Client: NaughtOne Furniture

Watch the film

Manto created this launch film of the new Percy chair created by the premium commercial furniture manufacturer NaughtOne.

Designer, Nicole Marion, was inspired by the simple and functional design of 1970s waiting room chairs where only two elements marry to create a statement-making chair: the bold graphic outline of the frame and the plush, cushioned upholstery.

Our film targets commercial interior designers and office design and fit-out companies. Through showcasing Percy’s elegant simplicity and practical yet playful design, we effectively conveyed this message.

Our key aim with this project was to find a way to properly tell the design story of the Percy chair in a relatively short space of time while allowing the film to feel like it has room to breathe; ensuring it didn’t feel rushed.

The film was built around the interview with the Percy chair designer, Nicole Marion, who was based in Canada. We collaborated with a local production company (Kicker Films) in Winnipeg, who filmed Nicole, with us directing via Zoom. We worked closely with them to ensure that the interview setup aligns with the overall style of the film, reflecting NaughtOne’s brand image and showcasing quality and artistry.

We wanted her storytelling to feel natural and organic, not scripted, but the running time meant it required a level of concision and precision which we achieved through coaching Nicole through the process. Although NaughtOne had a meticulous brand style/voice they wanted us to produce something that stood apart from their previous video work which tended to have more of a minimal approach to showcasing their range of products.

Drawing inspiration from the film ‘Rams’ we created a film in which the composition of every shot was considered and deliberate, allowing each frame to tell a story in itself. This helped us to marry the clean, light, minimal style of the product images with the busier, more richly coloured setting of the factory without the two clashing. We focused on the textures, broad and bold colour palette and the intricacies of the many processes that all come together in the production of each chair. We used the sounds of the ‘making’ to compliment the elegant, contemporary score.

Our collaborative efforts with NaughtOne and the talented designer Nicole Marion resulted in a launch film that not only effectively communicated the story behind the Percy chair but also showcased its unique blend of simplicity, functionality, and playfulness. By balancing meticulous attention to detail with a fresh and engaging approach, we were able to produce a film that stands apart from previous works, giving an international flavour, while remaining true to NaughtOne’s brand identity.

Through thoughtful composition, rich visuals, and immersive storytelling, we captured the essence of the Percy chair’s design journey, inviting viewers to experience the craft and quality synonymous with NaughtOne.

Manto is a video production agency in Leeds. Ready to start your video project? Get in touch. We’d love to help.

We teamed up with Powerleague, the premier destination for five-a-side football, to craft a compelling video for their upcoming annual conference. The annual conference is an opportunity for their colleagues from 42 Clubs, venues and support offices to come together and reflect on the previous year’s achievements, to have a good time, and set up the focuses for the New Year. 

Watch the Video

The Brief

To create a short video highlighting key moments from the previous year both within Powerleague and the wider world. The video should be inspiring, uplifting and focus on one of our values: ‘Relentless’— which was the theme of the conference. The content should invoke positive emotion and inspire colleagues to be ‘relentless’ across 2024 in everything they do.

Our Approach

We took a unique approach by aligning Powerleague milestones and global events with specific months of the year. This not only provided a chronological narrative but also reinforced the interconnectedness of Powerleague with the world around it. By intertwining these moments, we aimed to showcase the relentless spirit that drives the company forward.

Motion graphics was our medium of choice to bring this narrative to life. With dynamic visuals, vibrant colours, and fluid animations, we were able to convey the energy and vitality inherent in every aspect of Powerleague’s journey. 

The primary focus of this video was to demonstrate to all Powerleague staff members the achievements they’d made over the past 12 months, the impact each employee had on the previous year and how they can support future growth moving forward. We aimed to create a bold, fast-paced, stand-out animation that shouted about these accomplishments.

Powerleague shared their brand guidelines with us early in the pre-production process after some discussions they gave us full creative freedom to push the limits of what was possible with their existing brand identity. 

Charlotte, Manto’s Motion Designer says, “We began this stage of the process by jumping into Illustrator where I started to create a range of style boards to help demonstrate to the client how we could push their current brand identity further to create a distinctive look and feel and create a unique visual approach for video content. 

Together with the client, we structured a script that ran in chronological order, this took us through events, stats, and accomplishments that happened throughout the year. We also included major news reports and sporting events to help visually keep the viewer on track with the monthly timeline approach. 

