Team
A Simple Start to National Success: The Vulcan Media Story
Vulcan Media fills a niche in Alabama's professional video production market. We were founded on the premise that many businesses now leverage website video and corporate video as valuable communication tools -- and they had no option for professional video at a price point that fit today's technology. Our challenge was to make high-end video affordable for any sized business, helping our customers gain the competitive edge of online video and marketing video.
Traditional film and video production companies operate with large crews of people, truck loads of equipment and giant studios which mean expensive overhead and high prices. By operating with a streamlined staff, a simple office and shooting on-location without a big studio, we're able to provide video production services at a fraction of the cost that most video companies charge. There's the niche -- professional, broadcast quality video production at a new price point which businesses of any size can afford.
"It's not how many people you have, or how big your studio is," says Vulcan Media founder and president Scott Mauldin. "Today, it's about the most talent, the best equipment and the smartest business structure. We have a world class team at Vulcan Media, and they're committed to superb craftsmanship. This fundamental approach is why we've been honored to work for companies like Energen, St. Jude Children's Hospital, Express Oil Change and other national business giants. It's also why we're proud to work for countless small businesses and non-profit groups. Large or small, they all have one common trait -- they value honest, affordable, quality work."
While Vulcan Media's name is associated with affordable website video production, the same cost conscious approach applies to all specialties, including corporate video, marketing video, trade show video, fundraising video, training video, television commercials and other forms of video. Even media buying services for ad placement are handled differently at Vulcan.
"We stumbled upon the media buying niche. Most of our television commercial clients and political candidates had been mishandled by large out-of-state media buyers who knew nothing but statistics about Alabama TV markets," Mauldin said. "We're a team of TV industry veterans who live here in Alabama. Our inside connections in TV and local knowledge of Alabama media markets put us in a position to gain more cost effective exposure than large buyers. Think of it this way -- you get better service at a small, local store than you do in a giant mega-plex."
Maintaining a commitment to affordable, top-quality video production service is a central goal at Vulcan Media. Developing great client partnerships is equally important.
"Clients hire Vulcan Media because we have a proven record of integrity in our industry," says director of photography Mel Stephens. "We look for the same in the companies we represent. When there's the desire for quality, a commitment to excellence, the demand for ROI and a creative spark, we know it's a good fit."
Partnership describes Vulcan Media's client approach. The strategy behind video marketing and corporate video productions often requires our staff to integrate with a client's marketing team or PR firm.
"A high level of trust and confidence -- going both ways -- is required for the work we do," Stephens says. "We want to have an open, honest creative dialogue so we can challenge our clients and they can challenge us. Such respect has led to some of our most memorable video projects."
Technology goes a long way in raising Vulcan Media's dedication to craftsmanship and client service.
"When we say 'affordable video production,' that doesn't mean quality is compromised," says Traylor. "We've invested in the newest digital video and sound equipment on the market. We pair that with high-end lenses, the best lighting and an arsenal of support equipment that gives our video work a national look and feel. We balance the cost of our technology with a streamlined business operation in order to maintain our focus on affordable video for customers. It's a value win for our clients and a business win for us."
Vulcan Media's principles of high quality service at affordable prices is certainly not new in the business world -- but it's a model that's proven to work.
"We enjoy what we do and that's only possible by making a great connection and a perfect impression on our clients, and then following that with honest, good work, " Mauldin says. "We're a growing business on a smart budget and we treat every client, regardless of size, the same way. No matter what service we provide, at the end of the day, it's about trust, collaborative partnerships and excellent products at reasonable prices."