Transforming Award-Winning Innovation into a Compelling Story

Case Study

Narrative Architecture for a Phase 2 SBIR Awardee

TIS3 Solutions | Pre Production Strategy Engagement

When TIS3 Solutions secured a U.S. Air Force SBIR Phase 2 award for IoT edge device security, the company entered a new stage of growth.

Phase 2 validates technical merit.
Phase 3 demands commercial clarity.

Before any production began, TIS3 engaged Paper Carrot Studio to design the narrative foundation that would support commercialization, business development, and long term brand positioning.

This case study documents the strategic pre production phase of that engagement.

Client Overview

TIS3 Solutions

TIS3 Solutions is an 8(a), CVE certified Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business operating across enterprise IT, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.

As both a Phase 1 and Phase 2 awardee within the U.S. Air Force SBIR program, TIS3 developed an IoT edge authentication solution focused on securing bi directional data flow between sensors and monitoring systems. The work supports mission critical infrastructure and national security applications.

With Phase 3 commercialization ahead, leadership recognized the need for structured narrative development.

The Strategic Challenge

Technical excellence alone does not carry a company through commercialization.

TIS3 faced four interconnected communication challenges:

Translating complexity without dilution
IoT edge authentication and secure data architecture require precise language. Messaging needed to remain technically credible while becoming accessible to contracting officers, prime partners, and commercial stakeholders.

Operating within federal communication constraints
Defense aligned technology demands discretion. The story had to be compelling while protecting sensitive information.

Differentiating in a crowded SDVOSB landscape
Credentials establish eligibility. Narrative establishes distinction.

Preparing assets for Phase 3 and beyond
Future content would need to function across proposals, conferences, digital platforms, investor conversations, and business development meetings.

This was not a video assignment.
It was a commercialization narrative build.

Scope of Work to Date

Pre Production and Strategic Development

The engagement has focused on building durable narrative infrastructure before filming begins.

Structured Discovery

In depth interviews were conducted with TIS3 leadership and subject matter experts to:

  • Clarify technical architecture

  • Define commercialization objectives

  • Establish disclosure boundaries

  • Identify key audience segments including contracting officers, primes, and commercial partners

This ensured that all creative decisions would align with business development timelines.

Brand Narrative Framework

A formal messaging architecture was developed to unify:

  • Video scripts

  • Website positioning

  • Proposal alignment

  • Conference messaging

  • LinkedIn thought leadership

The objective was consistency across every stakeholder touchpoint.

Script Development

Multiple scripts were written, including:

  • A flagship short documentary concept centered on mission context

  • Supporting short form concepts for digital distribution

  • Structured interview outlines for executive leadership

  • Narrative frameworks aligned to Phase 3 objectives

Each script balances technical authority with mission relevance.

Production Architecture

Detailed shot lists and visual strategy documents were created to guide upcoming filming. These include:

  • Interview composition strategy

  • Environmental b roll planning

  • Visual translation of IoT security concepts

  • Conference ready formats

  • Trade show loop considerations

  • Proposal integration formatting

Production has not yet commenced. The strategic roadmap is complete and approved for execution.

Why Pre Production Strategy Matters for SBIR Companies

Phase 2 awardees often underestimate the communication shift required for Phase 3.

Government evaluators understand technical merit.
Commercial stakeholders require clarity, differentiation, and narrative confidence.

Without disciplined narrative architecture, companies risk:

  • Overly technical messaging

  • Inconsistent positioning across channels

  • Underutilized conference opportunities

  • Proposal content that explains rather than demonstrates

Pre production strategy prevents these inefficiencies.

It ensures that every filmed interview, every edit, and every asset supports commercialization objectives from day one.

Current Status

As of this writing:

  • Messaging framework completed

  • Scripts finalized

  • Shot lists approved

  • Production scheduling in development

This page will be updated as the project moves into production and deployment.

Strategic Positioning

Paper Carrot Studio works at the intersection of cinematic storytelling and federal mission alignment.

Founded by a U.S. Air Force veteran, the studio approaches defense aligned engagements with direct familiarity of military culture, operational sensitivity, and the communication realities surrounding national security work.

For SBIR awardees and federal contractors preparing for commercialization, narrative precision is not optional. It is strategic infrastructure.

For Federal Contractors Preparing for Phase 3

If your organization has secured a Phase 1 or Phase 2 SBIR award and is preparing for commercialization, conference visibility, or expanded business development, structured pre production strategy should precede any camera work.

Paper Carrot Studio develops mission aligned narrative systems designed for federal growth. Schedule a strategic consultation to discuss your commercialization roadmap.

Stephan TwistSBIR, Federal Contractor Marketing, Phase 3 Commercialization, Defense Technology, SDVOSB, Narrative Architecture, Pre Production Strategy, Mission Driven Storytelling