October 2020

Animation, Insight, SHORT STORIES

The evolution of 60 Second Stories

(Or, necessity really is the mother of invention).

March 2020

In years to come, everyone will know where they were in March 2020. Not a dramatic incident like the assassination of a president or landing on the moon, but a tidal wave that swept inexorably, chillingly, across the entire planet.

Not only were we at the start (some would say already the middle) of a terrible global pandemic, but it was the time when business changed, perhaps irrevocably.

Overnight, we, as a communication business, saw our traditional way of working become impractical, undoable, virtually impossible and for a short while, irrelevant. Our clients, understandably, had much more pressing things to worry about than making a corporate video. Well, you all know the story, because you were there too.

And yet, of course, communication, in spite and because of the pandemic, is far more important than it ever was.

But, from our point of view, there was really no way we could simply create and deliver video in the way we had been doing up until now.

We needed to come up with something fast.

So we looked at the way our industry was responding to this challenge and what our colleagues and competitors were doing – at one end of the scale were those with bright, viable ideas, that combined many of the things we did already – using animation, stock footage and existing assets – with new ways of delivery. At the other end, those relying on templates, formulas and gimmickry, (where you put your 20p into the internet slot, and by the time you’ve made a nice cup of tea, out pops your video!) and not so effective.

We wanted to develop an approach that was fast, simple, high quality and great value for money and crucially, could be produced entirely remotely.

60 Second Stories

We looked a what we were good at, we looked at what was possible, what was not. We talked to our colleagues and our clients and we trawled the world wide web for inspiration. And a light bulb began to shine.

And through a combination of our existing way of working and new ideas we launched 60 Second Stories.

We developed a solution that involved a simple set of parameters where the client provides the script, selects a style and a voice and we create a short but meaningful film, combining animation, stock footage and images and voice over. All at a set price.

60 Second Stories has been really well received. Our clients and potential clients like the structure, the simplicity, the fact that we don’t compromise on quality and the known cost (by far our lowest price point to date, in case you ask!).

And it is all done at maximum social distancing (that is, completely remotely).

We’ve been promoting this, our lock-down-inspired offer, ever since and have delivered a number of 60 Second Stories projects, plus hybrid versions, where we have been able to incorporate additional value.

Evolving process

What works really well with 60 Second Stories is its simplicity, fast turn around, fixed cost and high quality.

Our initial approach was to keep everything in the digital domain – the client uploads their scripts, completes a briefing form, selects their animation style and voice and we do the rest, potentially without any other direct contact. Remote delivery, but just a little too impersonal.

But what happens if the client needs a shorter film or a slightly longer film? And how do we truly understand their culture, their brand and their different audiences without meaningful conversation?

We soon discovered that we needed a more flexible approach. And to retain more of the personal touch that Hound Dog Films are known for.

Short Stories by Hound Dog Films

So, we are thrilled to be relaunching 60 Second Stories, strengthening the commissioning and production process, adding more options and greater flexibility, while retaining the simplicity, ease of use and fixed costs.

Our extended offer

The process now begins with a ‘face-to-face’ briefing video call, so that we can get to know you and exactly what you want us to do.

You’ll then complete the ‘Make Me A Video’ form… and we take it from there. As always, you will be able to amend and approve at key stages in production.

And we’ve now introduced three film lengths within the package, at different, highly attractive price points, so the client can choose which is most appropriate for them.

Each created remotely, with a combination of voice-over, animation and stock footage, each at a fixed cost, making for a powerful and very flexible offer.

And of course, there is always our standard video offer where the production requirements are more complex, potentially involving location filming and interviews, carried out within strict Covid-19-aware safety precautions. 

So get in touch.

We’d love to tell your story.