CASE STUDIES: THE RECEIPTS BEHIND THE RESULTS

D.A. Davidson is a prestigious investment advisory firm managing over $30 billion in assets. With a reputation built on trust, integrity, and expertise, the firm sought to enhance its onboarding process to create a seamless and engaging experience for new employees.

D.A. Davidson approached GENTLE THUG VISUAL MEDIA with a clear objective: develop a compelling onboarding video that not only informs but also inspires new hires. The firm wanted a modern, high-quality video that encapsulated its values, culture, and expectations while maintaining a professional yet welcoming tone.

Key challenges included:

• Presenting a wealth of critical information in an engaging manner.
• Ensuring consistency in messaging across different office locations.
• Striking the right balance between professionalism and warmth.
• Making the video visually engaging without overwhelming new hires.

GENTLE THUG VISUAL MEDIA collaborated closely with D.A. Davidson’s HR and leadership teams to craft a video that met these needs. Our approach included:

• Strategic Storytelling: We structured the video around the employee journey, starting with a warm welcome from leadership, followed by a clear breakdown of company values, expectations, and success stories from current employees.
• High-Quality Visuals & Production: Using a mix of interview footage, dynamic B-roll, and motion graphics, we created an engaging narrative that reinforced key messages without feeling overly corporate.
• Concise & Impactful Messaging: We distilled essential onboarding information into a format that is easy to digest, ensuring employees feel equipped and motivated.
• Personalization & Inclusivity: The video featured employees from diverse backgrounds, showcasing a welcoming and inclusive company culture.

1. Discovery & Strategy: We held in-depth discussions with D.A. Davidson’s HR team to understand their goals and audience.
2. Scripting & Storyboarding: Crafted a compelling script and storyboard to ensure seamless storytelling.
3. Production & Filming: Conducted interviews with key team members and captured dynamic footage of office environments.
4. Post-Production & Editing: Integrated motion graphics, polished editing, and music to elevate the final product.
5. Delivery & Implementation: Provided multiple formats for easy integration into D.A. Davidson’s onboarding platforms.

• Enhanced New Hire Engagement: The onboarding video received positive feedback from both new and existing employees, improving information retention and workplace integration.
• Consistency Across Locations: The firm now has a standardized yet dynamic onboarding experience for employees across all offices.
• Increased Employee Confidence: New hires reported feeling more prepared and aligned with the company’s mission and values.
• Time & Cost Savings: HR teams spend less time conducting repetitive onboarding sessions, allowing them to focus on personalized employee support.

• A well-produced onboarding video can enhance employee engagement and company culture.
• Strategic storytelling makes corporate information more digestible and memorable.
• Visual elements and personal narratives humanize the onboarding experience, leading to higher retention and satisfaction.

 By partnering with GENTLE THUG VISUAL MEDIA, D.A. Davidson transformed its onboarding process into an engaging, visually appealing, and effective experience for new employees. This project exemplifies how video marketing can be leveraged for internal communication, ensuring that organizations maintain a strong and cohesive workforce from day one.

La Cocina Mexican Restaurant is a vibrant dining establishment that brings authentic Mexican flavors to the heart of Great Falls, Montana. As they prepared for their grand opening, they needed a high-energy promotional video that would capture their brand’s essence, attract new customers, and generate buzz in the community. 

La Cocina faced a common challenge among new restaurants—standing out in a competitive market. They needed a video that:

• Showcased their authentic Mexican cuisine and inviting atmosphere.
• Created excitement and anticipation in announcing their grand opening.
• Effectively engaged their target audience on social media.
• Provided a lasting visual asset they could continue using beyond the opening event.

GENTLE THUG VISUAL MEDIA developed a 60-second promo video that embodied the energy, flavors, and warmth of La Cocina. Our approach included:

• Cinematic Food Shots: We used high-quality close-ups of sizzling fajitas, handcrafted tacos, and fresh guacamole to make the audience crave the food.
• Vibrant Atmosphere Showcasing: Footage of the restaurant’s decor, friendly staff, and lively ambiance set the tone for an inviting dining experience.
• Dynamic Editing & Music: Fast-paced cuts and upbeat Latin music created an engaging and immersive experience that kept viewers hooked.
• Call-to-Action (CTA): The video closed with a compelling invitation: “Where there is Mexican food, there is happiness.”

• Creative Development: We worked closely with La Cocina’s team to align the video’s tone with their brand identity.
• Pre-Production Planning: Storyboarding, shot lists, and scheduling ensured a smooth shoot.
• Production: Filming captured the unique and colorful setting, menu highlights and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Post-Production: Editing focused on maintaining energy, with color grading that enhanced the rich, warm tones of the food and restaurant interior.
• Social Media Optimization: The final video was formatted for multiple platforms (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube) to maximize reach.

