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Rival Schools Established March 2007 www.rivalschools.tv

Rival Schools is one of Vancouver’s finest creative digital boutiques. In our words, these dudes make some ruling digital creations. In their words:

‘Creative’ means we concept as well as execute
Sure, we handle production, and sure, the final work is ever so juicy and delicious. But good fortune alone rarely makes it as such. Our work resonates because of the source from which it originates: within our own walls, and within our own heads. We solve strategic problems by transforming original ideas into embraceable solutions that are as tangible and measurable as they are lovable and huggable.

‘Digital’ means we handle a lot of pixels
It’s difficult to hit a moving target. And digital production moves faster than anything out there. From High Definition to Web to mobile, digital is our primary focus. It’s how we ensure that final deliverables are worthy of their origins.

‘Boutique’ means we’re small… and exclusive
It’s no accident that the people who founded and own our company are still the ones producing and directing projects. And it’s those same people who deal first-hand with our elite handful of clients.

Made up of a team of 6 (yes, their shop dog counts as one!), we caught up with co-founder, Dave Lam, for a few questions…

If Rival Schools is known for only one thing amongst it’s customers, what would it be?

Our versatility and willingness to push beyond our boundaries. When we work with our clients, it truly is a collaborative and creative process. It’s not always easy but at the end of it, if we can say that we were able to push ourselves to expand our offerings then it’s all worth it.

Aside from your own, what’s your favorite Vancouver business, and why?

Not any one in particular, but any successful eatery in Vancouver. The market is so competitive that any place that has perfected (or is constantly perfecting) its craft, developed a loyal client base and stood the test of time, really has it figured out.

What’s your favorite project you’ve executed for a Vancouver based client?

I think that’s the one thing we’re really working on, expanding our local client base. We’ve worked with some International brands in other markets and would love to have that translate over here. If asked what our favorite project is in general, it would have to be for PUMA. Creative freedom was key and that translated early from the pitch to the final delivery. I’m proud to say that our team was able to execute everything in house, throughout the entire production stage. From auditioning the dancers to orchestrating the video shoot. From the design and animation of the graphics to finally the programming of the interactive framework. It was a success on all levels and a very happy client in the end.

What keeps you here? Like what’s the best thing about Vancouver?

Besides all the great scenery, variety of amazing food, high quality of life, my family and the fact that I call this place home?
Rival Schools has had the opportunity to work with some really great design studios and designers in Vancouver. They’re so supportive and talented and that’s really inspirational to us. And add to that, the fact that the rest of the world is only an email, phone call, or text message away, there really isn’t any reason to leave now is there?

www.rivalschools.tv