Bottle Rocket Media

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CDO of Shore Capital, a private equity firm investing in lower middle market companies across healthcare, food and beverage, business services, industrial, and real estate sectors. We provide capital and operational support to drive growth and value creation.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Bottle Rocket Media?

We needed help producing a 30-minute instructional video to teach our 60 portfolio companies a best practice M&A process.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Bottle Rocket Media produced a 30-minute instructional video to teach our 60 portfolio companies a best practice M&A process. The video included voice-over narration of an instructional deck. Bottle Rocket Media shot, directed, produced, and edited the narration with my face over the video. The video also included five role-playing cut scenes to show the power of the process in action. Bottle Rocket Media shot, directed, and produced those as well. They then edited everything into one high-quality 30-minute instructional video.Bottle Rocket Media handled all the post-production work. They helped me refine my script for the instructional video and gave notes on what would sound more natural.

What is the team composition?

We worked with three main teammates from Bottle Rocket Media. There were more support staff on filming days.

How did you come to work with Bottle Rocket Media?

Someone referred Bottle Rocket Media to me. I chose them because they had high ratings, their pricing fit our budget, and they were a great culture fit.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from June-July 2025.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Bottle Rocket Media delivered the final video at the quality and vision we wanted on the project timeline. They exceeded all our expectations in that regard. A relatively high number of unique folks reached out proactively to comment on the video, and all the feedback was excellent. They said it was excellent work, very helpful instructional content, and they loved it. Relative to other similar projects in the Shore ecosystem, this project received the highest tier level of praise I’ve observed. Five of our 60 companies have launched this M&A process as a result of this instructional video, which is a great early result.

How did Bottle Rocket Media perform from a project management standpoint?

Bottle Rocket Media’s project management was excellent. They were very communicative and organized throughout the process. We communicated via in-person meetings, virtual meetings, and email or messaging apps.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I was especially impressed and pleased with how they heard me speak about my vision and then effectively met it on the first attempt. The direction they ended up taking it, which was building on my vision, made the final product even better than my vision. I didn’t think about it, but they did. Bottle Rocket Media’s customer service mentality, flexibility, and creativity were impressive. They were a step ahead in a great way and came up with ideas to strengthen my vision in ways I didn’t imagine myself. I couldn’t recommend them more strongly.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there weren’t any.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Brand and Creative Manager of Ice Miller LLP

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are a 350+ attorney full service law firm. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Bottle Rocket Media to accomplish?

• Create a video that features our private equity group.

SOLUTION

How did you find Bottle Rocket Media?

Online Search

Why did you select Bottle Rocket Media over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Good value for cost
• strong portfolio

How many teammates from Bottle Rocket Media were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

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

Bottle Rocket Media (BRM) will produce a high-quality, polished video for Ice Miller’s Private Equity Practice Group. This video will serve as an introduction to the firm, targeting prospective private equity clients and reinforcing the firm’s prestige and expertise. The video will be used in RFP submissions, sponsorship materials, and online platforms.

Project Goals

Refresh and modernize the Private Equity practice group's video while presenting Ice Miller as a highly professional, polished and prestigious law firm 

Align the video's production quality with the expectations of high-net-work private equity clients

Capture compelling interviews with key attorneys, including the Chief Managing Parter, while utilizing the new office spaces in Chicago for a sleep, visually engaging backdrop

Build a content library that can be repurposed for future marketing needs

Deliverables

• Primary Video 90-120 seconds 
• Social Media Cutdowns: 4 15-30 second clips for digital marketing 
• Raw Footage and Transcripts 
• SEO Strategy Consultation

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• The project completed before the estimated timeline.
• Our team was extremely impressed with their professionalism on shoot day
• Communication was quick and clear 

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

They delivered items before deadlines. They also easy incorporated a few change requests throughout the project. 

What was your primary form of communication with Bottle Rocket Media?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

The caliber, experience and expertise they brought to our project. 