• Increased Awareness: The promo video generated buzz on social media, with hundreds of views and shares within days.
• Successful Grand Opening: La Cocina reported a strong turnout, with many attendees mentioning they saw the video online.
• Ongoing Use: The restaurant continues to use the video for marketing, showcasing it on their website and social media pages.

• A high-energy promo video can effectively drive restaurant foot traffic.
• Cinematic food shots and atmosphere visuals create a sensory appeal.
• Social media-friendly video formatting ensures maximum engagement.

By partnering with GENTLE THUG VISUAL MEDIA, La Cocina Mexican Restaurant successfully launched with a compelling promotional video that established their brand, drove customer excitement, and set them up for long-term success in the community. 

The Montana School for the Deaf and the Blind Foundation (MSDBF) is dedicated to supporting the Montana School for the Deaf and the Blind (MSDB), which provides essential education and resources for children with sensory challenges. To expand its reach and bolster fundraising efforts, the Foundation sought a compelling video presentation to tell its story and connect with potential donors across Montana. 

 MSDBF faced several key challenges:

• Limited statewide awareness of the school’s impact and services.
• Fundraising needed a compelling story to inspire donors.
• Reaching a geographically dispersed audience across Montana’s 56 counties.
• Conveying the school’s mission effectively to both general audiences and potential philanthropic supporters.

GENTLE THUG VISUAL MEDIA collaborated with the MSDBF and the MSDB to produce a short-form video presentation that would:

• Showcase real student experiences to illustrate the school’s profound impact.
• Highlight the unique educational programs and resources available.
• Incorporate high-quality visuals and storytelling to create a memorable, shareable piece of content.
• Ensure accessibility features such as closed captions and ASL interpretation.

• Discovery & Storyboarding: We worked with MSDBF leadership and MSDB administrative and staff personnel to craft a compelling narrative focusing on student success stories and the school’s mission.
• Filming: Captured engaging footage of the school’s facilities, classrooms, and activities.
• Post-Production & Editing: Edited the video to balance information with emotion, incorporating cinematic visuals, subtitles, and ASL interpretation.
• Strategic Distribution: Optimized the video for multiple platforms, including the MSDBF’s website, social media, and fundraising events.

• Statewide Reach: The video was viewed in all 56 Montana counties, significantly expanding awareness.
• Fundraising Boost: The presentation played a key role in increasing donor engagement and support for MSDB.
• Stronger Community Connection: Families and advocates shared the video, fostering greater recognition of the school’s vital role.
• Long-Term Use: MSDBF continues to use the video for outreach, education, and fundraising efforts.

• A well-crafted video can amplify nonprofit reach and donor engagement.
• Emotional storytelling drives support and fundraising success.
• Optimizing video for accessibility ensures inclusivity and broader impact.

By partnering with GENTLE THUG VISUAL MEDIA, the Montana School for the Deaf and the Blind Foundation gained a powerful storytelling tool that not only expanded awareness across Montana but also strengthened its fundraising initiatives. This project highlights how video marketing can be a transformational force in the nonprofit sector. 

The Great Falls Americans are a Tier III junior hockey organization, providing young athletes with an opportunity to develop their skills and compete at a high level. As part of their ongoing efforts to attract players from across the country, the Americans needed a high-energy recruitment video that would showcase the team's culture, facilities, and player development opportunities. 

The Great Falls Americans faced several recruitment hurdles:

• Competing with other Tier III and higher-level teams to attract top prospects.
• Highlighting the team’s unique advantages—coaching, facilities, and community support.
• Delivering an emotional and compelling pitch that would resonate with young athletes and their families.
• Maximizing exposure through digital platforms to reach players nationwide.

GENTLE THUG VISUAL MEDIA crafted a high-impact recruitment video that captured the intensity and excitement of playing for the Americans. Our approach included:

• Fast-Paced, Cinematic Action Shots – Showcased gameplay, hard-hitting action, and key moments on the ice.
• Behind-the-Scenes Footage – Gave players an inside look at the locker room, training facilities, and team culture.
• Coach & Player Testimonials – Featured real stories from current players and coaching staff about the benefits of joining the Americans.
• Epic Sound Design & Editing – Incorporated high-energy music, dynamic cuts, and engaging visuals to create an adrenaline-fueled experience.
• Clear Call-to-Action (CTA) – Ended with a direct message to prospects.