This stage of the process helped us ensure that the client was fully on board with our vision for the motion graphics. We knew using motion graphics paired with elements of fast-paced video footage would help us to tell our story effectively whilst adding value to our content and keeping our audience engaged.” 

The Result

Powerleague was such a fun first project to work on. We created the exact energy, drama, and wow factor that it needed, and the client was so chuffed with the final outcome. Colleagues at the conference said, ‘It was the best we’d ever produced,’ and the CEO’s verdict was ‘excellent’—We’ll take that!

If you are looking to create a video for your brand, get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.

Welcome to Episode 2 of our Video Tool Kit series where Paul, our MD, talks you through how to actually get the ball rolling on your video project in the pre-production stage.

Watch the Video 

So, for whatever reason you’ve decided you want to create some video. However, the tricky thing can sometimes be getting started.

“The way we approach any project is to break it down into three stages: pre-production, production, and post-production. Now, you might assume that the key to a good video is getting the filming and editing right, but our experience has shown that getting the pre-production stage right is absolutely critical to getting the outcome that everyone wants. So today, I’m going to cover some of the basics of the pre-production stage. So, that’s everything that happens before you start filming.

There are two questions we always ask at the start of a project that we keep coming back to at every stage: who is watching and what do you want the video to achieve? By keeping on returning to these questions, we can ensure that we never lose sight of the key things which will make the video successful.

Once you’ve got your answers to these questions, make a list of the ways to get there. You need to think about where your audience is hanging out. Videos for LinkedIn look very different to videos for TikTok, so you need to have that figured out right at the beginning. The length of your video can also be critical in ensuring you get to say everything you want to your audience. Often, you’ll need to hit a message in the first five to ten seconds to keep a viewer engaged, but if you know they’re already interested in what you have to say, then you might have more room to spread things out.

Overall, try to have as clear an idea as you can of what the finished product will look like before you start filming anything. Plan out what you hope to achieve from the video and the steps you need to take to get there.

Are you’re ready to get filming? Watch this space for the next video where our head of production, Matt Rolfe, will show us how to achieve great results on little to no budget.”

Watch the People Loving People film

I forget that People Loving People was a project dancing around in my mind before I even started working at Manto, but it initially started as a photography project back in 2021. I loved the idea of just capturing queer couple portraits around Leeds and seeing what that representation looked like at the time. I was beginning to realise how much stories represent us and how people can feel invisible when they are not seen in stories. Capturing folk in their most comfortable environment with their loved one, through a queer lens, would normalise the love as the same as any other love story.

Background Research

When the opportunity came up to make a test project with Manto, I felt this idea would translate perfectly into film. Queerness is still hugely underrepresented in film and I remember finding a stat when I started the research that just 2% of films have explicit queer representation (Observer, 2020). I was adamant I didn’t want the focus to be on LGBTQ+ discrimination, or the trauma some folk in the community go through. I felt some of the films released in the 2010’s such as Boy Erased, Moonlight and The Miseducation of Cameron Post (all great films BTW!) focused on the hardships of the community, rather than the beauty of being queer. Yes, it is vitally important to nod to that when relevant, but I wanted my film to focus on normalising the connection and love between queer couples.

The Concept

My main aim throughout this project was to focus on small intimate moments between a couple, nodding to the mainstream hetero/cis typical ‘fairytale’ romance trope to illustrate this. Especially those ‘honeymoon’ feelings everyone can experience at the early stages of a relationship, whether you’re gay or not, felt important to capture. I discovered a web-series that inspired the look and feel of what I was trying to illustrate called Love Language – a beautiful alphabetical anthology series of queer short films. At this point, I had my friends, Andy and Henry, who were happy to be vulnerable on camera and share their unique love story. (Side note – Andy has now transitioned and now goes by Eden which is the name I’ll be using for the rest of this blog!)

So I came up with this logline to always come back to throughout the project:

People Loving People is a short meditation on the small, tender moments of falling in love, through a queer lens. Andy and Henry star in this episode, a couple who fell in love in Leeds. They openly discuss their love in hopes to normalise queer relationships.

