Request for Proposal: Manufacturing Workforce Development Short Form Video Series
Introduction/project overview
Project Title: “Tuscarawas Valley Industry Sector Partnership – Invading Tuscarawas”
Introduction/Project Overview: The Tuscarawas Valley Industry Sector Partnership (TVISP), in collaboration with Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC) and other local partners, are seeking proposals from qualified video production companies to create a series of engaging short-form online videos and a promotional radio advertisement. This project aims to highlight the diverse career opportunities and workforce development programs available within the manufacturing sector in Tuscarawas County. The videos and radio ads will serve as an educational and outreach tool, inspiring individuals to explore local manufacturing career pathways and upskilling opportunities.
1. Project goals/objectives
This initiative is designed to strategically address the manufacturing workforce needs within Tuscarawas County by creating compelling video and audio content. The following goals and objectives outline our commitment to not only showcasing the vibrant opportunities within our local industry sector but also highlight the local training opportunities available for careers in manufacturing. The primary goals of this project are to:
Inspire and engage the target audience in the mission of TVISP and its partners, specifically related to manufacturing workforce development.
Showcase the collaboration between local manufacturing companies and educational institutions in developing a skilled workforce for the local manufacturing economy.
Provide guidance to the target audience in identifying and pursuing local manufacturing career pathways.
Raise awareness of the diverse and technologically advanced career opportunities available in Tuscarawas County's manufacturing sector, making them appeal to the specified demographic groups.
Highlight success stories of diverse individuals who have advanced their careers within manufacturing through entry-level positions and upskilling.
Reduce any existing stigma associated with manufacturing jobs and showcase modern, inclusive manufacturing environments.
Offer an educational opportunity for any student participating in the video series.
Promote the video series and its key messages to a broader audience through a radio advertisement.
2. Target Audience
The primary audiences for these videos and the radio ad were determined by a group of local professionals in collaboration with local educators aiming to raise awareness of manufacturing opportunities in the community to demographics that have historically been overlooked. The selection of High School Students, College Students, Women, Latino Community Members, and Underemployed Individuals as the target audience for this manufacturing workforce development video series is a strategic decision rooted in the goals of the Tuscarawas County Industry Sector Partnership (TVISP) and the current needs of the local manufacturing sector:
Building a Future-Ready Pipeline (High School & College Students):
High School Students are at a critical juncture where they are forming perceptions about careers and making decisions about their post-secondary paths. By showcasing modern, technologically advanced manufacturing environments and diverse career pathways, this series aims to dispel outdated stigmas and attract young talent early, encouraging them to consider manufacturing-related studies and careers within Tuscarawas County.
College Students, whether in technical programs, engineering, business, or even undecided, represent a pool of individuals with developing skill sets. The videos can highlight local internship opportunities, entry-level professional roles, and long-term career growth in manufacturing that they might not be aware of, encouraging them to apply their skills locally.
Expanding and Diversifying the Workforce (Women & Latino Community Members):
Women have been historically underrepresented in many manufacturing roles. Targeting this demographic is crucial for broadening the talent pool, addressing potential labor shortages, and fostering a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The videos will aim to feature successful women in various manufacturing positions, demonstrating that these careers are accessible and rewarding.
The Latino Community is a growing demographic in many regions, including Tuscarawas County. Proactive outreach ensures that this segment of the population is aware of and has equitable access to the opportunities within the local manufacturing sector. Tailored messaging can help bridge potential informational or cultural gaps.
Addressing Immediate Workforce Needs (Underemployed Individuals):
Underemployed Individuals possess existing skills and work experience but may not be in roles that fully utilize their potential or provide stable, family-sustaining wages. Manufacturing often offers competitive compensation, benefits, and significant opportunities for on-the-job training and upskilling. This video series can highlight pathways for the underemployed to transition into more fulfilling and economically empowering manufacturing careers.
