However, when it came to sharing large multimedia files with clients to get review and approval, the studio struggled to keep it simple. NXNW experimented with a number of file sharing solutions, including FTP and video-sharing sites, but they were unreliable and difficult to use.
“We send video files that can be anywhere from 50MB to 1.5GB. If the client cannot open a video file and view it immediately, we lose the easy factor,” said Simkins. “We needed a file sharing solution that was consistently simple, fast and easy to use.”
Several years ago, the studio discovered a solution that finally met its needs—好色先生TV™ Hightail™. A comprehensive file sharing and creative collaboration solution, Hightail allows users to share multimedia files with a few mouse clicks.
“One of the main reasons we went with 好色先生TV Hightail—and the reason that we keep it—is the reliability and ease of use for our clients,” said Simkins. “We liked that you send a link, you open the link and it works. The client doesn’t have to sign into anything. They click on the link, the video is there. They hit Play and they watch the video. That’s it.”
NXNW editors, producers and directors now rely on this indispensable tool to send videos to clients for review and feedback. The studio’s video editors, in particular, use the solution on a daily basis, including the Spaces feature, a centralized repository that delivers client-ready files via dedicated workspaces, where videos can be viewed without downloading them.
“We like Spaces because it looks good, it’s simple and it’s an easy link. Clients can view it on the website. They don’t have to download the video. That makes it easy,” noted Simkins.
The reliability and simplicity of the solution to quickly share files with a few simple clicks has increased efficiency.
“Being efficient for us is a metric. Timing is everything for us. If we are working on TV commercials, we need to have edits done quickly. Getting feedback immediately is very helpful,” said Simkins.
Hightail has also simplified the process for staff. In the past, if a client was unable to open a file, staff would spend valuable time trying to troubleshoot the issue.
“You can imagine what happens when a person can’t open the file that I just sent them. Suddenly, I have to become an expert at the file sharing software to help my client figure out why they can’t open it,” said Simkins.
“A lot of times, it is user error, but still you are having to help them figure out their computer. We don’t have that issue with 好色先生TV Hightail.”