Now that I had my concept, a reference and my starring cast (!), I started to brainstorm how these intimate moments would look; close-ups of the couple, soft and warm lighting, handheld/naturalist shots with lots of ambient sounds and conversational dialogue, all felt like key elements. I also knew I wanted to experiment with mixed media, pulling in some 35mm stills, collage-like stop motion and doodle-esque animation inspired by a graphic novel turned TV Series Heartstopper. All these elements were visual storytelling cues to initiate the different emotions felt by the couple.

The Filming Process

Natural-sounding dialogue from the couple was important. So rather than the traditional interview style with a huge set-up (that can sometimes feel intimidating), I decided to start with a casual interview. We were in a space that felt safe to Eden and Henry, with only a microphone and we just had a conversation. I think Eden and Henry felt the conversation was quite cathartic for their relationship, openly reminiscing on their queerness and how their relationship came to be, which was a joy to witness.

This interview was then the foundation for the visuals. I created a list of shot ideas, props and a kit list. I was going to be filming solo so wanted to make sure I had everything (and accounted for everything after the filming!) The shoot was over 2 days, with the first day shooting inside Eden’s living room. Then the second day was just over an evening, filming along Leeds Dock, near where Eden and Henry first met.

Post Production and Editing

As post-production got underway, I wasn’t quite sure how to stitch all my planned elements together. I also wanted to include a short stop motion sequence for a certain scene picked out in the dialogue. The scene could’ve felt quite serious, but I wanted the animation style to feel playful, as Eden emphasised the situation felt quite blasé to her. I was inspired by the characters in the children’s show Charlie and Lola which focuses on colour and texture. Matt’s wife kindly drew the illustrations of the characters (with different expressions!) while I worked on creating the set out of tissue paper and coloured card. Interspersing the edit with footage from the shoot, stills, sourcing images of Eden and Henry from when they were younger, and the animation elements, brought this mixed-media piece together that I felt proud of.

Since The Film’s Release

Eden and Henry loved the film when I screened it to them. It was wonderful to create something for them at an important milestone in their relationship. It was then screened last summer during Pride Month at a local film screening ‘North by North East’ which was great to see it on the big screen in front of an audience. It was such a pleasure creating this project from start to finish and shining a light on the beautiful parts of queerness and what a healthy, supportive queer relationship looks like. I’ve considered making it into a series with other couples in Leeds who want to share their love story; so if you’re queer and in love, let me know!

If you’d like to see more of Team Manto’s test projects, visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel, Manto Collective.

As the founder of Manto, I’ve come to understand that in the fast-paced realm of video production, staying ahead of the game is absolutely essential. I’ve put together a few thoughts on the major factors which are going to impact our industry in 2024, trends that are shaping the landscape of video production.

A Place for Short-Form and Long-Form Content

In an era where attention spans are shrinking, short-form content has emerged as a dominant force. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels have had a huge impact on how audiences consume videos. At Manto, we’re experts in crafting concise and impactful videos that capture attention in a matter of seconds. It’s not about saying less; it’s about saying more with less.

However it’s important to understand that not all videos have to be super short, it’s all down to your audience and platform. If your audience is engaged and wanting to take a deeper dive into the subject, you have the freedom to stretch your running times and create powerful long-form video content. We love having the chance to get stuck in and take the time to go really in depth on a story or subject; it’s something that video does better than any other format.

The Impact of AI on Video Production

By now, many of you have likely experienced Artificial Intelligence (AI) through pioneering tools such such as Chat GPT or Dall-E, and AI is set to play a transformative role in video production. From automated editing processes to sophisticated algorithms that analyse audience preferences, AI is streamlining workflows and enhancing the efficiency of content creation. At Manto, we’re already implementing AI-powered editing tools to enhance our creative process, allowing us to focus more on storytelling. In spite of the rise of tools such as Pixa, my take is that truly convincing AI based generative video content is still some way. It’s one to keep an eye on though, it could bring a real seismic industry shift.

Sustainability in Video Production

With environmental consciousness on the rise sustainability has become a focal point in the video production industry, and we’ve set it as one of our key focuses for 2023. From eco-friendly production practices to promoting social responsibility, there’s a growing emphasis on minimising the environmental impact of our work. At Manto, we’re committed to exploring sustainable options in every phase of our projects, ensuring that creativity aligns with responsibility.

