Exaltus

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Communications Lead of Twice Upon a Time

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We give books to children!

We give new and nearly new books to children from birth to twelve years of age, to support literacy and foster a love of reading at home.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Exaltus to accomplish?

• Develop an animated video explainer for our organization
• Explain our organization's mission, vision, structure, donations acquisition process, and community impact.
• Target audiences for internal training for volunteers and external promotion to our donor community

SOLUTION

How did you find Exaltus?

Referral

Why did you select Exaltus over others?

• High ratings
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

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

Exaltus produced English-language and French-language whiteboard videos around two minutes in length.

This project included:

1. Scriptwriting
2. Storyboard
3. Illustrations and computer rendering
4. Animation
5. Voice over

The deliverables were:

• Final videos in formats suitable for promotional use at live events and online platforms
• Feature images and poster image for promotional use

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have received increased engagement on our social media channels as a result of these videos.

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

All milestones were met on time and, in fact, some were ahead of time. Carole responded very quickly to our questions and feedback, and every response met or exceeded our needs.

What was your primary form of communication with Exaltus?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

The team's ability to translate complex information (our donations process, who we service, and the importance of our work) into a short, easy-to-understand video in compelling ways. The final product does in two minutes what used to take us five minutes or more to explain verbally.

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

N/A

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Parity and Politics is a government funded project to increase women's participation in politics in Canada. I am the project manager.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Exaltus, and what were your goals?

We contracted the makers at Exaltus to design and produce a whiteboard animation explainer video for the campaign in both French and English.

SOLUTION

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

We selected this vendor based on their online portfolio and then on the responsiveness, flexibility and enthusiasm the owner of the company demonstrated over the course of initial meetings.

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

We began by writing a script which we then reviewed and revised with Exaltus. They then put together a story board based on that script. From there, we were asked to choose animators and then some initial drawings were produced that we approved for the style the video would take. They then created the animation slides and sent those for approval.

Based on those approved slides, they did the comptuter renderings of those drawings then incorporated those into the full animated video. We were consulted at every step of the animation journey. We had voice over talent to record the script, however Exaltus has a range of excellent VO talent clients can choose from. Once the voice over was done, Exaltus synched it to the video for the final product.

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

The Exaltus team was incredibly responsive throughout the entire process and shared content with us on online platforms that were easy to access and manage.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Within a day of posting our content to our website and YouTube channel we had tremendous feedback from our target audience and scores of clicks. People love it. We were asked if a very large union organization could use the video at their upcoming conference and of course, we said yes. We will also share it with academics /instructors at colleges and universities who may wish to incorporate it into their cirricula.

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

The project management style is open, flexible and highly responsive. The Exaltus team really heard our feedback and integrated it into their work in a timely and sensitive way.

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

Attention to detail and the effort in communications packages, including a final digital product package suite for each version of the video was just above and beyond.

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

There is nothing about working with Exaltus that left us wanting. We consider their videos the crown jewels of our campaign. We are proud to have partnered with them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm VP General Manager of an advertising agency.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Exaltus, and what were your goals?

We hired Exaltus to produce a video for one of our government clients. It was part of a strategy that required finding a way to communicate a complex subject in a simple manner and the white board video concept was the ideal solution.

SOLUTION

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

We were highly recommend by somebody who had already worked with Exaltus. The deciding factor was the storytelling approach to the project they provided.

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

We started by reviewing all key documentation, we then had a working session to answer questions and communicate expectations. A timeline was agreed upon. Exaltus has a great web tool that allows you to follow the development of the project at every stage from conception to animation.

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

The feedback process was easy especially being able to track project progress online. Exaltus response time and turn around was quick. They understood our feedback and always came back with options. Open communication and collaboration helped avoid any roadblocks.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The video was a success. It was used internally to communicate a new important strategy, the format of the white board video succeeded to socialise the new vision to a large audience. Due the positive feedback the video is now included in the onboarding program for all new employees.

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

Very collaborative, responsive, friendly, always in solution mode. Tools were easy to work with. Timing was always respected.

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

They do their homework. They take the time to read all the client materials, understand what the objective of the communication is. They mastered the storytelling approach even when the subject matter was complex. The video need to be produced in two languages, this was planned out from the beginning in order to not have to produce new animation and therefore be more cost efficient and respect the budget envelope.

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

We were very satisfied with their approach and process throughout the whole project.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Vice President of Content. Our company produces books and apps for the US market.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Exaltus, and what were your goals?

We used Exaltus to create whiteboard videos for us. The challenge was to synthesize complex, tedious content into an engaging, informative and easily digestible video.

