Case Study: Carstens Amplification
A Client with VIP Expectations
Brian Carstens, a boutique guitar amplifier manufacturer, had an exciting opportunity — a customer loved their custom amplifier so much they wanted to film a video testimonial.
The catch? The customer was Billy Corgan, frontman of the Grammy-winning rock band The Smashing Pumpkins and one of the most famous musicians on the planet.
Could they find a video production partner to deliver a great video that also respected the unique demands of their VIP customer?
A Collaborative Solution
The Maplewood team saw several opportunities to collaborate with Carstens and Corgan, leveraging their expertise alongside our own.
The video production incorporated best-in-class audio equipment, recorded using the same personnel involved with engineering the band’s studio albums.
Filming took place at Madame Zuzu’s, a tea house and performance space owned by Corgan, making the shoot both convenient and cross-promotional.
“Maplewood took the time to fully understand our vision… open to suggestions while knowing what needed to happen to create the best final product… the results are amazing!”
Brian Carstens — Carstens Amplification
The Maplewood Difference
Carstens’ confidence in the Maplewood team was earned over several years collaborating on product explainer and promotional videos.
As a small business owner, Carstens needed a video production partner who could work in-studio, within strict budgets, without sacrificing quality.
Further, Maplewood was entrusted to develop Brian’s brand voice, positioning him as an expert musician, engineer, and thought leader.
An Enduring Legacy
Ultimately, success was defined by Carstens’ underlying business objectives.
The Maplewood team produced 8 short videos and a branded YouTube page, and developed a targeted paid ad campaign to promote the videos.
These efforts boosted Carstens’ YouTube subscriber count by 1100% to date — easily exceeding the lofty expectations of such a high-profile project.
Most importantly, the videos have since helped Carstens sell his amplifiers to other esteemed musicians like Jeff Tweedy (of Wilco) and Adam Jones (of Tool).
How can Maplewood help you?
We work with organizations of any size and type. Let’s talk about your video needs and how we can help you grow your business.