Are there any areas for improvement or something Bottle Rocket Media could have done differently?

No notes here. They were fantastic.  If you're thinking about working with Bottle Rocket, do it! They provided one of the best agency/media group experiences in my career working with multiple groups.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Executive Director of Gi Research Foundation

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Works to better treat, prevent and cure digestive diseases and cancers by funding innovative clinical, discovery and laboratory research projects. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Bottle Rocket Media to accomplish?

• Clear and compelling mission message delivery
• Engaging and inspiring messaging to donors

SOLUTION

How did you find Bottle Rocket Media?

Referral

Why did you select Bottle Rocket Media over others?

• High ratings
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Knowledge of our mission and nonprofit culture

How many teammates from Bottle Rocket Media were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Creating two compelling videos for launch at a fundraising event and use throughout the year as a donor cultivation and stewardship tool and an educational tool. This included script writing, interviewing and filming featured grateful patients, clinicians and researchers. The project began with the development of a creative brief that BottleRocket created after facilitating a planning session with key stakeholders. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Amazing videos produced that were extremely well.received by.the audiences. 

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

Clear project timeline developed by BottleRocket. Reminders of deadlines communicated regularly. Exception customer communication. Responsive in all ways on a complex project. Provided wonderful guidance at key inflection points. 

What was your primary form of communication with Bottle Rocket Media?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting

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

Really embraced out mission and took the time to learn. They were so talented and patient as we learned the production process. Friendly and responsive. 

Are there any areas for improvement or something Bottle Rocket Media could have done differently?

Not that I can think of. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am a department director at Greater Chicago Food Depository

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are the food bank serving Chicago and Cook County.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Bottle Rocket Media to accomplish?

• Create video modules that would play on our 14 foot LED screen to welcome staff, visitors and volunteers to our facility's new lobby

SOLUTION

How did you find Bottle Rocket Media?

Online Search

Why did you select Bottle Rocket Media over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Their past work aligned with our very specific need

How many teammates from Bottle Rocket Media were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

We engaged Bottle Rocket to develop two to three new video modules (30-60 seconds each) for a curved, segmented 14-foot LED screen display in the Food Depository's newly constructed lobby. With only five weeks until the grand opening, we needed a partner who could deliver high-impact visual content on an accelerated timeline.

Our vision was to create compelling visual narratives combining high quality photography of our communities, partners, and neighbors with thoughtfully integrated messaging and animations. These modules would provide a powerful welcome for the volunteers, supporters, visitors, and staff entering the Food Depository daily, and engage them in our mission to end hunger.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Bottle Rocket's exceptional project management was critical given our quick five-week deadline. They clearly laid out timelines and expectations at each step, which really helped keep the project on track.

They also provided clear storyboards for each concept. This process allowed us to refine ideas and secure internal stakeholder alignment before moving into production. As first-time creators for this unique LED display format, we appreciated Bottle Rocket's responsiveness to feedback and new ideas, which ultimately made our modules even more impactful than we had originally envisioned.

Bottle Rocket created polished, professional visuals that create a genuine "wow factor" for everyone entering our building. Importantly, Bottle Rocket ensured all deliverables met the specific technical requirements and sizing specifications of our new display system, addressing a critical concern since we had no prior experience working with these screens.

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

Yes, Bottle Rocket's project management was exceptional. At the start of the project they clearly laid out timelines and feedback expectations, which was so helpful for keeping the project on track. 

What was your primary form of communication with Bottle Rocket Media?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Bottle Rockets team was truly professional and they brought a wide array of skills - from animation to story boarding to messaging to help bring our vision for these screens to life. 

Are there any areas for improvement or something Bottle Rocket Media could have done differently?

Not that I can think of at this time. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of Taft

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Full service, national law firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Bottle Rocket Media to accomplish?

• Professional website videos

SOLUTION

How did you find Bottle Rocket Media?