SOLUTION

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

We chose Exaltus because we had seen the work they had done for other clients and we recognized that the videos they produced were unique and high quality. Also their reputation as a company is very strong so we knew they would be a valuable partner.

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

Exaltus broke down the video production process into 5 clear steps. They helped us explain these steps to clients by providing a presentation we could use and also a progress report website. It was very helpful!

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

We worked with the founder of the company. She was open and receptive to all feedback and really worked with us to create projects that the clients loved.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The client(s) liked the initial videos that we produced so much that there are several more that have been commissioned.

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

The project manager kept us informed of her progress at all times, even providing a website we could log into to see how things were going. She responded to emails almost immediately.

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

I was impressed by how professional and seamless the whole process was. I didn't have to chase after anyone, the project moved through each of the steps quickly and easily. And this is despite our client being quite demanding! Exaltus keeps working on improving their systems and processes which I find impressive.

There are many companies that produce whiteboard videos - but the quality of the ones that were produced for us by Exaltus was top of the line.

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

There's nothing that I would change. We hope to have a long and fruitful relationship with them!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Operations Manager at Breton SmarTek, a company that provides communication systems for emergency services and long-term care.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Exaltus?

We hired Exaltus to produce three explainer videos. Our fire services product is complex and multi-layered and we needed a simplified but effective message that would explain the core concepts of the product.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goals were to create three short videos that would explain each aspect of our product. It was imperative that the message be short but effective...and created in such a way that a diverse number of fire departments would be able to see themselves using our software. Career vs. volunteer fire departments, as well as rural vs. urban have different challenges they are trying to solve. It was critical that the same message be equally effective for both.

SOLUTION

How did you select Exaltus?

We have a particular idea in mind when we began our search for production company. We wanted a company with a demonstrated history of success but that was small enough that we would be able to deal directly with the creator. And, if it was at all possible, we wanted to have a company led by women.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Exaltus designed the story board and script for each video. In order to do this, they had to first learn how our systems worked and, most importantly, learn how they are used by different fire departments. Once they acquired the the information on how our systems worked and how fire departments operate, they had to determine which features would be best communicated in video format and which would be the most impactful. These initial steps required considerable dialogue between Exaltus and us, during which we were supported well by Exaltus staff. Once the script and story board were prepared, Exaltus put together a creative team that consisted of artists and voice actors to bring the script to life.

What was the team composition?

We worked closely with the owner of the company, who is also the primary animator. She coordinated the actors and artists and served as an interface for our project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The videos have increased our social media presence and have added support to the ways we much do business in the middle of a pandemic crisis.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow between their teams and ours was seamless. Throughout the period of the project, it felt very much like we had new employees with skills in content creation and branding. The Exaltus team are skilled communicators and were quickly able to become the newest members of the BST team.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

AS an award-winning company, we knew Exaltus would deliver a quality product. The most impressive thing of our experience with Exaltus was the incredible level service delivered consistently from the start of the project to the end. They worked with us to accommodate some challenging timelines and worked tirelessly to ensure our comfort throughout the process. The created a collaborative process that supported and educated in equal amounts.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Not one! From the start to the finish, we were supported. The Exaltus team made suggestions that improved the process throughout...and continued to support us as we launched the videos they produced. An incredible experience we are sure to repeat. If you want to rent a content creation specialist for your team...one that will like a long-term employee...The Exaltus team should be your first call!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a sales coordinator for a company that manufactures and sells precision laboratory equipment for pulmonary research.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Exaltus?

Creation of whiteboard animation.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to take a scientific maneuver that our equipment performs to make it and easy way for new users or new customers to have an easier understanding of a detailed scientific outcome.

SOLUTION

How did you select Exaltus?

Two main factors helped me in deciding to accept Exaltus' quote and project proposal was that Exaltus was very responsive to my initial outreach and that they were a local company here in Montreal. Our company is about keeping business local as much as we can. After speaking with 3 other animation companies, Exaltus was the only company that seemed eager to work with us and to give us exactly what we were asking for in the animation.

Other animation companies, seemed to want to take the easy route of simply creating a hybrid animation video for us - by basically having the final output being half animation and half high resolution photos of our equipment. This is not what we were looking for. Exaltus was the only company that took our equipment and had it drawn out in the animation to literally look like a doodle - which is what we wanted.

Another reason Exaltus was chosen were the reviews listed on the Exaltus website. I paid close attention to a researcher from McGill University, that left a review regarding the work that Exaltus did for him. This researcher from McGill is someone known to our company, so once reading that stellar review of Exaltus being able to make something very scientific and turning into a more understandable animation, was something we were looking for.

