Today we’d like to introduce you to Travis Hunt
Hi Travis, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Madeby has roots down under, and an evolution in Utah. I am Australian, and since 2007 I have run 2 x different video agencies there. IPER – specialising in commercial live-action video production. And Explanimate! specialising in motion design and animation.
For a number of reasons – love of the snow, love of the mountains, and friend and family relationships, I have been back and forth from Utah over the years, and to be honest, I wanted to come up with an excuse to be in Utah on a more full-time basis. With almost 2 x decades of experience running video agencies in Australia, in 2019 I investigated the creative landscape in Salt Lake City, and identified a gap, for a studio that could create motion graphics and animated content, at the level I could – catering to commercial, corporate and government clients.
In 2020, on the precipice of COVID, myself and my co-founder Dave Owen, sorted ourselves out and said “yolo” let’s do it. Launching Madeby. Despite the challenges of the COVID period, we were very fortunate to land a number of clients and create working relationships with local companies and agencies – almost immediately. From that point we have grown, slowly. With 4 x in-house staff, and a number of freelancers who we work with as projects require. We love Utah and are excited to form part of the fabric that makes this part of the world so creatively exceptional.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Covid and Madeby launched on basically the same day. So starting a new business, just as the world is deciding to shut down, close borders, and stay inside, was a challenge! Fortunately we provide a service that doesnt require clients or our staff to meet physically, all work can be done remotely. That may be part of the reason for our initial success. Many clients that would have typically been looking at live-action (physical) video production were now turning toward other types of video production, like motion design, explainer animation etc. which can be done within the restrictions covid placed upon us.
As an International founder, COVID also presented a challenging issue from my side, being locked out of the States for a period when borders closed.
Beyond that, we have had the challenges which would be typical to most startups… breaking into a new market, creating relationships, lack of sales as that growth happens, the highs of winning a great project and the lows of going for significant periods with little work on the cards.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We specialise in motion design and animation. The ways in which this can be utilised are almost endless…
– Explainer videos that convey the value of a new service or product
– Internal communications
– TV or online / social ads and advertising
– Software demonstrations
– PSA’s
– eLearning videos and training content
– AI generated video content
The list could go on and on. In a world where now content is king… the the most powerful form of content is video, we’re in a situation to provide video, generally.
While we love providing clients with regular, fresh and engaging content to support their marketing and communications efforts, what sets us apart is the level at which we are able to create content. We can of course create basic and budget friendly explainer videos, but we also create high-end motion graphics for some of the worlds largest brands. This involves highly detailed illustrations and designs, 3d and compositing, utilisation of ai generated imagery, and more. It often involves custom music compositions and soundscapes.
Our background in live-action production combined with decades of CG / motion experience means that “hybrid” projects – where we work with filmed content, treating it with animated elements or cg environments, is a special area of expertise.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
It was just another reminder that crises, in whatever form they come (health, financial etc) are not necessarily a moment to be feared, for business that are setup to succeed. When businesses are prepared financially, with human resources, and reserves of both talent and commitment, these tend to be moments where gains can be made, rather than the impetus of business failure.
Pricing:
- Creative Retainers (50hrs) $8,000
- Creative Retainers (100hrs) $14,000
- Creative Retainers (200hrs) $25,000
- 60 sec Explainer (basic) $5,000
- 60 sec Explainer (detailed) $10,000
Contact Info:
- Website: http://madeby.tv
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/madeby.slc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madebySLC/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadebySLC
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MadebySLC
