Client: Gemeinschaftswerk Nachhaltigkeit (GW)
6 × 6-7 min, 6 × 45 sec. IG reels & 1 × 90 sec. Film trailer | Germany | 2024 | 16:9 & 9:16 | 4K
The mini-series ‘Biodiversity Projects in Germany’ is intended to tell the story of innovative approaches to increasing biodiversity in various fields of activity in six episodes. With modern storytelling, an engaging presenter and vivid project examples, the series aims to inspire people to take action themselves and implement sustainable practices in their organisations. It covered six topics:
1. Biodiversity in industry and business
2. Ecological water development
3. Agricultural and cultural landscape
4. Protected areas and areas worthy of protection
5. Education for sustainable development
6. Urban biodiversity
We were contracted to plan and design six episodes for YouTube (16:9, 6-7 minutes each), six Instagram reels (9:16, 45 seconds each) and a 90-second film trailer. In addition, based on the existing corporate design of the Sustainability Joint Venture, graphic elements such as openers, credits and lower-third inserts were to be designed and animated. The aim was to create a consistent and memorable visual identity that showcases the award winners and projects with recognition value and attracts attention.
EPISODE 1/6 | AND NOW… TO THE DISCOVERY NEIGHBOURHOOD
EPISODE 2/6 | AND NOW… INTO THE SWARMING FAÇADE
EPISODE 3/6 | AND NOW… TO THE FACTORY PARADISE
EPISODE 4/6 | AND NOW… TO THE WILD RIVER
EPISODE 5/6 | AND NOW… TO THE HAND-ON MOOR
EPISODE 6/6 | AND NOW… ONTO THE DIVERSITY FARMLAND
The concept for the mini-series ‘Biodiversity Projects in Germany’ was characterised by a clear goal: to present biodiversity in a modern, tangible and inspiring way. To achieve this, the series was designed as a road trip. The locations reflect the diversity of the projects – from urban initiatives in Munich, Erfurt and Stuttgart to rural projects in Kirkel (Saarland), Drömling (Saxony-Anhalt) and Zinzow (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania). For reasons of efficiency and sustainability, the shooting was bundled into several blocks in consultation with all project managers.
The planning and realisation was carried out in close coordination with the customer and the project managers. Film locations, protagonists and a detailed list of questions were jointly defined in advance to ensure both content-related precision and a logistically smooth process.
The film was shot by a team of moderator, director, cameraman and camera assistant between mid-July and mid-August – a period during which the diversity and vibrancy of summer biodiversity is visible.
The film shoot used professional camera technology in 12K and 4K resolution, a camera gimbal for tracking shots with the presenter and other camera movements, as well as energy-saving LED lighting technology and light reflectors. The A camera was equipped with a cine zoom lens, the B camera with a photo zoom. The film material was supplemented by aerial shots taken by a drone in 4K, which visually emphasises the dimensions of the biodiversity projects.
The production process for all films was carried out with full consideration of social, economic and ecological sustainability. We covered the approximately 3600 kilometres of the biodiversity road trip entirely by e-mobility. Since e-cars that meet the needs of a film production and offer sufficient storage space for film technology and film personnel are still in short supply, we rented the VW ID. Buzz two months before shooting began and planned to make charging stops at fast charging stations along the motorway.
The film production was 100 per cent climate-neutral. This was ensured by our trained Green Film Consultant Sarah, who accompanied the film production from planning to realisation, determined the CO₂ emissions for this film project using a CO₂ calculator specially developed for film productions, and prepared a final report with an actual balance. For climate-neutral compensation, we work together with Forest Finance, whose projects are certified with the Gold Standard.
Our editor Martin started by editing the first episode as a blueprint and finishing the 90-second film trailer. At the same time, our animation designer Christian worked on the animated opener and profiles. The remaining five episodes were then developed based on this basic structure. In addition, six reels were created for Instagram. Our experienced colourist Marcus took care of the colour grading in a professional grading studio.
EPISODE 1/6
EPISODE 2/6
EPISODE 3/6
EPISODE 4/6
EPISODE 5/6
EPISODE 6/6
Each episode was considered individually to create a coherent atmosphere that emphasised the respective topics of the projects through targeted colour adjustments and contrast design. The focus at the audio level was on the alternation between clearly understandable interviews and a precisely tailored music selection. Our two sound engineers Alex and Michał designed an atmospheric sound design that incorporated natural soundscapes of indoor and outdoor spaces. Each episode was given its own musical profile, with the exception of the opener, whose catchy melody was used as a connecting element in all episodes. The six films each received up to 45,000 clicks on YouTube, and some of the six reels even received up to 95,000 views on Instagram.
During the shoots, we got to know many dedicated people from a wide range of initiatives and projects, and their commitment inspired us. We are very grateful to have been able to follow their inspiring projects with our camera.
