Information about houses is easily accessible: Log on to the information superhighway and wait for the three-bed, two-bath exit to your dreams. It’s getting so simple, that it’s not far off to assume buying a home could require zero human interaction some day, if we allow it.
However, human interaction is at the forefront of thought for Decker Bullock Sotheby’s International Realty. The firm has partnered with Evoker, a Chicago-based multimedia branding agency, to create short films profiling the brokerage and agents that make it a success.
The films are set to premier on Monday, October 3, at the Lark Theater in Larkspur, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Why focus on the agent?
In order for this project to come to fruition, Decker Bullock creative director Kevin Daniel Dwyer had to convince agents to get on board. And mind you, this was not a free project.
Dwyer explained how the brokerage would supplement 35 percent of the cost, but the rest was required on behalf of the agent.
Decker Bullock has 165 agents in the firm, Dwyer says. Out of 165, 19 agents signed up for the first round of videos.
“How do you sell something without any return on investment that’s proven?” Dwyer said.
Dwyer’s intention behind the videos is to create a visual connection between the agents and future clients, which is why most of the content in the videos was up to the agents he says.
Evoker crafted 17 lifestyle videos in total, telling the story of each agent — not just the homes they sell or the brokerage they work for.
Evoker producers met with the agents during two consultation trips from Chicago prior to filming. Dwyer said these interviews are typically done on set while filming, which helped streamline the process when it came to production.
The teaser shows different shots of agents doing what they do, whether it’s drinking a cold brew or riding bikes along the coast — showing the world that agents are human beings, too.
Dwyer says the team made sure the project had an artistic influence.
“We’re just trying to really diversify the way the public sees agents,” he said. “We have a very interesting group of agents involved…we’re really happy with this ensemble cast of people who signed up for the project.”