In essence, this multi-faceted target audience approach is designed to create a comprehensive strategy. It aims to cultivate long-term interest among youth, tap into underutilized segments of the labor force to promote diversity and fill current openings, and provide clear pathways for individuals seeking better employment opportunities, all contributing to a stronger, more resilient manufacturing sector in Tuscarawas County.
3. Scope of work
The selected vendor will be responsible for all aspects of video pre-production, production, post-production, and the production of one radio advertisement.
·Pre-Production (Video & Radio):
Collaborate with TVISP and its partners to finalize concepts, themes, and key messages for each video and the radio ad, ensuring they are tailored to the specified target audiences and focus on manufacturing.
Develop scripts/interview questions for each video.
Develop a script for one radio advertisement (e.g., 30 seconds or 60 seconds – to be determined in consultation with TVISP).
Create production schedules and coordinate logistics for all filming and recording activities, including location scouting, scheduling with participating manufacturing companies, individuals, educational partners, and any voiceover talent. Particular attention should be given to scheduling requirements for the initial filming dates in July and subsequent sessions.
Video Production:
Film on-site at up to 10 selected manufacturing facilities and related technology/support businesses within Tuscarawas County. These locations will represent a mix of manufacturing sub-sectors (e.g., advanced manufacturing, specialized production, etc.) relevant to the TVISP focus areas.
Initial filming will occur at the Manufacturing Camp at Buckeye Career Center and toured locations on July 8, July 9, and July 10. Coordination for this specific event and these dates is crucial.
Capture high-quality video and audio footage.
The filming will likely involve interviews with a diverse range of individuals including students, employees (technicians, engineers, managers reflecting the target audience where possible), employers, and educators focused on manufacturing careers.
Incorporating footage of individuals from the target audience groups exploring manufacturing workplaces, operating equipment (under supervision), and interacting with professionals.
Video Series Structure (Example):
Overall Series: Up to 20 short-form videos.
Video Length: Each video to be approximately 60-90 seconds in length.
All videos may incorporate animation graphics to visually represent pathways and pipelines where applicable.
Content Focus (examples, to be refined in pre-production, focused on manufacturing careers and training programs being offered that appeal to the target audience):
Overview video introducing the project, TVISP, and its goals for supporting an inclusive manufacturing sector.
"You are the future of Tuscarawas County" – Case study video(s) featuring inspiring individuals from the target audience who have found success and fulfillment in local manufacturing careers.
Engineering Technician Pipeline/Pathway Videos – Illustrating opportunities and pathways for engineering technicians within Tuscarawas County's manufacturing sector.
Maintenance Technician Pipeline/Pathway Videos – Showcasing the demand for and career paths of maintenance technicians in local manufacturing.
Robotics or Automation Technician Pipeline/Pathway Videos – Detailing the roles and the skills required.
Mechanical and Electrical Engineer Pipeline/Pathway Videos - Outlining careers within the local manufacturing landscape.
Videos covering the Manufacturing Camp at Buckeye Career Center (filmed July 8-10), showcasing student engagement, hands-on activities, and interactions with manufacturing professionals.
Videos highlighting unique local manufacturing career opportunities and innovative products made in Tuscarawas County.
Video Post-Production:
Edit all footage into compelling and engaging videos, with messaging and visuals that resonate with the specified target audiences.
Incorporate graphics, text overlays, music (royalty-free), and branding elements as specified by TVISP.
Develop and integrate animation graphics to clearly illustrate career pathways and talent pipelines within the manufacturing sector.
Ensure an editing style that is quick-paced with frequent transitions to maintain viewer engagement, suitable for online platforms.
Provide videos in formats suitable for various social media platforms:
9:16 vertical aspect ratio (for TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels).
1:1 square aspect ratio (for social media newsfeeds).
Provide shorter highlight versions (e.g., 15 or 30 seconds) of some of the 60-90 second videos for promotional purposes.
Allow for a specified number of revisions (e.g., two rounds) per video.
Radio Ad Production:
Record professional voiceover(s) for the approved radio ad script.
Source and incorporate appropriate royalty-free music and sound effects.
