Content creation studio Asset Factory has come to rescue small businesses with its Drop & Run Service, providing product photoshoots in Level 3 conditions.

The Contactless Content Creation initiative was born during the March Lockdown of last year when Asset Factory’s customers were in dire need of fresh product imagery.  

Co-founder Andy Mackie says it was a case of understanding at the time what the various levels meant in terms of being able to operate.

“The solution was an easy way for customers to drop their product off in our contactless drop-off zone, and for us to handle the rest,” says Mackie. 

Asset Factory’s unique technology enables the team to capture high-quality images consistently and efficiently, with minimal resources. 

“The machines are run by iPads, with software that automates what would traditionally be provided by a photography crew. In fact, all of our technology can be operated by just one person. 

At Asset Factory, the team utilises this technology and provides the know-how to smaller NZ-based retailers within its Auckland studio. Mackie says businesses can hire the equipment and studio at different times, or the team can shoot the products and supply the content.

“The technology was developed specifically for the fashion and accessories market, but we have taken the technology and developed innovative uses for it beyond purely this category. 

“Our team can shoot almost any retail product from vertical markets spanning FMCG, food and wine, cosmetics and beauty products, through to electronics and hardware.”

How the Drop & Run Service works:

1. Contact Asset Factory to organise a time for the team to capture your content using the Drop & Run service.
2. Create a detailed styling brief for the team to use as a baseline. This could include image examples from other brands, previous content you have captured, etc. 
3. Deliver the products to Asset Factory’s Kingsland studio with enough time before shooting.
4. The studio then prep (if required) and shoot your products according to the brief and shot list provided. A sample of this content can be sent to you for sign-off, and the team will discuss any additional post-production work that may be required.
5. You will be sent the image files specific to your requirements once ready.
6. Arrange to pick up your products.
   

This time around, Mackie says the studio is better prepared and comes on the back of a retail market and consumer base that is a lot savvier with online shopping. 

“We were quick to establish a contactless creation booking form on our website and have guided existing and new customers to prebook so that when we move into Level 3 we can prioritise the needs of our customers.”

Founder of sportswear brand Porter James, Josh Heares, says he uses Asset Factory’s Drop & Run service for all of his store’s e-commerce imagery. 

“I feel our website flat lays are second to none thanks to the team’s attention to detail and stylists. The turnaround time is really efficient and the service is now something we use regularly.”

“I have worked with the team at Asset Factory on a few occasions now and every time they have been professional, have turned the images around quickly for us and have delivered everything exactly on brief. The drop and run service has always been seamless and easy, I would recommend working with their team to anyone!”

Marketing Manager at Studio Red Wellness, Caitlin Wiig, says she has worked with Asset Factory several times and every time they have been professional.

“They’ve turned the images around quickly for us and delivered everything exactly on brief. The drop and run service has always been seamless and easy, I would recommend working with their team to anyone.”