This month Baltimore-based Hack|Stone Film Group reaches a milestone as it celebrates its 5th year as a full-service video and film production group.
“We’ve come a long way since starting the company in my basement 5 years ago”, says president Dan Hack. Hack|Stone now has a studio in Federal Hill and serves clients like Jergens, Johnson & Johnson and Advance Auto. “My goal was to start a production group with high-end values and a not so high-end pricing structure,” says Hack. “I’m proud that many agencies call us their ‘secret weapon.'”
Hack lived in Southwest Virginia (Roanoke) but chose to relocate the business to Baltimore after extensive research. “Baltimore is extremely film-friendly with a streamlined permit process and readily available resources like experienced crew, talent and equipment,” says Hack. Baltimore was also chosen for its close proximity to Washington, DC, New York and Philadelphia.
Hack|Stone’s recent work includes both traditional and viral marketing campaigns. A sampling of productions include a webisode series for Jergens to promote a new product, two music videos for nationally known artists and a series of nationally syndicated vision correction commercials. Other work includes video news releases (VNRs) for clients like Jobfox, promotional videos for clients like America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) and a promotional package for Kameen Eye Associates which included a series of broadcast spots and a DVD which took viewers through a real LASIK procedure.
Though having won several awards over the years, it’s more than recognition that inspires the group. “It’s all about the final outcome – the results of the client,” says Hack. “We stay on top of the latest technology so our clients don’t have to, and as a result we provide them with more than they expect.” Hack|Stone prides itself on its creativity not only in terms of what you film but how you film it – to work within budget while getting the best results.
Though the company is growing, Hack says their goal is to keep the group small. Five members make up the core team, each handling a specialty. “For larger projects our production support crew is outsourced which means we always get the best of the best – the same crew used in high-budget motion pictures and television shows,” says Hack.
About Hack|Stone Film Group
Hack|Stone Film Group is a full-service video/film production company handling all aspects of production and post production including video and film production, editorial, effects, scoring/sound design, finishing and delivery. We are a group of young, energetic creative-types always looking for ways to be exceptional. We embrace technology and love a good challenge. Visit our website at www.hackstone.com
