Background
History Making Productions, led by Executive Producer Sam Katz, is a distinguished historical documentary film production company. With nearly two decades dedicated to exploring and showcasing the rich history of Philadelphia, HMP set its sights on a groundbreaking project—a ten-hour, ten-episode series to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2025.
To bring this ambitious vision to life, Katz needed to secure philanthropic funding from high-net-worth individuals and organizations. The challenge was clear: how to present the project in a way that would capture attention and inspire donors to contribute to the production’s completion.
Challenge
Traditional fundraising approaches, including emails, brochures, and presentations, did not align with the scale and prestige of the project. Katz sought a unique tool that would communicate the project’s significance while aligning with the storytelling excellence of HMP’s work.
Solution
The answer came when Katz encountered a video brochure during a visit with a colleague. With its combination of professional video content and a beautifully designed physical medium, it was clear that video brochures were the perfect way to connect directly with potential investors. These brochures would allow HMP to deliver its message and professionally produced video directly into the hands of prospects, ensuring maximum engagement without reliance on digital platforms.
Katz collaborated with theVideoCards to create a premium product. Together, they developed an 8.5” x 11” hardcover video book with an embedded 7” screen, paired with custom-printed corrugated mailer boxes. Using theVideoCards’ templates, HMP customized the design to align with its brand and purpose. The embedded video featured a powerful overview of the project, its goals, and its significance, making the brochure a tangible, high-quality marketing tool.
“While visiting a friend, I saw a presentation by another enterprise, a video book, beautifully designed and with an embedded video. I had never seen anything like it. And I knew we had discovered the marketing/fundraising vehicle that would give us the best opportunity to break through the noise and the many competing algorithmic based online mechanisms. When we reached out to that enterprise, they opened the door to theVideoCards, and our creative collaboration commenced.”
Implementation
HMP ordered 250 brochures, treating them not just as marketing tools but as valuable artifacts that reflected the quality and depth of their project. During an initial test phase, 40 brochures were mailed to select potential investors in the custom-printed mailer boxes. This targeted strategy ensured that each brochure reached individuals with the highest potential to contribute.
Results
The results were extraordinary:
- Immediate Impact: One recipient was so impressed that they pledged four times the requested amount after receiving the brochure.
- High Engagement: Over 25% of the initial recipients responded positively, and several are still in ongoing discussions with HMP about funding opportunities.
- Exceptional ROI: The investment in the video brochures has already been repaid many times over, with funding secured far exceeding the cost of production and distribution.
The design and quality of the video books were such that they could also serve as coffee table books, further extending their visibility and reinforcing their value over time. This dual-purpose functionality elevated their status from a one-time communication tool to a lasting representation of the project’s goals.
Katz reflected on the impact of the brochures:
“We ordered 250 books and sent out 40 in a test phase. One person called us and said she had never seen anything like it and was sending us 4x what we had asked for. Four others have done the same. Our success rate is over 25% on the first 40 and we are still in conversations with 7-8 prospects from among that group.”
Why Video Brochures Were Perfect for HMP’s Campaign
The video brochure’s ability to deliver HMP’s professionally produced video directly to decision-makers in a premium, attention-grabbing format made it an unmatched tool for this campaign. Unlike emails or digital platforms that risk being overlooked, the physical presence of the brochure ensured it was noticed, opened, and viewed. Its combination of visual storytelling and tactile engagement aligned seamlessly with HMP’s mission to present the project as a work of historical and cultural significance.
“The product that theVideoCards is offering to major brands seeking to deliver a clear and consumed message by important stakeholders cannot be underestimated on both its impact and potential. The creative possibilities are unlimited.”
Conclusion
The video brochures supplied by theVideoCards were an important part of History-Making Productions’ fundraising efforts. By combining the client’s sophisticated design, powerful video content, and thoughtful distribution, the brochures became a cornerstone of the campaign, driving exceptional results and setting a new standard for creative fundraising strategies. The positive response, both in terms of funding and feedback, underscores the potential of video brochures to elevate campaigns of all kinds.