Referral

Why did you select Bottle Rocket Media over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Bottle Rocket Media were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

We hired Bottle Rocket to shoot and edit a series of videos for our Taftlaw.com website. The original project was part of our website redesign in 2017, but we have used Bottle Rocket for edits and additional filming since then. The original scope was to shoot interviews and b-roll in three Taft offices, then edit the footage into three marketing/brand vides and one video background. These are viewable on Taftlaw.com. In 2022, we wanted to refresh the videos with new content. We hired Bottle Rocket again to shoot b-roll in our Chicago office and additional interviews in the Cincinnati office. BR then edited the interviews and b-roll into the existing videos, based on Taft's storyboarding. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Three website videos and one background video, viewable here:

• https://www.taftlaw.com/
• https://www.taftlaw.com/general/diversity-and-inclusion/
• https://www.taftlaw.com/careers/
• https://www.taftlaw.com/about/taft-in-the-community/

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

Communication was always professional. I don't remember response time ever being an issue. 

What was your primary form of communication with Bottle Rocket Media?

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

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

They provided the professional, polished videos we were looking for while also being easy and pleasant to work with.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Bottle Rocket Media could have done differently?

The only snafu I remember is that it took a long time to receive the edited footage we asked for in a format I can use. This must not be a common request from their clients. One hard drive got lost in transit, which I don't see as BR's fault.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Marketing Officer of Jelmar, LLC

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We manufacture cleaning products for consumers, as well as B2B end-users.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Bottle Rocket Media to accomplish?

• Jelmar is looking to demonstrate its newly defined Mission, Vision, and Purpose to help our consumers and customers understand what we stand for as a company in a genuine way
• Showcase our company history in a fun, succinct manner.
• Demonstrate where Jelmar is headed in the future.

SOLUTION

How did you find Bottle Rocket Media?

Referral

Why did you select Bottle Rocket Media over others?

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

How many teammates from Bottle Rocket Media were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Bottle Rocket Media produced 90 second company overview video for Jelmar. The video features a fun voice-over, telling the story of Jelmar, it's history, it's family heritage, it's products, and the future. The story will be told visually with new cinematic b-roll captured on location at the office and facilities, historical footage, photos, and ads. There will be motion design elements and music to tie the whole piece together.   

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

This is a corporate/company video that we don't expect direct measureable outcomes.  We have had a lot of positive response to the video internally and with customers we have shared the video with.

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

The project management was great.  They were flexible and very responsive to our needs. And while schedules shifted on our part, Bottle Rocket Media was on time with our adjustments.

What was your primary form of communication with Bottle Rocket Media?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

They have a great culture, and it just felt like they really understood what we were looking for and how to accomplish it.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Bottle Rocket Media could have done differently?

No!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of Marketing of LexCheck

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

LexCheck is a contract acceleration and intelligence platform that reviews contracts in minutes, helping deals close faster.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Bottle Rocket Media to accomplish?

Create a compelling product explainer video.

SOLUTION

How did you find Bottle Rocket Media?

Repeat customer

Why did you select Bottle Rocket Media over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Bottle Rocket Media were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

We collaborated with Bottle Rocket Media to craft a 90-second product explainer video designed to succinctly convey our company's purpose and showcase our fresh brand. Their team demonstrated great organizational skills, overseeing the project with remarkable efficiency. They handled the selection of voice-over talent, ensured our alignment with the video storyboards prior to production, and successfully delivered the project within a tight deadline.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The video they created exceeded our expectations.

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

Bottle Rocket Media is always incredibly organized. They assign a project manager for each project who keeps everyone organized and on schedule. They always deliver on time.

What was your primary form of communication with Bottle Rocket Media?

Virtual Meeting

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

They always take our ideas to the next level. They are so creative, and it's a pleasure working with each individual on their team.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Bottle Rocket Media could have done differently?