Virtual and Augmented Reality Integration

The lines between reality and the virtual world are blurring, and video production is at the forefront of this technological convergence. Virtual and augmented reality are no longer futuristic concepts but tangible tools enhancing storytelling.

Personalised and Interactive Content

Audiences crave personalised experiences, and the video production landscape is adapting accordingly. Interactive content, such as choose-your-own-adventure videos and personalised messages, is gaining traction.

The Proliferation of Live Video

Live video continues to dominate as a powerful engagement tool. Whether it’s live streaming events, Q&A sessions, or behind-the-scenes glimpses, the immediacy and authenticity of live content resonate with audiences.

As the founder of Manto, I’ve come to understand that in the fast-paced realm of video production, staying ahead of the game is absolutely essential. I’ve put together a few thoughts on the major factors which are going to impact our industry in 2024, trends that are shaping the landscape of video production.

A Place for Short-Form and Long-Form Content

In an era where attention spans are shrinking, short-form content has emerged as a dominant force. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels have had a huge impact on how audiences consume videos. At Manto, we’re experts in crafting concise and impactful videos that capture attention in a matter of seconds. It’s not about saying less; it’s about saying more with less.

However it’s important to understand that not all videos have to be super short, it’s all down to your audience and platform. If your audience is engaged and wanting to take a deeper dive into the subject, you have the freedom to stretch your running times and create powerful long-form video content. We love having the chance to get stuck in and take the time to go really in depth on a story or subject; it’s something that video does better than any other format.

The Impact of AI on Video Production

By now, many of you have likely experienced Artificial Intelligence (AI) through pioneering tools such such as Chat GPT or Dall-E, and AI is set to play a transformative role in video production. From automated editing processes to sophisticated algorithms that analyse audience preferences, AI is streamlining workflows and enhancing the efficiency of content creation. At Manto, we’re already implementing AI-powered editing tools to enhance our creative process, allowing us to focus more on storytelling. In spite of the rise of tools such as Pixa, my take is that truly convincing AI based generative video content is still some way. It’s one to keep an eye on though, it could bring a real seismic industry shift.

Sustainability in Video Production

With environmental consciousness on the rise sustainability has become a focal point in the video production industry, and we’ve set it as one of our key focuses for 2023. From eco-friendly production practices to promoting social responsibility, there’s a growing emphasis on minimising the environmental impact of our work. At Manto, we’re committed to exploring sustainable options in every phase of our projects, ensuring that creativity aligns with responsibility.

Virtual and Augmented Reality Integration

The lines between reality and the virtual world are blurring, and video production is at the forefront of this technological convergence. Virtual and augmented reality are no longer futuristic concepts but tangible tools enhancing storytelling.

Personalised and Interactive Content

Audiences crave personalised experiences, and the video production landscape is adapting accordingly. Interactive content, such as choose-your-own-adventure videos and personalised messages, is gaining traction.

The Proliferation of Live Video

Live video continues to dominate as a powerful engagement tool. Whether it’s live streaming events, Q&A sessions, or behind-the-scenes glimpses, the immediacy and authenticity of live content resonate with audiences.

No matter what business you’re in, video content is an invaluable tool in telling your story and getting your messages out there. Whether you’re a hard-working business owner or a seasoned professional in brand, digital marketing, communications or PR, the Manto Video Toolkit series is the perfect starting point on your journey to creating powerful video content.

Due to the ever advancing quality of phone cameras we’ve seen a huge rise in user generated content (UGC) for social media, and marketing professionals making their own video content. We know how daunting it can seem getting started, and how frustrating it can be when your videos just aren’t as good as you want, so we’ve created this series to help you make better videos.

Across the series, members of the Manto team will offer their expertise and invaluable tips and techniques to help elevate the quality of your videos.  Drawing on over 30 years’ combined video production experience we’ll share a few of our industry insider secrets along the way.

Headed up by our Head of Post Production, Steve, each bite-sized episode will dive into a different stage of video production from coming up with an idea, right the way through to getting it online, breaking down the essentials for what makes good video content. 

From choosing the right video platform and video format to delivering a seamlessly stitched edit, we’ve got you covered. Struggling to get that perfect shot or torn between video editing software options? We’ve got your back. Our goal is simple: we want to empower you to create great video content. 

Stay tuned to our YouTube channel: Manto Collective for exciting Video Toolkit updates. If you have any burning video questions, give us a shout! We’re always here to help.

