was so awesome to work with, by the way!) we settled on the day. Interviews were lined up, and our crew showed up with all the necessary equipment and prep work done, but the weather didn’t end up cooperating for the much-anticipated drone shots. No big deal, we got the key interviews and were provided with some additional B-roll footage from the client.

After that trip, we made our way back to Cleveland and settled down to editing and polishing, with the goal of creating a cohesive, engaging, and impactful video. After what was an expected lengthy editing process that included some back and forth with our client, we were able to include some additional features that made the video that much more special. 

The Results

After plenty of editing, we were able to create an enticing video with a commercial feel that offered viewers truly beneficial information, just like the client originally requested (several days ahead of schedule, too). We highlighted who they are, what they do, and what they’re proud of. That said, we didn’t go overboard, as this was meant to be a teaser to draw new students into the program. Our client’s program works hard to empower students to move successfully through various areas of life, and we worked hard to deliver a brief video that could summarize and convey their decades of dedication and the program’s everyday, real-world impacts.

VIEW THE VIDEO HERE ! 

What can we say–this was a favorite project, by far! Our client was literally brought to tears at the results, and we were brimming with pride as we watched it too. It perfectly captured the sentiment they wanted to share while also being informative and engaging. Our client gave us a meaningful compliment, saying that we were successful in “relaying the heart and soul” of their program. Since completion, they’ve recommended our services to others and provided a stellar online review. Do clients get any better than this?! We just loved working with them.

The Takeaway

There’s so much to say here, but first off, we have to underscore the value of ready and open communication. Were there minor setbacks and small hurdles to jump? Of course–that’s every project honestly. But how quickly we can overcome them and get back to working hard for our client depends on having great communication with them. Can we get a hold of them? Are they easy to talk to? Do they reliably and accurately relay their wishes? This client got a gold star all the way around. 

It’s also vital that we build good rapport and that clients trust us. When the suggestions we made on how to handle the camera equipment were different than anticipated, our client trusted us with the final decision. They relied on our videography expertise, and our experience allowed us to act as a confident authority in what could have otherwise been a tense scene. 

But not everyone reacts like this–the client/marketing agency relationship requires plenty of giving and taking, and if it’s not done well, the project can suffer for it. It’s so important to work with a true expert who has the experience needed to make tough calls or to step up, direct and orchestrate. Of course, we’ll always hold up our end of every deal, but how much more streamlined things can be when communication is on point, like it was with this client. 

End of the story, if you’re a client looking for a top-notch digital marketing agency in Cleveland that can handle all your videography needs, then you need to be picky and choose someone with a proven track record. But when you work with a comprehensive Cleveland video production company, that’s what you can expect, each and every time. Here at Alt Media Studios we’re ready to help you tell your story–contact us today to get started!