Filming in the Philippines: Visualizing the Energy Transition with Skye Renewables
At Mensch Creative, we believe that data informs, but stories compel. When British International Investment (BII) approached us to document the work of Skye Renewables in the Philippines, we knew the assignment wasn’t just to film solar panels on rooftops. It was to capture the pulse of a region in the midst of a vital energy transition.
The mission was clear: tell the story of how reliable, renewable energy is driving economic stability in Asia. We weren't there just to showcase photovoltaic cells; we were there to show how energy reliability translates to business growth and community resilience. This is the "Human-First" approach—looking past the hardware to see the people whose livelihoods depend on the grid.
The Reality of Production: Adapt or Perish
Any filmmaker knows that the storyboard is just a wish list until you put boots on the ground. While the pre-production for this shoot was meticulous, the Philippines offers a dynamic environment that demands high adaptability. It started with the logistics. Navigating Manila traffic to reach location sites in Laguna and Pampanga is a production challenge in itself. It turns a standard travel day into a game of strategic timing.
In Calamba (Laguna), we found ourselves in a battle with the elements. The forecast was volatile, shifting rapidly from drizzle to harsh sun. For a DP, this is a nightmare for continuity. Our drone pilot had to operate with sniper-like patience, hunting for narrow windows of clear skies to capture those crucial establishing shots of the solar arrays before the clouds rolled back in.
Then came Pampanga. We were hit with an unexpected 2-hour delay onsite. In corporate video, downtime is usually dead time. But for a Mensch crew, a delay is just an opportunity to pivot. We didn't sit in the van. We immediately switched gears, using that time to hunt for texture. We shot lots of detailed B-roll, capturing the intricate details of the facility that we might have missed if we had stuck to the original, tighter schedule. That "lost" time gave us some of the most textured shots of the edit.
Day 2 presented a different kind of hurdle: The Mall Challenge. Shooting inside a bustling shopping center requires a delicate balance of access and ethics. We had to navigate complex privacy concerns, framing our shots tightly to capture the environment without compromising the anonymity of the public. It’s a dance of focal lengths—using depth of field to keep the story focused on the subject while blurring out the passersby.
The Craft: Visualizing the Contrast
The visual language of this film had to bridge two worlds: industrial scale and commercial modernity.
We found ourselves filming in vast warehouses, framing shots through tall shelves stacked high with boxes—emphasizing the sheer scale of commerce that solar energy is powering. This gritty, industrial aesthetic contrasted sharply with the upper floors of the shopping mall, where the lines were sleek, modern, and polished.
Outside, we framed the technology against nature, utilizing the outdoor areas lined with trees to visually reinforce the environmental narrative—steel and silicon living in harmony with the green landscape.
The gear on set reflected this focus. We utilized boom microphones to isolate the dialogue from the ambient industrial hum, and complex lighting setups to shape the interviews, separating our subjects from the background. You could feel the focused energy of the crew; whether we were in a warehouse or a boardroom, the standard of craft remained the same.
The Impact
Why go to these lengths? Because the footage represents something bigger than a B-roll library.
This production highlights how businesses are actively reducing carbon emissions to stabilize their future. It connects the logistics of a shoot in Pampanga to the high-level goals of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. By visualizing this transition, we aren't just making a video; we are providing the visual proof that sustainable investment works.
Do you have a complex story that needs a human touch?
At Mensch Creative, we turn logistical challenges into narrative assets. If you are looking to document your impact with authenticity and cinematic professionalism, let’s talk.
Visualizing the Cycle of Sustainable Rice Farming
How do you film a 4-month crop cycle in 48 hours? Inside Mensch’s Indonesia video production for BII & Rize’s sustainable farming initiative
Our job at Mensch Creative was to document this impact-driven storytelling. We needed to capture the reality of the agronomists on the ground and the farmers whose livelihoods depend on these innovations. The objective was clear: show the transformation of a rice paddy from a muddy seedbed to a golden harvest.
At British International Investment (BII), the ledger isn't just balanced by profit—it’s balanced by human progress. As the UK’s development finance institution, their mandate ties directly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. They don't just write checks; they fuel initiatives that put food on tables and money in the pockets of those who need it most.
