Services

From Audit
to Operation

Four ways to work with Shanks & Co, matched to where you are in the shift to AI-native content.

Blueprint Build Staff Operate

Most engagements move Blueprint → Build → Staff → Operate in sequence. You can start anywhere: wherever your content operation actually is today.

01 — Blueprint

Know exactly what to build before you build it

Blueprint is where every engagement starts. We audit how your content actually gets made today (the tools, the workflows, the bottlenecks, the people) and map it against what's realistic with current AI tooling. You walk away with a concrete plan: which parts of your content operation to rebuild first, which tools and models fit your use case, and what team it takes to run it.

Best for: Brands who know they need to change how they make content but don't yet know what "AI-native" should actually look like for them.

What's Included

  • Full audit of current content workflows and tooling
  • Gap analysis against AI-native alternatives
  • Tool stack recommendation, matched to your content types and volume
  • Hiring plan: roles, seniority, contract vs. full-time mix
  • A prioritized roadmap, not just a wish list
02 — Build

We implement the operation, not just design it

Build is full implementation. We design and stand up the actual AI content engine: the production pipelines, prompt libraries, quality-control systems and workflows your team will run day to day. This isn't a proof-of-concept in a sandbox. It's built to handle real production volume, with the guardrails a working content operation needs.

Best for: Brands with a clear direction (often from a Blueprint engagement) who need the operation actually built, not just planned.

What's Included

  • End-to-end workflow design and implementation
  • Custom prompt libraries and reusable production templates
  • Production pipeline setup, including tools like ComfyUI where relevant
  • Quality-control and review systems
  • Documentation and handoff so your team can run it independently
03 — Staff

The right AI-native talent, embedded in your team

An AI content operation is only as good as the people running it. Staff is how we place specialist AI-native talent (filmmakers, creative directors, strategists, prompt engineers and more) directly into your team, on a contract, fractional or full-time basis. Every placement comes from our talent community, so you're getting people already vetted for both craft and AI fluency.

Best for: Brands that have (or are building) the workflow and just need the right people to run it.

What's Included

  • Role scoping based on your actual content needs
  • Candidates sourced from our vetted talent community
  • Matching for craft, tool fluency and team fit
  • Flexible engagement models: contract, fractional or full-time
  • Ongoing support for the relationship, not just the introduction
04 — Operate

A senior AI content operator, on retainer

Operate is fractional leadership. Instead of a one-time engagement, we embed a senior AI content operator into your business on an ongoing, retained basis: someone accountable for the day-to-day performance of your AI content operation, not just its initial setup. It's the option for brands that want the accountability of an in-house hire without the search.

Best for: Brands running an established AI content operation who want senior oversight without adding a full-time leadership hire.

What's Included

  • A dedicated, senior AI content operator on retainer
  • Ongoing workflow refinement as tools and models evolve
  • Direct accountability for output and quality, not advisory-only
  • Regular reporting and check-ins built around your team's cadence
  • Flexibility to scale up or down as your content needs shift
Not Sure Where to Start?

Let's Talk About Your Content Operation

Check the FAQ for common questions about how engagements work, or reach out directly on LinkedIn.

Read the FAQ Connect on LinkedIn