Case study: Scout – Building A Brand

The brief

Story Machine were brought on at the very inception of Scout Motors mission to build a modern automotive brand.  The challenge?  They had no vehicle… just conceptual drawings.  We needed to do three things:

  1.  Educate the public who may not have ever heard of the brand.
  2.  Reinvigorate the community of die-hard Scout fans.
  3.  Turn a heritage car manufacturer into a modern, tech-forward EV brand.

It was a challenge that presented an immense creative playing field and a chance to truly define a brand’s values from day 1.

How we approached the project

We. Need. Footage

With Scout’s last media dating back to the 1980s, the brand needed fresh, modern, cinematic imagery to reintroduce itself. Story Machine was trusted to create b-roll packages that would form the foundation of Scout’s online presence. Over multiple shoot days in Big Bear and Joshua Tree, we captured stunning visuals that became the backbone of Scout’s first content output.

People Buy Stories, Not Features

To tell Scout’s story, we went beyond the vehicles and tapped into the community. By highlighting authentic narratives from real owners and showcasing their classic Scouts, we built compelling stories that reignited interest among loyal fans while introducing the brand to an entirely new audience.

Building a Brand

We pulled back the curtain on Scout’s development process, spotlighting both the vehicles in production and the people behind them. This work culminated in Forging The Future—a four-part series designed to educate, inspire, and establish credibility for Scout’s rebirth.

Fostering a Community

As a heritage brand with deep roots dating back to the 1960s, community was at the heart of the Scout identity. To celebrate and strengthen this bond, we created Driven By Community, a series of short, emotionally charged films featuring Scout owners across California, Miami, and Vermont. Each story showcased not only the vehicles but also the shared values of innovation, sustainability, and adventure that connect Scout’s past to its future.

The result

Our work provided Scout Motors with the modern cinematic identity it needed to reintroduce itself after decades off the road. The b-roll packages became the foundation of their digital presence, while Forging The Future established Scout as an innovative brand with a bold vision.

Through Driven By Community, we deepened engagement with existing owners and expanded awareness across the U.S., capturing a diverse audience from coast to coast. Together, these projects not only reignited passion among loyal fans but also positioned Scout as a heritage brand ready to inspire the next generation of drivers.

Ready to get started?

From large-scale campaigns to targeted social content, we create work that drives engagement, strengthens brand identity, and delivers measurable results. If you’re ready to partner with a team that understands how to turn strategy into impact, we’d love to start the conversation.

What our clients have to say about us

Our clients consistently describe Story Machine as one of the best video production companies in Sydney, known for our creativity and high-quality content. They praise our ability to bring their visions to life with stunning video production, seamless editing, and clear, structured processes. Our exceptional project management and communication ensure a smooth and stress-free experience from start to finish. To read the full reviews, visit our Clutch profile.

Speak to an expert

We’re here to help every step of the way. Whether you’re looking to elevate your brand with stunning video content or have questions about the process, our friendly and creative team at Story Machine is ready to bring your vision to life. Join the many clients who trust us to tell their stories and deliver real results. Contact us today, and let’s create something extraordinary together!

Message us

We understand that starting a video project can be stressful, especially if you’re new to it. We’re here to help! Here’s a simple guide to make the process easier.

By providing this information, you help us understand your vision and ensure we deliver a video that meets your expectations. Our team is here to guide you through this process, making it as smooth and stress-free as possible.

1. Project Objective:
Define what you want to achieve with your video. Is it brand awareness, product promotion, or customer engagement?

2. Target Audience:
Specify who you want to reach, considering demographics, interests, and behaviours.

3. Key Messages:
Outline the main points you want to communicate.

4. Style and Tone:
Describe the desired look, feel, and mood of the video. Include examples of references you love if possible.

5. Budget and Timeline:
Provide your budget range and any deadlines.

6. Deliverables:
List what you expect to receive, such as a full video or social media cuts.