Charles River Media, Inc.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We are a non-profit foundation that leverages video technology to empower patients and their families. Our physicians believe in aligning patients with the types of care they want and deserve. I am the president and co-founder.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Charles River Media Group?

We needed an innovative production company to use video technology and digital arts to help patients navigate an increasingly complicated healthcare system.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They started by conceptualizing videos from a patient’s perspective, identifying the best imagery to help navigate the healthcare system. They storyboarded dialogue content, produced it, and have been instrumental in our ability to adapt our work into 17 different languages. Not only do they enable us to do the translations, but they also utilize the cultural frameworks that make sense to the patients and families from the countries where those languages are spoken. A decade ago, we could only reach our patients in English. Now, we’re able to engage with a much wider base.

What is the team dynamic?

They have a creative artist who helps storyboard, then I always work with the cameraman, as well as the audio technician. In post-production, they have really talented line editors and graphic designers.  

We initially had a project manager on our side, but now CRMG acts collectively as an independent management team.

How did you come to work with Charles River Media Group?

They are a leading film group in the greater Boston area and are well-known in medical circles. Their clients include some of the area’s top hospitals and the New England Journal of Medicine. We knew they could provide what we needed.

How much have you invested with them?

Our spending so far is in the $300,000–$500,000 range. They’re very reasonably priced.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them around 2012, and the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

We’ve had 20 clinical trials published in peer-reviewed journals that show the benefit of the work they’ve provided us. They offered us the talent to think outside the box and come up with really innovative videos and technologies, all aimed at patient empowerment. We have an incredible partnership with them.

How did Charles River Media Group perform from a project management standpoint?

They are incredibly organized and use online tools. Our project manager on their side has been with us long enough to know our needs before we’ve even conceptualized them. They do a wonderful job, and they’re efficient and fast. CRMG is a top-rate movie crew, and their output is Hollywood-quality.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They aren’t clinicians, but they helped me formulate a product that really met the needs of patients, even beyond my vision as a doctor. They provide uncanny insight into viewer experience, and I’m so impressed with how well they understand my patients, sometimes better than I do. We’re thrilled with them and their work.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

At the beginning, we weren’t aware of all the facets of production they provide. They are a sophisticated shop, and they helped us from the project’s conception through to post-production and marketing. If I could start again with them, I would explore all the services they provide right away.