Enter Rize. Backed by the Wavemaker Impact Fund (a BII investee), Rize is a platform dedicated to transforming agriculture in Southeast Asia. Their goal? To introduce sustainable techniques that increase yields while lowering carbon emissions.
our Months of Biology vs. Two Days of Production
Here is the unglamorous reality of production: biology doesn't care about your call sheet.
A full cycle of rice farming—from seeding to harvest—takes approximately four months. We were on the ground in Solo, Indonesia, for exactly two days. We were tasked with capturing an agricultural documentary arc that spanned a season, but we only had 48 hours to do it.
To make matters more volatile, we landed smack in the middle of Indonesia's rainy season. In this part of the world, the weather doesn't just change; it attacks. You can have blistering, lens-fogging humidity one minute and a torrential, gear-destroying downpour the next.
Coordinating this from a distance was a logistical tightrope walk. The office team had to sync with the field team, navigating time zones and language barriers to ensure we weren't just shooting "farming," but specifically capturing the proprietary methods Rize was implementing. We had to visualize a timeline that didn't exist in the present moment.
The Craft: Time Travel Through Terrain
Since we couldn't bend time, we had to bend geography.
The solution lay in an aggressive, strategic "recce" (scouting). The team realized that not every farmer plants at the exact same time. By treating the region around Solo as a patchwork quilt of time zones, we could simulate the full four-month cycle by moving physically through the landscape.
We scouted locations where farmers were just wading into the mud to plant seeds. A few kilometers away, we found fields mid-growth, lush and vibrant green. Further down the road, we located paddies that were golden, heavy, and ready for harvest. We didn't wait for the rice to grow; we drove to where it already had.
The Heat & The Flood
The team operated in a cycle of "cover and shoot." We’d have cameras rolling under scorching tropical sun, capturing the sweat on a farmer's brow and the texture of the soil. Thirty minutes later, dark clouds would roll in, forcing the crew to scramble, shielding thousands of dollars of cinema gear under tarps and umbrellas against flash rains.
The Perspective: We utilized drones to capture the vast scale of the paddies, contrasting the green expanse against the grey storm fronts. On the ground, we got low—mud-level low—to capture the intimacy of the Rize agronomists teaching farmers how to optimize their crop.
We weren't just capturing B-roll; we were capturing the tension and the triumph of the environment.
The Impact: Seeing is Believing
Why go through the trouble of "time traveling" across Solo? Because sustainable farming footage needs to be more than just aesthetic; it needs to be evidentiary.
By stitching these disparate locations into a cohesive narrative, we provided BII and Rize with a visual timeline of success. We showed the full scope of their work—not just the promise of a seed, but the reality of the harvest. This footage serves as proof that sustainable methods work, offering a tangible look at BII investment impact on the ground.
We turned a logistical impossibility into a seamless story of food security, resilience, and economic growth. It wasn't easy, but real impact rarely is.
Against the Clock in Zambia: Filming the Human Impact of BII's Zambeef Investment
At Mensch Creative, we often say we’ll shoot anywhere. But "anywhere" sometimes comes with a challenge: "anytime."
We were thrilled to partner with British International Investment (BII), the UK's development finance institution, to capture the story of their impactful investment in Zambeef Products PLC, Zambia's largest agribusiness. This wasn't just a corporate video; it was a mission to document real-world social impact—how BII's support for Zambeef contributes to food security, supports over 10,000 small-scale farmers, and creates thousands of jobs. This is exactly the kind of impact-driven storytelling we live for. But this particular production adventure started with a countdown. "Super last-minute" was an understatement. With just a day to go before cameras were set to roll, we still didn't have a confirmed filming location.
Embracing the Flow: Production in the Real World
This is where the magic of collaboration truly shines. Our team, along with the incredible on-site client reps from BII and the Zambeef team, embraced the challenge. Forget a perfectly planned schedule; this was about agility and a shared goal. The challenges didn't stop there. Capturing the authentic story of a major food producer means going where the action is, and that comes with serious logistical and health & safety regulations. Our 2-day video and photography shoot involved navigating complex operational sites, with team members even having to shower and change into full hygiene clothing just to enter specific areas.