Not in my experience. I'm always happy with the final results of their work, which is why I always go back to Bottle Rocket Media for my video needs.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of Communication of North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic provides accessible, quality, equitable, free legal services in the areas of domestic violence, housing, and immigration to give low-income, at-risk community members access to justice and the opportunity to live productive and secure lives.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Bottle Rocket Media to accomplish?

• Encourage guests to give generously at an annual event
• Educate guests about services

SOLUTION

How did you find Bottle Rocket Media?

Referral

Why did you select Bottle Rocket Media 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
• Creativity

How many teammates from Bottle Rocket Media were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

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

Create a 4-5 minute long video and a 2–3 minute edited version for social media to educate supporters/prospective supporters about the NSLAC’s history, mission, and vision through practice area and client testimonials, photos, and including an ask for donations.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Qualitative feedback from guests, fundraising amount exceeded expectations.

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

The project management skills exhibited by Bottle Rocket are truly praiseworthy. Their ability to plan, coordinate, communicate, adapt, and deliver exceptional video projects on time and on budget (with regular updates) showcases their expertise, creativity, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. They understood the sensitivity to the subject matter and displayed compassion when working with the interviewees. The team succeeds at transforming ideas into captivating visual stories, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

What was your primary form of communication with Bottle Rocket Media?

• Virtual Meeting

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

It has been a pleasure to work with Bottle Rocket. They place a strong emphasis on client communication and satisfaction. They understand the importance of actively engaging with the client throughout the process, from initial consultation to final delivery. Regular updates, feedback sessions, and collaborative decision-making ensured that the client's vision is realized and that any concerns or adjustments were addressed promptly. This client-centric approach fostered trust and has built a long-term relationship, and set the stage for future collaborations. Furthermore, the team has repeatedly demonstrated exceptional adaptability and problem-solving skills. They navigate unforeseen challenges and changes with grace, always finding innovative solutions to overcome obstacles and deliver outstanding results. Whether it's adjusting shooting schedules, resolving technical issues during post-production, or accommodating last-minute requests, their ability to adapt and find creative solutions is commendable.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Bottle Rocket Media could have done differently?

N/A

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the marketing manager for a non-profit in the financial services profession. My team handles marketing for all of our meetings and events.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Bottle Rocket Media, and what were your goals?

Our meetings are very diverse and our goals for each vary, but we have found video to be a valuable tool to promote each meeting, whether the video resides at the top of a website, we share links to them via social media and email, and we create short video ads from them as well. Product (meeting) visibility has multiplied incrementally and we are very happy with how well BRM's videos perform. This has been a great asset for us to hype up in-person meetings, following virtual events during the pandemic.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We interviewed several video vendors we sourced online, or organizations that were recommended by others. We found Bottle Rocket's team very compatible to work with, their ideas and recommendations very creative, and their price is right.

Describe the video(s) and the process in detail, including the project steps and all stages of production.

We started with an introductory meeting to help BRM understand our organization and the audience we are connecting with. They worked with us to develop scripts and storyboard. They have delivered a variety of length of videos for us, some with voiceover, some not. They find talent for us to select, and provide us with several options of the finished product to use on different channels: Web, Social Media, Digital Ads, etc.

Who did you work with and what was the feedback process like?

We work with a team of creative people, and a project manager who keeps everyone on track. Their timelines are always very generous and as quickly as we turnaround feedback to them, we always complete projects ahead of schedule. Feedback is easy to provide within the platform they share videos with our team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We share our videos with companies all over the world, who use the videos to promote our meetings to their staff. Views have increased significantly and requests to share videos come long before we begin creating the next one. We always receive very positive feedback on the quality and finished video product.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

As previously stated, the BRM project manager we work with is very accessible and always provides ample time within our production schedules. We communicate via email regularly, have touch base virtual meetings regularly and they always complete projects on or ahead of schedule.

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

BRM is very creative and helps our team think outside of the box, so our finished products are always top-notch. They are very professional but also very down to earth and enjoyable to work with from one project to the next.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

I don't believe so. We are very happy with the team and the final products they create for us.