• Pre-Production & Storyboarding: We worked with the team to define key recruitment messaging and identify must-have visuals.
• Filming on Location: Captured high-energy game footage, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments.
• Post-Production & Editing: Applied cinematic color grading, high-intensity motion graphics, and a soundtrack that amplified the excitement.
• Strategic Distribution: Optimized the video for social media, YouTube, and the team’s website for maximum visibility.

• Increased Player Inquiries: The video generated a surge in interest from prospective players across the country.
• Stronger Team Branding: The Americans now have a powerful recruitment tool that enhances their credibility and appeal.
• Social Media Engagement: The video saw high engagement and shares from fans, players, and families.
• Ongoing Use: The team continues to use the video for recruitment efforts, including outreach to high school and junior league players.

• A high-energy recruitment video is essential for attracting top-tier talent.
• Authentic testimonials from players and coaches build trust with prospects.
• Strategic video marketing amplifies reach and engagement.

By partnering with GENTLE THUG VISUAL MEDIA, the Great Falls Americans gained a recruitment asset that brings their program to life and sets them apart from competitors. This project highlights the power of video marketing in athlete recruitment and team branding. 

Daydream Boutique is a chic and modern women’s fashion store, offering curated styles that empower confidence and self-expression. After moving to a new location, the boutique wanted to ensure existing customers knew where to find them while also attracting new shoppers. Their move coincided with the start of the school year, making it the perfect opportunity to weave together themes of renewal, transformation, and fresh beginnings. 

Daydream Boutique faced several marketing challenges:

• Ensuring customers knew about their new location and how to find it.
• Making the relocation feel exciting and aspirational rather than just logistical.
• Attracting a wider audience by connecting with the spirit of new beginnings.
• Creating a visually stunning video that reflected the boutique’s aesthetic and brand identity.

GENTLE THUG VISUAL MEDIA developed a two-pronged approach to elevate Daydream Boutique’s visibility:

A 60-second promotional video for social media:

• Captured the boutique’s aesthetic, atmosphere, and style, making it instantly engaging.
• Included drone footage and high-energy editing to create a cinematic feel for the campaign.
• Designed the video to spark curiosity and excitement, leading to higher engagement online.

Integrating video marketing into the physical storefront:

• The storefront TV display transformed a passive window display into an interactive marketing tool.
• The screen ensured that anyone passing by—on foot or in a car—would see the boutique’s offerings.
• With 24/7 exposure, the boutique’s brand presence extended beyond business hours.

• Met with the boutique’s team to understand their brand identity, target audience, and vision for the new location. Their primary goal was to create buzz around the store opening and drive more in-store visits.
• Developed a video marketing strategy that blended storytelling with high-quality visuals, aligning with the boutique’s stylish and modern aesthetic.
• Crafted the theme "A Brand New School Year, A Brand New You" to resonate with customers seeking fresh styles and new beginnings.
• Captured high-energy footage of the boutique’s new location, incorporating drone shots, product close-ups, and in-store interactions. Focused on dynamic visuals and seamless editing to create a polished, eye-catching promotional video.
• Recommended that the boutique install a large-screen TV in the front shop window to display the promotional video 24/7. This idea transformed the store window into an always-on marketing tool, ensuring visibility to foot and motorized traffic at all hours.
• Launched the promotional video across social media platforms and the in-store display for maximum exposure.

• Increased Foot Traffic: Passersby, both on foot and in vehicles, now frequently stop to watch the video, drawing them into the store.
• Stronger Brand Presence: The boutique’s storefront acts as a digital billboard, continuously reinforcing the brand’s aesthetic and promotions.
• Expanded Social Media Reach: The promotional video gained significant traction on social media, resulting in increased shares, comments, and new customer engagement.
• 24/7 Marketing Impact: Unlike static window displays, the storefront screen keeps working even when the boutique is closed, making the boutique top-of-mind for potential customers. 

• Strategic video marketing isn’t just about content—it’s about placement and visibility. By integrating video into the boutique’s physical space, its impact extended beyond the digital realm.
• Retailers can use dynamic displays to stay top-of-mind. This case study highlights how businesses can leverage video beyond social media to create real-world customer engagement.
• A boutique’s storefront is prime advertising real estate. With the right video content and strategic implementation, businesses can turn their locations into interactive brand experiences. 

This project demonstrates how GENTLE THUG VISUAL MEDIA goes beyond video production to deliver high-impact marketing solutions. By combining video storytelling with innovative placement strategies, we helped Daydream Boutique create a lasting impression on their audience. 

The Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art (PGSMoA) is a cornerstone of the Great Falls, Montana arts community, dedicated to celebrating creativity in all its forms. One of its most anticipated annual events, "Chefs, Champagne & Art," brings together top chefs and restaurants for a night of fine dining, artistry, and philanthropy. To enhance the gala experience, the museum needed a visually stunning video to showcase the participating chefs and their culinary creations. 