It’s these very challenges, however, that make the story real. It's proof of the high standards and commitment of the companies we were filming.Then, the final curveball: a planned interview was cancelled at the last minute due to illness. In production, this can be a disaster. For our team? It was just another problem to solve. Thanks to the fantastic "go with the flow" attitude of everyone on the ground, we pivoted, refocused our efforts, and maximized every minute of our shoot.
The result was a testament to true partnership. The collaboration between the BII and Zambeef representatives was seamless, allowing us to capture compelling narratives and stunning visuals despite the tight deadlines and constant changes.
This project in Zambia is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. It’s not just about creating cinematic content; it’s about navigating real-world complexities to uncover and share authentic stories of human impact. It’s about showing how innovative finance and dedicated local businesses are changing lives.
Do you have an impactful story that needs to be told? Whether it's in a remote location, on a tight deadline, or involves complex logistical challenges, our Berlin-based production team is ready to help you share it with the world. Contact us today to bring your impactful story to life.
Documenting Innovation in Nepal: IoT Water Solutions by Diyalo, Supported by GSMA
At our Berlin-based documentary studio, storytelling means more than capturing beautiful images—it means highlighting meaningful innovation that positively impacts lives. Recently, we traveled to Nepal, a country celebrated for its majestic Himalayan landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage, to capture a groundbreaking collaboration between the GSMA-supported startup Diyalo and local authorities using IoT technology to improve water management.
Tradition Meets Technological Innovation
Nepal, nestled among the world’s tallest peaks, faces unique water management challenges due to its rugged terrain and rapidly growing urban centers. Amidst these challenges, innovation thrives. Our team documented how Diyalo, with support from GSMA, is partnering with local town development authorities to leverage Internet of Things (IoT) solutions to significantly enhance water distribution efficiency.
IoT Solutions Transforming Water Management
Diyalo’s IoT-enabled water pumps provide real-time data that optimize water usage, reduce waste, and enhance distribution reliability. By integrating advanced sensor technologies with traditional infrastructure, Diyalo empowers local authorities with precise monitoring and control capabilities, dramatically improving how communities access and use vital water resources.
The Power of Visual Storytelling for Social Impact
Documenting initiatives like Diyalo’s IoT-powered water management not only showcases technological advancements but inspires broader adoption and investment. Visual storytelling highlights:
Tangible social impacts, making technical solutions relatable and compelling.
Increased visibility for startups like Diyalo, encouraging additional funding and global interest.
A powerful narrative demonstrating how technology can solve pressing environmental and social issues.
Partner with Our Berlin-Based Documentary Team
Our Berlin-based production company specializes in crafting impactful visual stories around technology, sustainability, and community transformation. If your organization is innovating for social good, we’d love to collaborate and help share your story with the world.
Contact us today to bring your impactful innovations into the spotlight!
Capturing Impact: Empowering Small Businesses in Kenya with BFA Catalyst Fund
At our Berlin-based production company, storytelling is at the heart of what we do—especially when those stories have the power to change lives. Recently, we embarked on an inspiring journey to Kenya, collaborating with the BFA Catalyst Fund to produce impactful mini-documentaries highlighting the incredible resilience and innovation of small businesses.
Kenya: A Hub of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Kenya is renowned as East Africa’s economic powerhouse, vibrant with creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. Beyond its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant communities, Kenya provides fertile ground for startups and small businesses eager to drive change and sustainable growth.
Our crew traveled through diverse locations, from bustling urban environments to lush rural communities, capturing compelling narratives of small businesses supported by BFA Catalyst Fund.
BFA Catalyst Fund: Fuelling Small Business Growth
The BFA Catalyst Fund is dedicated to helping innovative entrepreneurs scale sustainable businesses, create meaningful economic impact, and drive financial inclusion in emerging markets. Their mission aligns perfectly with our storytelling goals—to amplify transformative stories that inspire investment, action, and change.
Through our lenses, we documented real-life stories of resilience, innovation, and impact, highlighting entrepreneurs making tangible differences in their communities.
