Here at Planet Nutshell, we’ve been making explainer videos since 2007, and we’ve changed a lot since then. In the early days, our founder, Josh Gunn was doing all the scriptwriting, storyboarding, and animation himself. But as the popularity of Nutshells grew, he knew he needed help (and more artistic talent). And so the era we so fondly refer to as the “Era of Trevor” began. With Trevor Piecham onboard, Planet Nutshell truly started to fire on all cylinders. In 2012, as we continued to grow, animator John McGowen joined our team. As we take a stroll down memory lane below, see if you can spot the first video in the series below that Trevor worked on, and be sure to check out our new Q Factor video, which really displays John’s talent, and the mark he’s made on our work.

2013

We recently completed our second video for Dadanco, a green air conditioning company. It was a real challenge to balance fun with explaining some pretty sophisticated products. Albert seems to be happy with the results, though.

We also recently completed this video for Q Factor, a John McGowen masterpiece!

2012

Last year, we came out with this video for Microsoft SkyDrive and Office. This was a big project for us, as it was for a big brand and the video was localized and distributed globally as part of a back-to-school marketing push.

2011

Ah yes, our Google Wallet Nutshell. Viewed by millions and included on every Android phone. Our reputation was founded on it. I got a call from a very high-level Google exec thanking us for making it. That was a good day.

2010

I’m including this one for the ninja. Hot tip: It never hurts to have a ninja in an explainer video.

2009

We made a big series of videos for Sitecom, a Dutch consumer networking hardware manufacturer.  I love the zombie in this one.

2007

And here’s our very first project. We made this video for Brooks Sports, to explain their BioMoGo sustainable shoe technology.

If you’ve been shopping for an explainer video, you’ve probably discovered that there are quite a few producers out there. When I speak with prospective clients, I like to explain what makes Planet Nutshell so special. So, without further ado, here’s what makes us the right choice for your project:

1. Service
When a client hires us, they’re not just hiring an animation studio, they’re hiring a partner. We work with clients to discover their goals and how to best communicate them to their audience. Plus, we offer unlimited script and storyboard revisions. No one else offers our level of commitment and personal contact.

2. Expertise
We’ve been making explainer videos since 2007, making us true pioneers in our space. As a result, some of the biggest companies in the world have trusted us to tell their stories.

3. Creativity
We believe there’s a unique solution for each client. That’s why we take a highly creative approach to every project, and we’re never cookie-cutter. As our portfolio reflects, we’re not afraid to take risks and try out new ideas and approaches.

4. Passion
We treat every project like our future depends on it, and we’re constantly striving to make each project better than the last.

5. Proven performance
Our videos have been seen by millions around the world. For example, our Google Wallet video was displayed on every Android phone that supported the app.

But it’s not just about views. Effectiveness and conversion are even more important. Here are a couple of highlights from past projects:

• PlayOn reported a doubling of their product download rate after our video was placed on their homepage.
• Foundation Medicine reported that average engagement with our video is extraordinarily high: 78% of viewers watch 100% of the video, rather than stopping it at some point in the middle. For reference, typically only 42% of viewers watch a video of this length in its entirety.

From our very own, and very illustrious, John McGowan.