Manto is a video production agency in Leeds making boundless video for bold brands.

The Manto Team have slowly been sharing some of our ‘Visual Media Favourites’ and next up, is our Head of Production, Matt.

(Just don’t quote these answers as gospel as we’ll probably change our minds again by next year!)

What is your favourite film and why?

Up in the Air. I really love the slickness of travel, and Clooney’s character that’s got quite a shallow depth of emotion. Sure, I wish the ending was a happy one, but it hits you right in the feels!

What is your favourite ad and why?

Canoe Canada. I just love how this ad captures the passion of paddling. It makes it feel dramatic, and ultimately, I want to get out on the water and go paddling….ideally in Canada. The quality of the footage, and the voiceover is pretty great.

What was the film/video that first got you interested in filmmaking?

For me, there wasn’t something that I was watching that inspired me. It was just about the creation, and making something from nothing and seeing if it could be done. I remember when I was about 8 or 9, attempting stop motion with my toy cars, and was proud of myself that I’d figured out how to do it with limited tools!

Which filmmaker are you most inspired by and why?

A bit cliche, but Edgar Wright. I thought his attention to detail with the easter eggs was mazing, along with quick witty dialogue with a visual way of doing comedy that everyone has always admired. Nowadays, I really like the YouTuber Danny Gervitz, as the quality of his filmmaking is truly amazing, from the scriptwriting, camera, directing and editing. He has a feature film out later this year which I’m excited to watch!

What ad made you laugh the most?

I mean, Mr Bean Snickers is pretty great

What is the film or ad that you would most love to have made yourself and why?

Canoe Canada would be pretty great. Combining travel, outdoors, and canoeing!

Watch the advert.

Taylors Out of Home Coffee Bags advert was tons of fun to make and the client really loved our idea and execution. This article helps explain our thought process, and how we achieved the end result. 

The primary focus of the video was capturing the attention of B2B and hospitality owners to increase awareness of the product, explain the process and therefore increase sales. Our aim was to showcase Taylors’ Coffee Bags in a hotel setting, emphasising their usage and underscoring the exceptional quality of the coffee they offer.

We came up with a few ideas, which, with some helpful feedback from the client strayed away from mocking other brands, and simply focusing on the quality product that Taylors has to offer. 

Our concept showed how many different people in a hotel room might enjoy a coffee bag and wrote a script that helped talk about the benefits, choosing a business person, a family and a couple as our actors. To avoid a hard-sell approach, we employed a diverse cast of actors and a jump-cut style finishing each other’s sentences, enhancing engagement and entertainment value.

The filming day presented unique challenges, especially as we worked in a real hotel room during scorching weather. The trickiest bit we found was creating a tabletop for the coffee bags to sit on. If there was a coffee table already there at the right height, this would have been easy! This called for us to buy some laminate flooring and attach it to a workbench so we could get the height exactly right for our needs.

We had three crew members on the day. Steve took the role of director, keeping a close eye on the script and directing our actors. Matt took the role of producer in the pre-production phase, and DP on the day, and Josh was a very useful runner helping us with five actors, make-up artists, props, location and client. 

Doing this style of jump cut match frame is very tricky, especially in a small hotel room with so many of us plus lighting and camera. As much as we avoided it, the camera did move, which meant we spent a while matching the frame of the coffee mug in post-production so that it was seamless. 

Although the video looks effortless, it took three of the Manto team, two carloads, and one long filming day in a hotel room to get the video right. We’re really happy with the results, and more importantly, so is the client!

Manto is a video production company in Leeds. We make boundless videos for bold brands. If you would like to talk video for your business, get in touch!

Watch our Yorkshire Tourism Showreel.

Manto’s about to spill the tea on our latest gig – a tourism showreel and our tribute to Yorkshire. Why?  To celebrate our region, its rich heritage, and the extraordinary people in it. 

Let’s kick things off with the obvious – Yorkshire is stunning, iconic, and impossible to ignore. We wanted our video to capture every inch of its breathtaking landscapes, from the rolling hills to the seaside cliffs and more Insta-worthy spots than you can shake a selfie stick at. We’re proud of our region and we want to shout about it.