The museum faced several key objectives:

• Highlighting the artistry of each chef and their restaurant to elevate their presence at the event.
• Creating an engaging video that complemented the elegance of the gala.
• Ensuring the video captured the essence of both fine dining and high art.
• Producing a high-quality promotional piece that could be used during and after the event.

GENTLE THUG VISUAL MEDIA developed a short-form video that celebrated the culinary mastery behind the event. Our approach included:

• Elegant Cinematic Aesthetic: Using rich, warm lighting and refined visuals to match the upscale atmosphere of the gala.
• Smooth Narrative Flow: Incorporating chef interviews where they shared their inspiration behind the dishes.
• Seamless Integration into the Gala: The video was designed to be projected during the event, adding to the evening’s ambiance.

• Pre-Production Planning: Collaborated with the museum and participating chefs to align on key messaging and visual direction.
• Filming & Production: Shot in multiple restaurant locations, capturing both action and ambiance.
• Editing & Storytelling: Created a fluid, engaging video that celebrated both the chefs and the art of fine dining.
• Event Integration & Distribution: Formatted the video for large-screen projection at the gala and for online promotional use.

• Enhanced Gala Experience: The video added an immersive, artistic touch to the event’s programming.
• Strong Social Media Engagement: Used as a promotional piece following the event.
• Elevated Brand Visibility for the Chefs & Restaurants: The participating chefs gained increased recognition through the beautifully crafted video.
• Long-Term Use: The museum now has a high-quality marketing asset for future events and promotions.

• Video storytelling can elevate live events by creating a more immersive experience.
• Cinematic visuals help reinforce brand prestige and exclusivity.
• Featuring the people behind the craft (chefs, artists, etc.) deepens audience engagement.

By partnering with GENTLE THUG VISUAL MEDIA, the PGSMoA transformed the "Chefs, Champagne & Art" gala into a multi-sensory experience, blending culinary excellence, visual storytelling, and artistic celebration. The result? A memorable, engaging showcase that left a lasting impression on attendees and strengthened promotional efforts for future galas. 

Impact Montana is a nonprofit committed to supporting Montana’s military veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, and their families. Through holistic programs that address physical, emotional, and mental wellness—including assistance with PTSD, trauma recovery, and community reintegration—Impact Montana provides critical support where it's needed most. 

Impact Montana needed a compelling video to promote and honor its annual "Montana Warrior Ruck & Team Challenge"—a physically demanding event held in the mountains that serves as both a community builder and a powerful metaphor for the emotional burdens carried by our nation’s protectors.

The goal was twofold:

• Inspire new participants, donors, and sponsors by showing the meaning behind the event.
• Communicate a deeper narrative—this wasn't just about endurance or competition, but about healing, sacrifice, and camaraderie.
   

Key challenges included:

• Capturing emotional resonance without veering into cliché or over-sentimentality.
• Balancing high-intensity visuals with reflective, solemn storytelling.
• Making it clear that this event is just the beginning of a broader support network for trauma-affected heroes.

GENTLE THUG VISUAL MEDIA crafted a narrative arc that honored the event’s physical demands while illuminating the deeper journey of healing. This wasn’t just a highlight reel—it was a call to action, a tribute, and a love letter to resilience. Strategic choices included:

• Opening Imagery: Stark stock visuals of veterans in combat zones and first responders on duty set the tone—showing where their stories began.
• Poetic Voiceover: Lines like “At Impact Montana, we proudly use the word...'warrior''” guided the viewer from sacrifice to struggle.
• Visual Transition: Drone shots of the Great Divide Ski Area and group unity scenes signaled a shift from survival to support—“But healing needs a different kind of story.”
• Montana-Rooted Visual Language: Wide-open spaces, mountain trails, and moments of stillness emphasized the landscape as both backdrop and balm.
• Multi-Use Deliverable: Optimized for social media sharing, fundraising events, and web placement.

• Pre-Production Planning:  Collaborated with the Impact Montana team to define tone, mission-aligned messaging, and key emotional beats. 
• Stock + Original Footage Blend:  Carefully curated stock visuals of wartime moments and real-world first responder scenes, then transitioned into footage from the Ruck event, emphasizing contrast and continuity. 
• Script and Voiceover Development:  Crafted a sparse, evocative script that allowed the visuals to breathe—delivered via voiceover with restrained power. 
• Post-Production & Sound Design:  Layered atmospheric audio and cinematic music to guide the emotional arc. Refined color grading and transitions to match pacing and message. 

