January 09, 2013

Switch Video has been a client of the Centre For Business and Economic Development in Collingwood for 3 years.

Switch Video’s product is simple.  They produce animated web videos that take complex messages and make them fun and easy to understand.  Switch works closely with their clients to understand and deliver on their needs.  All video production is carried out in-house right in small town Collingwood.  This includes producing a full script and storyboard, animation and choosing professional voice-over artists.  Switch customers include both small and large companies. Going forward, their focus will be on larger companies and specific industries, such as pharmaceutical and postsecondary text book companies.  Switch has produced videos for international clients:  Microsoft, Molson, Discovery Network, Home Depot and 3M to name a few.

When Switch Video moved to Collingwood about 3 years ago, they sought help from the Centre For Business.  The Centre was able to loan them $150K.  When the loan limit was raised to $250K, the company was able to access further funding from the Centre.  Switch employs 25 people in the Collingwood area.  These include eight animators.  The skills for these types of jobs are ones that are normally only found in urban areas such as Toronto.  Switch, through its experience, has access to these types of people who will willing to move to Collingwood.  As it turns out, they love living in this area with its great lifestyle and we are happy to now have these kinds of skills locally.  Owner of Switch Video, Andrew Angus, has also contributed to the community through volunteer work.

The good news, which is just happening for Switch, is that after three years of support through the Community Futures Program, this company is now bankable.  We will miss them but we have done our job  www.switchvideo.com