Mix and master the radio ad to professional broadcast quality standards.
Provide the final ad in formats suitable for radio broadcast.
Allow for a specified number of revisions (e.g., one to two rounds) for the radio ad.
4. Deliverables
Upon successful completion of the project scope, the selected vendor will be responsible for providing the following key tangible outputs to the Tuscarawas County Industry Sector Partnership. These deliverables represent the culmination of the creative and production efforts outlined in this RFP:
Finalized production schedule, video scripts/interview guides, and radio ad script.
Up to 20 fully produced short-form videos, each 60-90 seconds in length, focusing on manufacturing, tailored to the target audience, and incorporating animation graphics as appropriate.
Each video delivered in both 9:16 and 1:1 aspect ratios.
Approximately 3-5 highlight videos (15 or 30 seconds each), derived from the main videos.
One professionally produced radio advertisement (e.g., 30 or 60 seconds), delivered in broadcast-ready format(s).
All raw video and audio footage, project files for both video and radio ad to be provided to TVISP upon project completion.
5. Proposed Timeline
To ensure timely project completion, the following outlines the key milestones and anticipated deadlines for this initiative. While specific dates are provided for critical phases, this proposed timeline is subject to further refinement and will be finalized in collaboration with the selected vendor:
Deadline for Questions: Friday, May 30, 2025
Proposal Submission Deadline: June 6, 2025
Vendor Selection: Friday, June 13, 2025
Project Kick-off & Pre-Production: Commencing week of June 16, 2025
Filming & Recording: First filming session will take place July 8, July 9, and July 10, 2025, at the Manufacturing Camp and toured locations. Continued filming through August and September 2025.
Post-Production & Revisions (Video & Radio): September - October 2025
Final Delivery of Videos & Radio Ad: On or before Friday, October 31, 2025
6. Submission Requirements
Interested parties should submit a proposal that includes:
Company Overview: Briefly describe your company, its experience in video production (short-form, social media, animation/motion graphics) and audio/radio ad production, relevant past projects, preferably showcasing manufacturing, technical subjects, or work targeted to diverse audiences.
Understanding of the Project: Demonstrate your understanding of the project's goals, the specific target audiences, and key messages for both the video series and radio ad.
Proposed Approach: Detail your proposed approach to pre-production, production (video and radio), and post-production. Include creative concepts for the video series and radio ad. Address logistics for up to 10 locations, the specific July filming dates, subsequent filming sessions, and the increased number of videos.
Team: Identify key personnel who will be assigned to this project and their relevant experience, including video production, animation, and audio/radio ad production.
Portfolio: Provide links to 3-5 examples of relevant video work and 1-2 examples of radio ads or audio productions.
Detailed Cost Proposal: Provide a detailed breakdown of costs for all components, including video series production and radio ad production.
Timeline: Propose a realistic project timeline based on the scope of work, acknowledging all deliverables and the specified critical dates.
References: Provide at least three client references.
Ad Placement/Social Media Management (not included): This RFP is for production services only, ad placement and social media management/distribution will be executed internally.
7. Evaluation Criteria:
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Demonstrated understanding of the project's objectives for the manufacturing sector, the specified target audiences, and the dual video/radio components.
Quality and creativity of the proposed approach and concepts for both video and radio.
Ability to manage and execute filming/recording for all project elements, including the specified July filming dates, subsequent filming sessions, and multiple locations.
Relevant experience and qualifications of the company and team in video production, animation, and audio/radio ad production.
Quality of portfolio (video and audio).
Value and cost-effectiveness of the proposal.
Proposed timeline and ability to meet deadlines.
Contact Information
Please submit formal questions and proposals electronically to: JC Shively, Business Development Director, Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation, jcshively@tuscedc.com. Please CC: makridge@tuscedc.com, and feel free to call with any quick questions you have 330-401-3623.
The Tuscarawas Valley Industry Sector Partnership and Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation look forward to receiving your proposals to showcase careers in our vital manufacturing sector to a diverse audience through compelling video and audio content.