Client: German Environment Agency (UBA)
1 × illustration vision image | 5 × social media carousels | 2 × 3 min video sequences | Germany | 2024 | 16:9 | 4K
Cargo transport accounts for around a third of CO₂ emissions in the transport sector and is also a rapidly growing transport segment. The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) therefore regularly organises the ‘UBA Forum mobil & nachhaltig’, which took place in 2024 on the topic of ‘Environmentally friendly freight transport’. The Green Film Agency was commissioned with various agency services for this event: The vision of sustainable freight transport was to be visually conceptualised and illustrated. The developed illustration was later to be used in a brochure and for the visualisation of social media posts.
Die Grüne Filmagentur also took on the planning, conception and production of two short interview films with two UBA contact persons, which were also to be prepared as press material. Five topics of the vision were also to be presented in social media carousels for the platforms LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Mastodon/X in terms of content and graphics.
In a digital kick-off meeting, topics, content, messages and the visual aesthetics of illustrations, film clips, press material and social media carousels were discussed and precisely defined. Once all criteria had been determined, we coordinated the production schedule with all parties involved and organised the development of the graphic vision, the conception of the social media posts and the on-site filming in Dessau, for which we visited potential filming locations in advance.
3.1 Conception & design of a graphic vision
Firstly, we received a detailed description of the vision with the corresponding target group from our client in text form. A suitable graphic style had already been defined during the kick-off meeting. The graphic illustration should address as many social groups as possible and take into account the corporate colours of the German Environment Agency. Together, we defined a comprehensive list of all visual elements that should be included in the illustration.
First, our illustrator Miriam created a black and white sketch with initial visual elements. After three correction loops, the final approval was given and our illustrator was able to precisely finalise the sketch as a vector graphic. During this process, further elements were added and small visual adjustments were made to details, such as small symbols or shadows. Finally, we delivered the final files to the client in print-ready PDF and TIF format as well as a PNG file for use on the web.
3.2 Film production of video sequences
In the run-up to the UBA forum, press material with uncut interviews in two camera angles, additional edited images, sound recordings for radio and two video clips were to be produced for distribution to TV and radio journalists. In the clips, two experts were to comment on defined core statements.
VIDEOCLIP 1/2 | INTERVIEW WITH DR. KATRIN DZIEKAN
VIDEOCLIP 2/2 | INTERVIEW WITH MARTIN SCHMIED
In mid-May, an E-Sprinter was loaded with our film equipment and driven to Dessau. There, our team of director, camera operator and camera assistant filmed with professional 12K and 4K film cameras, a large camera slider and low-energy LED and fluorescent lighting technology. The filming locations were the foyer of the innovative UBA building, a meeting room and an office with a glass front.
In post-production, our editor Carolin selected various statements from the interviewees based on the available film material. In the editing room, our editor Moritz compiled the selection with additional edited images and music to create two dynamic films.
Based on the existing corporate design of the Federal Environment Agency, the belly bands were created and the intro and outro were integrated. Subtitles were also provided as an external file for all films.
3.3 Conception and design of five social media carousels
We developed the social media posts for Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Mastodon/X, customised to the respective platforms and target groups. We first identified the key messages and content that should be communicated on the respective platforms in a joint meeting.
For Instagram and Facebook, which are mainly used by citizens, three posts were to be created as an image carousel with five to six graphic images each. The content was to tie in with the realities of the target group's lives and encourage them to interact. We focussed on short, concise and easy-to-understand messages, as well as a visually simple yet appealing design.
For LinkedIn and Mastodon/X, which are primarily used by scientists, politicians and associations, two posts each were to be created. These articles were intended to provide a deeper insight into selected areas of the topic, while at the same time conveying the UBA's key messages and promoting the brochure.
With the illustrated vision and editorial support from our editor Carolin, our graphic designer Cristian created five social media carousels, for which we also used stock photos. The post images were flanked by short text headlines that were placed directly on the respective
post images.
The production process of the video sequences was carried out with extensive consideration of social, economic and ecological sustainability. At the beginning of a film production, we pay close attention to keeping the emissions of the film production as low as possible. The film production was 100 per cent climate-neutral. This was ensured by our specially trained Green Film Consultant Sarah, who determined the CO₂ emissions for this film project and compiled a final report.
