Escape Studios

Oriella Helps Escape Studios Discover Budding Visual Effects Artists with Annual CG Whiz Contest

Agencies: Brands2Life, Horn

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Situation

Escape Studios is one of the top computer graphics (CG) academies in the world. Founded in the UK, Escape Studios engaged Oriella as it prepared to expand its annual CG Whiz contest to the US, in conjunction with the launch of its new Los Angeles campus. The team’s mission was to:

Significantly increase the number of entries in the annual CG Whiz competition in both the UK and the US
Increase brand awareness for Escape Studios in the US, prior to its LA campus launch
Increase enrollment for courses in both the UK and the US
Expand the company’s social media efforts from the UK to US

Action

Brands2Life partnered with Horn to develop a coordinated PR and social media strategy, which included:

Expanded Audiences. The team took the Escape Studios brand beyond its niche market, developing relationships with entertainment, technology and business publications by weighing in on topics with mass appeal, such as Oscar nominations for visual effects.
Compelling Content. Creative blog posts – such as Q-&-As with US-based board members and industry-specific career advice – were positioned to attract potential students to the Escape Studios website.
Community Engagement. The team focused heavily on social media outreach, making Escape Studios an active member of top CG forums and Facebook groups, and also targeting US-based industry leaders on Twitter.
Always-On Resource. Escape Studios’ Twitter handle became an around-the-clock resource – Brands2Life managed the account during UK hours and Horn Group took over during the US workday.

Results

Oriella’s coordinated approach contributed to an over 30% increase in entries to Escape Studio’s annual CG Whiz competition. Many of those entries came from the US, including the eventual contest winner. The team also expanded the client’s social media presence, resulting in nearly 1100 Facebook likes and 900 new Twitter followers.

Quote:

“Oriella’s promise of international strategy and local results appealed to me as we prepared for our US launch. Brands2Life coordinated seamlessly with Horn, ensuring our messaging was consistent in both target markets; and their centralized approach to account management made for a streamlined and efficient experience.”

— Isabelle Duarté, Marketing Director, Escape Studios