In our latest tourism showreel, we’re shining a spotlight on the real people; the families, thrill-seekers, and all-around down-to-earth locals who bring the place to life. It’s a melting pot of diversity, and we’re here for it.

But it’s not just about showing off; it’s about keeping Yorkshire awesome for generations to come. Our video is a call to arms for responsible tourism – keep the environment happy and support the incredible local communities that make Yorkshire the cool spot it is.

Diving into the historical roots, we’re exploring the tapestry of Yorkshire’s past, featuring iconic landmarks like the Yorkshire Dales, Scarborough, and the awe-inspiring How Stean Gorge. It’s not just about where we are now; it’s about where we came from.

We’ve formed long-term partnerships with Yorkshire Tea, Bettys and Taylors, Bike & Boot, and Conker to name a few. We can’t get enough of this stuff and if you’re a Yorkshire brand looking to create a promotional video, we’d love to collaborate with more outdoor and tourism brands,

Manto makes boundless videos for bold brands. Get in touch if you’re looking for video for your organisation.

It’s the most wonderful time of year again – no not Christmas, Mince Pie season! For us at Manto, this started as soon as they hit the shelves in early November. Since then we’ve been scoffing them on a near daily basis and are proud to bring you our top 11 Mince Pies (we chose an odd number just to annoy Director Paul).

11. Co-Op (Fresh Baked) – Based near our office is a Co-Op supermarket and this proved a good start for various pies that appear on our list. However, the Co-Op freshly baked range did not go down well. A mix of dubious crunchy filling and subpar pastry left us struggling to finish this pie and the whole ordeal was quite an upsetting experience. If you want to see a grown man/woman crying whilst eating a mince pie then go for these and look in the mirror.

10. Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference, All Butter Pastry – Let me tell you, from appearances these bad boys look decent. A fancy star pattern on top and the idea of a deep fill buttery crust got us drooling but problems soon start to arise about halfway through the pie. Matt experienced an unusual crunchiness midway through and was left wondering if he’d lost a tooth. Random crunchiness = disappointing pie.

9. Tesco (packeted)  – Mince pies can vary so much depending on occasion and the overall consensus here is that this is a good everyday pie. Nothing to shout about but not much to complain about really. The Ford Escort of pies.

8. Co-Op (packeted) – Where Co-Op lets itself down with fresh pies it makes up in packeted ones. Another good every day pie but with a little extra taste in the filling than Tesco.

7. Aldi Speciality – Amongst the random array of unbranded goods and home appliances you’ll find Aldi’s take on the classic mince pie. Again, another good standard of pie but they also offered some new and exciting flavours such as salted caramel. After trying these we had mixed feelings and decided that they were too different to be considered for our humble chart. Lizzy particularly enjoyed them because they didn’t really taste of mince pie.

6. Mr Kipling – Ah Mr Kipling. The purveyor of sugary treats. These were eaten early on in our research and held a high position for quite some time. Like most of the Mr Kipling range they are delicious and go down nicely with a cup of Yorkshire Tea.

5. Greggs – Greggs offers the best fresh chain shop mince pies you can get and have the added bonus of also offering pasties. A Festive Bake and a sausage roll followed by a mince pie? That’s lunch sorted! (mmm heartburn).

4. Rolfey’s (actually Anna’s) – Matt likes to take credit for puns and jokes he has actually found on Google. The sneaky bugger also takes credit for mince pies that he didn’t actually make! Anna’s (Matt’s wife) mince pies have a crumbly thick layer of pastry and a deliciously subtle taste to the filling. This got top marks from Lizzy as she hates the ‘middle bit’ and we all agreed that these easily trumped many of the supermarket ones.

3. Tesco Finest (with a hint of cognac) – As we reach what we call the ‘Podium of Pies’ we really begin to distinguish the difference between a good pie and a great pie. Tesco Finest Mince Pies have the added bonus of cognac which means if you eat enough you will certainly have a merry Christmas (or be violently ill). These pies got approving noises from all of us whilst we had our mouths full and it was agreed the flavour was top of the line whilst the pastry was light and crumbly. Simply lovely.

2. M&S – Marks and Sparks proving here that you get what you pay for with mince pies. Paying a more premium price (I think they we’re around £1.80 for 6) gets you a truly delicious pie that is tough to rival. If you have guests round this Christmas then these puppies are definitely worth pushing the boat out for. Quality soft pastry with a filling that leaves you craving more.