A combination of all the above is why Exaltus was chosen. People involved in the process, started with me as the sales coordinator, then the marketing team met (consisting of a manger, and event planner, and lead generation persons), review sample videos provided by Exaltus and then it was decided to Exaltus was the group we wanted to work with.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

The scope of work for Exaltus was to take all of our high resolution photos of our equipment - change them into hand drawings for a whiteboard animation base on the scientific maneuver that we wanted to explain. The animation will be housed in our gated content of our website, to encourage click rates and website enrollment. Exaltus also cut down the full video into 7 different snippet videos that can be used as teasers in emails to entice researchers and prospects to visit our website.

My role in the project was gathering all necessary content for Exaltus - provided guidance on what we wanted the animation to look like. Provided all icons and images to use. Provided all information that Exaltus needed to get the video completed for us. I was the one that signed off on the project proposal at the start and I was the one that gave final approval sign off on the project.

Nothing specific to mention about the campaign, but just want to reiterate how Exaltus was the only company that offered whiteboard animation, that actually made our equipment look like a whiteboard animation - I think that just seals the deal that this company is just fantastic :)

What was the team composition?

While working with Exaltus I only worked with 1 person from day 1 to the final approval day. Ms. Carole Alalouf - President and Founder of Exaltus. Even though I am sure she could have assigned someone from her team to work on this video, she didn't. Even as President of her company, she was always there for us to answer any questions, and was always quick to reply with an update.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

At the time that I am completing this review - it has only been a couple of days since the animation video has been completed. We plan on rolling out this video to users and customer during our big conference season that starts in the month of May. But we are confident that this video will bring more people to our website with the hopes of generating new leads and interest in our product.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Amazingly effective. As mentioned in another question, we had the opportunity to only work with Carole Alalouf and it was a great experience. Carole understood that we were very new to this whiteboard animation video creation, and she was patient with us and me and I learned more during this process of creating animation videos.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Customer service is excellent. Emails were always replied to within the same day. Revision video and updates were done very quickly. Initial timeline of the project we expected to be completed perhaps by June, but Exaltus went above and beyond for us, knowing we had our busy conference season on the horizon and and the video completed for us in April.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I have no suggestions for Exaltus for improvement. We have already recommended Exaltus to another company so they can get some animations done up for their scientific equipment.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Marketing Specialist for a company that sells advertising to captive audiences in athletic recreational facilities across Canada.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Exaltus?

We hired Exaltus to search engine optimize our website, as well as to manage and promote our blog. Over the years, they have also produced a number of visual assets for us, including whiteboard videos, presentations, infographics, and cheat sheets.

What were your goals for this project?

First and foremost, we wanted to appear at the top of our search results for our most strategic keywords. We also wanted to attract more leads through our website from Google and social media.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Exaltus was referred to us by one of our advisors, who had worked with the President of Exaltus and always knew her to be smart, knowledgeable and to unfailingly deliver on her promises.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Over the years, Exaltus has: • Managed our search engine optimization efforts • Created a content strategy for our blog, starting with the development of personas, which we’ve since used for marketing purposes across our organization. • Researched and written dozens of blog posts for us. • Published blog posts in wordpress, SEOing them and adding visuals. • Produced countless social media posts for us to use across our social channels. • Created a handful of infographics. • Produced multiple whiteboard videos. • Produced a campaign recap presentation and video. • Produced a professional cheat sheet for us to use as a lead magnet to win over subscribers. • Set us up with email marketing.

What was the team composition?

The owner of Exaltus has been my main contact but I know that Exaltus draws on the skills of various professionals, depending on the work required. For example, they have fantastic writers who research and write our blog posts. They also have professional illustrators, animators and voiceover artists to produce top notch videos.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We rank in the top three positions for our most important keywords, and often hold the top spot. Over the years, we’ve seen 200%year-over-year increases in organic traffic thanks to the content added and promoted on our blog. We have collected some visual assets that have fueled our social media efforts and shared with clients.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Exaltus is incredibly responsive to all of our requests. We never wait more than a couple of hours to hear back on a question. Also they are always very transparent about the progress we are making, and the areas that still need work, which makes it very easy to trust them.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We have a bond of trust with Exaltus because we always know they are looking out for us and have our best interests at heart. They always go above and beyond to deliver the results they promise. In that way, they feel like an extension of our in-house team.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I don’t think so!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

The West Island Cancer Wellness Centre is a non-profit that offers compassionate care and support to anyone living with cancer and their caregivers. It was created in response to the demand for a whole-person approach (mind, body spirit) to cancer wellness that complements traditional medical therapy.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Exaltus?

