Engagement Process

Clear process.
Defined scope.
No surprises.

Every engagement starts with understanding — what's working, what isn't, and what needs to be built. The process is consistent. The scope is shaped around what you actually need.

Inquire
Align
Build
No Surprises
Fixed Scope
Senior-Led
Documented
No Vendor Allegiances
Inquire
Align
Build
No Surprises
Fixed Scope
Senior-Led
Documented
No Vendor Allegiances

Three steps.
Every time.

Every project is different. But the structure of how we work is consistent. We start by listening, align on what matters, and build what's needed — nothing more, nothing less.

01

Inquire

Tell us what you're working through — what feels disconnected, where things are slowing down. We don't come in with a fixed solution. We come in with good questions and a clear process for identifying the right starting point.

No commitment required. No intake form. No pitch deck.

Initial ConversationEnvironment OverviewNo Commitment
02

Align

We review goals, constraints, timing, and business context to define the right engagement path. Scope is agreed before anything is built. You know what you're getting, what it costs, and when it happens — before we start.

Scope DefinitionEngagement PlanClear Deliverables
03

Build

Once the path is clear, we design and implement the systems, workflows, and operational structure that support better work. We work inside active environments — alongside real deadlines — which means solutions are tested where they actually matter.

The work doesn't end at handoff. Depending on the engagement type, we stay involved to make sure what was built holds up.

ImplementationTesting & RefinementOngoing Support

The shape of
each engagement.

Every engagement follows the same three steps — but what that looks like in practice is different depending on what you need.

Remote Infrastructure & SecOps

A defined project with a clear start, build, and handoff. We assess your environment, design the right architecture, build and configure it, then hand it off fully documented.

2–4 monthsProject-based · Fixed scope
01DiscoveryUnderstand your environment, team, and delivery requirements
02Gap AssessmentIdentify what's missing, exposed, or holding you back
03ArchitectureDesign the right infrastructure before anything is built
04Build & ConfigureImplement and test inside your active environment
05HandoffFull documentation, team training, operational independence
Fractional Leadership

An ongoing engagement with a fast onboarding. We come in, learn your operation, and step into the senior IT and ops function — then stay as long as you need us.

OngoingRetainer · Evolves with the team
01Discovery CallUnderstand your current team, gaps, and priorities
022-Week OnboardingLearn your environment, tools, vendors, and operational rhythm
03Monthly CadenceOngoing strategic direction, vendor decisions, and team oversight
Project & Transition

A focused engagement built around one defined problem. Could be two weeks of emergency coverage or three months of studio restructuring — the scope determines the timeline.

2 weeks – 3 monthsResponsive · Scoped before start
01DefineIdentify the exact problem — TPN audit, migration, transition, or coverage gap
02Scope & PlanAgree on deliverables, timeline, and cost before anything starts
03ExecuteDeliver inside your active environment, alongside real deadlines
04Hand OffClean close — documented, trained, and fully transferred

Commitments
we hold to.

These aren't promises that sound good on a proposal. They're the actual principles that shape how every engagement runs — from first conversation through delivery.

01

Scope before a single line of work

Nothing starts until you understand exactly what's being built, what it costs, and why that decision makes sense for where your team is right now.

02

No vendor allegiances

Every tool recommendation is based on what actually fits your environment — not what earns a referral fee or what we're most comfortable with.

03

The right person for the work

Every engagement draws on the right Hive member for the job — a vetted network of specialists, not a bench of generalists. You get the expertise your situation actually requires, not whoever happens to be available.

04

Work that holds after we're done

Systems are documented. Teams are trained to operate what was built. The goal is operational independence — not dependency on ongoing consulting hours.

Before
we talk.

The most common things people want to know before starting a conversation.

Start the Conversation
What types of organizations does Hive Forma work with?+
Post-production studios, VFX houses, branded content agencies, advertising creative shops, music, media, and games companies. We work with three distinct situations: new agencies building from scratch, existing agencies dealing with legacy infrastructure and technical debt from the transition to remote work, and solo operators building serious independent practices.
We already have infrastructure — do you work with agencies carrying technical debt?+
Yes — this is one of the most common engagements. Lapsed support agreements, EOL hardware, tools that don't connect, workflows that were never rebuilt for distributed work. We start with a full inventory and gap assessment, build a prioritized replacement plan, and phase the work so it's not a financial hit in one shot. The goal is getting you lean and competitive without a rebuild that breaks the bank.
Do you work with teams that already have internal IT?+
Yes. Many engagements involve working alongside an existing IT team — providing senior strategic direction, specialized expertise, or capacity for a specific project. The goal is to complement what's already in place, not replace it.
How does TPN and secure media work fit in?+
TPN readiness, secure content workflows, and infrastructure aligned to major studio delivery requirements are core areas of expertise. Engagements typically involve a gap assessment, architecture design, and guided implementation.
What's the typical size of an engagement?+
It varies by type. Focused project engagements run from a few weeks to a few months, with clearly defined deliverables. Ongoing fractional or retainer engagements are scoped monthly. The right structure gets defined during the Align phase.
Are implementation and builds included?+
Yes — Hive Forma is not advisory-only. Implementation, configuration, and hands-on systems work are part of how engagements are delivered.
How do we start?+
The contact page. Share what you're working through and we'll respond with the right next step. No intake form, no automated response, no sales process. A real conversation with someone who can actually help.
Start Here

The first step is
a real conversation.

Tell us what you're working through. We'll respond with the right next step — not a pitch, not a proposal, not an intake form.

30-minute call  ·  You talk, we listen — no agenda