• Emotional Impact: Immediate positive response from the Impact Montana team. The video resonated with veterans, families, and community members alike.
• Donor Engagement: Deployment of the video helped raise visibility and awareness with prospective donors and corporate sponsors.
• Community Momentum: Participants from past years shared the video, widely—expanding the organization’s digital reach.
• Lasting Asset: The video is now a cornerstone of Impact Montana’s digital storytelling—used across their website, social media, and in-person presentations.

• Start with Sacrifice, End with Hope: Audiences connect deeply when shown not just what’s hard—but what’s possible.
• Montana Matters: Local visuals ground the story, reminding viewers this work is rooted in the communities they call home.
• Less Is More: Minimal script, intentional pacing, and quiet moments speak volumes in trauma-informed storytelling.
• Events Are Just Entry Points: Strategic video should open the door to the broader mission—and keep it wide open.

For nonprofits like Impact Montana, storytelling isn’t just marketing—it’s ministry. By trusting GENTLE THUG VISUAL MEDIA to help shape their message, they now have a video that doesn’t just show an event—it echoes a journey. From warzones and emergency scenes to winding trails in the Great Divide, this case study proves that healing needs a different kind of story—and a different kind of video. 

Benefis Health System, one of Montana’s leading healthcare systems, has launched its very first Internal Medicine Residency Program—marking a historic expansion in both its educational mission and its dedication to community healthcare. But instead of rolling out the red carpet with statistics or logistics, Benefis Health System wanted to greet its inaugural class with something deeper: a sense of belonging and a promise of care. 

How do you welcome the very first class of residents into a brand-new program—especially when everything is still being built?

Instead of showcasing hospital floors, white coats, or traditional academic talking points, Benefis Health System asked GENTLE THUG VISUAL MEDIA to create a video that expressed the heart of its residency program: resident well-being. The client wanted to emphasize from day one that this program isn’t just about training physicians—it’s about sustaining people.

And there was one more constraint: **Only one voice would speak** —the newly appointed Wellness Coordinator.

GENTLE THUG VISUAL MEDIA embraced the creative challenge and built the video around a single, powerful narrative: a conversation between the Wellness Coordinator and the viewer. This wasn’t an orientation. It was a welcome—a personal letter in motion.

Creative choices that made it work:

• Solo Interview Format: With the camera trained on the Wellness Coordinator, we crafted a tone that felt more like a heart-to-heart than a speech—direct, honest, and warm.
• Montana Imagery as Metaphor: B-roll of sunlit meadows, walking trails, and peaceful moments in and around Benefis stood in for the larger message: this place is spacious enough for your ambitions and your well-being.
• Wellness as the Narrative Arc: Instead of bullet points, we let the Coordinator’s reflections unfold naturally: the stresses of residency, the importance of asking for help, the human need for rest, movement, connection, and grace.
• A Soft Visual Touch: We used gentle motion, natural light, and warm tones to match the message with the mood—supportive, not prescriptive.

• Discovery with Purpose – We didn’t script talking points. We asked questions. What does well-being actually mean to a brand-new resident in 2025? What would they need to hear, not just know?
• Single-Day Shoot, Multi-Layered Storytelling – The Coordinator was filmed in a quiet, contemplative setting, while supplemental footage told the unspoken story: places to breathe, to walk, to talk, to decompress.
• Focused Editing – With only one speaker, pacing and rhythm mattered more than ever. We let the words breathe. We let silence make space.
• Careful Integration – A few key graphics unobtrusively introduced resources and wellness touchpoints without hijacking the emotional flow.

• Human First Impressions: Incoming residents expressed gratitude for receiving a message about them—not just their role.
• Emotional Anchoring: The video gave the new program a tone of intentionality and compassion—positioning Benefis Health System as both clinically excellent and emotionally intelligent.
• Multipurpose Use: Initially designed for orientation, the video has since been used in recruitment outreach, social content, and as a visual anchor in staff wellness initiatives.
• Program Identity Set From Day One: With this video, the tone for the entire residency was established: we value your well-being, not as a bonus—but as the foundation.

• You don’t need a cast—you need a message. 
• One authentic voice can build trust faster than a thousand facts.
• Residency culture starts with intention—not tradition.
• Wellness deserves more than a brochure—it needs a story.

 With nothing but a single voice, a camera, and a whole lot of intention, GENTLE THUG VISUAL MEDIA helped Benefis Health System speak volumes: Welcome. We see you. We’re here for you.

This wasn’t a typical welcome video. It was a stake in the ground—a way of saying that the Internal Medicine Residency at Benefis Health System begins not just with clinical training, but with care that starts at the soul.