We hired Exaltus to create a whiteboard/explainer video to be used in various ways: Presentations, on our website, on social media, etc. to promote the Centre.

What were your goals for this project?

The goal the video is to have a tool that can be used to quickly and clearly explain who we are and what we do.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We found Exaltus on LinkedIn and sent a message inquiring about their services. They responded immediately and a meeting was scheduled to discuss the project.

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

After meeting the Exaltus team, the process and timelines were agreed upon. The team was helpful every step of the way. They made suggestions for improvement where appropriate, respected timelines and budget and communicated effectively throughout the project.

What was your vendors' project management or feedback process?

Following an initial meeting, feedback/communication was by email and phone. When a first draft of the video was available, another meeting was held to present it and discuss changes or revisions. The Exaltus team responded quickly and efficiently at all times.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The video was extremely well received by audiences who have viewed it. It has a clear, succinct message that accurately reflects our services and who we serve through images and narration.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Working with Exaltus was a pleasure. In addition to being experienced and knowledgeable, the team is very focused on customer service.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Several things impressed us about Exaltus:

- Listening skills and understanding of client needs.

- Knowledge and experience

- Responsiveness

- All-around professionalism

Are there any areas for improvement?

N/A

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the President of a company that produces an interactive reading log and reading incentive program. We serve hundreds of thousands of children, parents, teachers, and librarians worldwide.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Exaltus?

We initially hired Exaltus to build our marketing website to promote our product. They were responsible for everything from design, to writing copy, to WordPress development, to search engine optimization. After the successful completion of that project, Exaltus became our trusted partner for all our marketing needs, including managing our blog and developing visual marketing assets such as presentations, infographics, and whiteboard videos.

What were your goals for this project?

We were a company of developers. We were strong technically, but not very good describing the benefits of using our program - let alone at describing attractive materials to help us convey our key messages in a compelling way. We needed a partner we could trust who would help us extract the key points we needed to communicate and present them in a professional way.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We met many vendors who claimed to be able to help us but somehow didn't feel comfortable moving forward with any of them. Some were too pricey. Others just didn't seem to get what we were trying to do. Exaltus immediately inspired confidence. They took the time to really listen to our objectives and had thoroughly researched our program. When we read their proposal, we immediately felt that we were in good hands and didn't hesitate to move forward.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Over the years, Exaltus handled many projects for us:

• Designed and developed 20+ page WordPress website
• Created and managed every aspect of our blog
• Produced eight videos (including whiteboard videos and demo videos)
• Designed two presentations
• Produced four infographics
• Designed two brochures

We were as involved as we wanted to be in the projects. Most of the time, after working with them on the website, we were fairly hands-off because we knew they understood what we were about and we trusted them to the job.

What was the team composition?

I worked mainly with the owner of Exaltus, but -- depending on the project -- I know there were many other people involved behind the scenes. For example, for the whiteboard videos, there were professional cartoonists, voiceover artists, video animators, etc. They always had experts handling the more specialized tasks.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Ever since hiring Exaltus to redesign our website, the majority of our sales have come in through the site, many of them from people who found us on Google. We've gotten a lot of positive responses to our blog content. And our teachers and librarians have been very grateful for our marketing materials, which help them promote our program within their schools.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Working Exaltus is always easy. They are very responsive and organized. We manage most of our communication on SmartSheet and email, but they were also very happy to jump on a call when we needed it. They were always very responsive to our feedback.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They invested a lot of time in really understanding our objectives, our program, and our customers. Without that, I don't think the marketing materials they produced for us would have been as effective. I was also blown away by how versatile they were. It seems like there is not a type of marketing work they can't do!

Are there any areas for improvement?

If there are, I haven't found them yet. We love working with Exaltus.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am an Executive of Civic Entertainment

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Experiential marketing

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Exaltus to accomplish?

• create whiteboard animations

SOLUTION

How did you find Exaltus?

Referral

Why did you select Exaltus over others?

• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Exaltus were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

We asked Exatus to create a series of whiteboard animations to be used at Wyndham's Global Conference to explaain the different new offerings for franchisees.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Client satisfaction and clarity of storytelling

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

absolutely. Everything was either on time or ahead of schedule.

What was your primary form of communication with Exaltus?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Their dedication and striving for excellence.

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

No they delivered everything we asked for and more