Behind-the-Scenes: Stories of Transformation
During our shoots across Kenya, we met and filmed entrepreneurs whose stories illustrate the transformative potential of targeted financial support and mentorship.
Local Entrepreneurs, Global Vision: Our shoots captured personal interviews and authentic interactions, showing how these businesses utilize the support from BFA Catalyst Fund to scale operations, employ community members, and adopt innovative practices.
Visualizing Impact: We prioritized authenticity, documenting real moments of innovation, determination, and hope—showcasing both the human and economic sides of sustainable business.
Why Documentary Filmmaking Matters for Impact
Visual storytelling is crucial for organizations like the BFA Catalyst Fund, as it vividly demonstrates impact, inspires stakeholders, and draws investors’ attention. Our documentaries amplify these voices by:
Showcasing transformative stories from entrepreneurs themselves.
Illustrating measurable social and economic impact.
Encouraging further support and investment for small business initiatives.
Partner With Us: Documentary Production for Social Impact
As a Berlin-based documentary production company, we specialize in turning meaningful narratives into engaging visual stories. Whether you’re an NGO, startup accelerator, or social-impact investor, our team can help you share compelling stories that drive results.
Ready to create impact-driven documentaries that resonate globally?
Contact us today—let’s bring powerful stories to life together.
Documenting Sustainability: Behind-the-Scenes of Our Recent Shoot in Rwanda
Berlin is home to creativity and innovation, and as a Berlin-based production company, we often seek meaningful projects that align with our vision. Recently, our team traveled to Rwanda—a country often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills”—to produce two inspiring mini-documentaries spotlighting sustainability-driven startups, ISARO Econext and Envocare.
Rwanda: Innovation and Sustainability in the Heart of Africa
Rwanda is rapidly becoming a global model for sustainable development, innovation, and resilience. Its breathtaking hills, lush landscapes, and progressive environmental initiatives create an ideal backdrop for visual storytelling. Our recent journey took us across Rwanda’s diverse terrain—from vibrant rural communities in Kamonyi to innovative hubs in Kigali—to capture powerful narratives that inspire action and investment.
Spotlight on ISARO Econext: Tech-driven Environmental Change
Our first shoot featured ISARO Econext, a Rwandan organization making waves through digital innovations aimed at climate action. ISARO Econext has developed groundbreaking tools like the Eco Forest App, which allows communities to remotely monitor planted trees, significantly improving tree survival rates and promoting long-term environmental stewardship.
During filming, we captured ISARO Econext’s dedicated team collaborating with local residents, employing advanced technologies in real-world settings. Our cameras followed these inspiring interactions against Rwanda’s stunning natural backdrop—showcasing authentic community engagement and real-time environmental impact.
Envocare: Turning Waste into Opportunity
The second shoot introduced us to Envocare, another dynamic Rwandan enterprise transforming agricultural and municipal waste into sustainable solutions. Through affordable biochar and eco-friendly biofuels, Envocare helps smallholder farmers enhance soil fertility and reduce harmful emissions.
Our filming took place in both rural fields and modern, architecturally striking environments, capturing intimate moments of teamwork, innovation, and grassroots activism. These visuals vividly depict Envocare’s dual mission of environmental improvement and economic empowerment—illustrating sustainable development in action.
Why Visual Storytelling Matters for Sustainability
Producing mini-documentaries for innovative startups and sustainability-focused organizations isn’t just about creating content; it’s about amplifying impact. Compelling visuals and stories foster greater engagement among stakeholders, investors, and global audiences, driving meaningful action and positive change.
As a Berlin-based production company, we utilize our expertise in documentary filmmaking to:
Highlight innovative environmental solutions
Showcase authentic community narratives
Strengthen the global presence of impact-driven startups
Partnering for Impactful Documentary Productions
If you’re a startup, NGO, or sustainability-driven organization looking to amplify your impact through powerful visual storytelling, our Berlin-based team is here to bring your story to life. From concept to final production, we deliver cinematic narratives that inspire, inform, and engage.
Interested in collaborating on your next documentary project?
Contact us today and let’s start telling stories that matter.