Once in a blue moon, a company surpasses my expectations. When I first contacted Circle Video from searching online, I explained I had a fairly extensive video editing project and was under a very tight deadline. I was new to the Bay Area and had nothing more to go on than my first impressions over the phone. I explained that the project would involve three distinct "phases" requiring precise syncing to a soundtrack on specific musical beats, fast cut edits (3 seconds or less) with faultless transitions of over 150 photos into a 3-minute soundtrack, and setting multiple video clips to a timed soundtrack, balancing audios to enhanced voice-over-sound.
I had a very special objective in mind. My stepdaughter was out of state at college, and I learned that she had a falling out with her dad. I knew she missed him, because they had always been very close. I was determined to find a way to remind her of all the happy times she had with him, and me, as a very special 19th birthday gift. The finished project was envisioned to be a time capsule of her life, through pictures put to a special piece of music, from birth to high school graduation. Part of the gift would be delivery of a 32" HDTV and DVD player for her to watch the video on. So this was a project that would demand a professional video production company.
My first impressions of James over the phone were that he understood what I wanted, and I felt comfortable that he had the ability to complete the work. I liked the fact that he could schedule studio time right away so we could get started. I knew exactly what I wanted the finished product to look like, and so he suggested I sit in to provide direction as he edited. The session was long and very focused, but James never tired. He was friendly, attentive, thorough, and knowledgeable in his craft.
Within days, James had completed my project for pickup. A week later, my phone rang. It was my stepdaughter who tearfully thanked me for her birthday gift. I knew the tv was not causing her tears. It was something else. I asked how she liked the video. She said all her friends had watched the 14-minute video and they were all blown away! And then she got quiet for a moment, choking back emotion. I waited. She said, "Mom, I called dad. After watching the video a few times, I realized we need each other."
Rarely have I written a review because I'm almost never satisfied with customer service or results. But this is one company that truly met and exceeded my expectations. I can truly say James and Circle Video are outstanding! I would not hesitate to use their services again (and already am working on our next project) -- and I highly recommend James. He got the project done -- the way I wanted it, within the deadline I needed it! A father and daughter have been reunited. Mission accomplished! It just doesn't get any better than that! Thanks, James! Excellent job!! read more
