Stories bring us together.
We know every story has the power to create change. Whether you’re raising money, raising your voice, raising the bar or raising your glass, we will tell the story you want people to remember.
We are the trusted storytellers of the biggest healthcare providers in Northeast Ohio, campus presidents and principals, CEOs and executive directors and those whose lives they change every day. We know the community. We know production. And we know how to stick to a budget of any size.
LEAD CREATIVES
Second Story Productions was co-founded by Brian Sullivan and Sara O’Neill Sullivan in 2005. Since then, Second Story Productions has been growing a client list that spans over 200 organizations in healthcare, education, the arts, human service, government and the corporate sector.
Sara Sullivan
Andy Smoley
Lisa Manzari
We love our clients.
Over the years, we have teamed up with some of the best people and companies in the world.
WHAT TO EXPECT
When you're expecting us
Don’t let all the equipment scare you! We come in peace…and with several pieces upon our cart. We know you’re busy, your calendar is full and this may be a totally new venture for you, so we want to make it easy and give you a step-by-step process of what to expect. We promise not throw out random terms like “broll” and “speed” without explaining them first. And please never hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We want you to be as happy with the process as you are with the final production.
Initial Meeting
We’ll get together to discuss the goals and details of the project. What are your key messages? Who is your audience? Where will they see the video (online, on TV, next to a podium, in a grand ballroom)? What is the mood and tone? Will it need a script or just interviews or a combination of both? What’s your budget, your timeline? Branding considerations?
The Proposal
After the initial meeting, we’ll draft a proposal based on everything we talked about. The proposal will have a line item budget and timeline for you to present to the powers that be.
Develop Look & Key Messages
Unless you’re going in a totally different direction, your production should reflect your branding and the existing tone and messaging of your organization. We’ll take care of writing the script and/or the interview questions and give you ample time to review, edit and get the final questions to the interviewees. At this stage we’ll also ask you to send us any branding elements: animation, logos, color palettes, fonts, etc.
Lights…camera…Interview Filming
Best case scenario: we film the interviews first. Expect us an hour before the first interview for arrival and set-up. We’ll bring everything we need, including basic hair and make-up supplies. Along with the finalized interview questions, we will provide information so that everyone in front of the camera knows what to wear and what to expect before we yell “speed” (camera rolling). We work hard to make sure everyone feels at ease in front of the camera – this is when you get the good stuff, those soundbites with impact!
First Cut
Using VIMEO, we’ll send you a password-protected rough cut of the video with a “scratch track” (not final announcer’s voice) of the script, edited interviews and music. Best to listen and not look so much at this stage. It’s the “sound bed” of the video. Did we choose the best portion of the interviews? Does the script need to be tweaked? Do you like the music? This is the foundation of your story. Give us your feedback, we’ll come back with changes.
B-Roll Filming
No one wants to look at too many talking heads. This is the stage where we film the beautiful images that cover the scripting and interviews. These images enhance the messaging and are carefully thought out and often staged if need be to tell the story. For broll, we’ll need to arrive about 20 minutes in advance to set-up and begin filming.
Final Editing and Graphics
This is the best part where all of the elements come together – graphics, broll, music, logos. We’ll post on VIMEO for final feedback and edits. We typically include three sets of revisions through this final stage.
Delivery
You’re happy. We’re happy. Let’s master it! Once we have your final approval, a master DVD and/or computer files are generated. We’ll also get started on duplication, if you need more copies.