1. Crust & Crumb – The King of Pies. Now, we are biased here because Crust & Crumb are a short walk from our office in Chapel Allerton. However, these pies are worth travelling for let me tell you. With great power comes great cost though and these will certainly leave you out of pocket this Christmas if you buy too many. At £1.75 a pie these were easily our priciest pie and, to put that in perspective, the cost of 4 pies from here would have gotten us almost 42 Greggs mince pies (mmm 42 mince pies). But everything about these mince pies was just sensational and Crust & Crumb are worthy winners of our coveted Manto Pie Chart. Well done – please can we have freebies for further research?

So there we have it. We hope you enjoyed reading our painstaking research. Eating so many pies has been tough on our waistlines and with Christmas looming there are no signs of it easing up. Let us know if there’s any you think we missed out and if there’s any people we should avoid.

Until next Christmas my fellow mince pie connoisseurs!

Editor/Motion Designer (Min 3 years experience)

Please carefully read the application requirements listed at the end of this post.

— What we’re looking for —

This is an exciting opportunity for a creative and enthusiastic individual with a real passion for the filmmaking process, to come in and help the company continue to grow. The role will primarily be focused on post ­production (editing, motion graphics, grading) and requires someone with at least 3 years’ experience working professionally with Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe After Effects. There may also be scope for some involvement in production (camera operating, camera assisting, sound recording) depending on experience. Beyond that we want someone who can contribute creatively to our projects from concepts to storyboards; who can work closely with our clients and with other members of the team; who is open to experimenting, learning and challenging themself.  We work as a team and everyone is given the opportunity to contribute ideas, and to bring their ideas to fruition. For us ability wins out over qualifications every time so if you have the experience we’re looking for and can demonstrate a high level of skill and creativity then don’t worry about not having the right qualifications. We are committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community. 

— About Manto Films —

We’re a team of experienced filmmakers who  harness the power of video to create compelling content for bold brands. We build on the foundations of strong relationships and boundless creativity to produce work which connects with audiences and tells important stories. Our work is hugely varied; we work with organisations ranging from Yorkshire Tea to Yorkshire Cancer Research, from Visit Harrogate to Leeds City Council, from major international organisations to local manufacturers. We produce short, punchy social media ads, TV commercials, training films, documentaries and much more. 

— Values —

Everything we do is based around our values. They are:

*Kindness*

Building strong relationships with our clients and within our team is key. To do this we strive to be trustworthy, to act with integrity, to display professionalism, to ask for and offer help, and to create a great experience for our clients.

*Courage*

We are driven by creativity and a genuine love for what we do. We are risk-takers; we produce work that is innovative and daring. We have the courage to try new things and are not afraid to make mistakes.

*Humility*

We have confidence that we produce fantastic work but we have the humility to recognise our imperfections, and so are always striving to learn and improve. We are inspired by other companies and their work, not driven by negative or competitive comparison.

— What the right person will have —

• 3 years professional experience
• Advanced knowledge of Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe After Effects
• Familiarity with working on Macs
• Good understanding of the online film and video market
• Excellent organisational skills
• A collaborative approach to work

— What you’ll be doing —

• Editing a wide range of video content in Adobe Premiere Pro
• Producing motion graphics animations in Adobe After Effects
• Producing a range of supplementary graphics for projects including overlay graphics, title screens, lower third name captions, logo animations and much more
• Grading videos to a high standard
• Managing a varied slate of work and organising your time to ensure deadlines are met
• Working from our office in Chapel Allerton, Leeds
• Working closely with other members of the team
• Contributing ideas and concepts for new projects

— Salary —

Basic Salary £25k -­ £30k (depending on skills and experience)

*** How do I apply ***

Drop us an email to info@mantofilms.com, which must include the following:

• Full CV
• Showreel link (video files not accepted so please upload to YouTube/Vimeo)­
• An example of a motion graphics project with an explanation of how you executed it
• The following information: Driving Licence Y/N, Own Car Y/N, Availability to start ­
• A video of yourself answering the following questions:
  • Why are you suitable for the role?
  • Why do you want the job?
  • What is your dream project to work on and why?­

PLEASE NOTE, APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT THIS VIDEO

Closing date for applications is Friday 20th October at 5pm