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How the UNDP tackled video productions in 22+ remote locations

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a United Nations agency dedicated to helping nations to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable economic growth. At its core, the UNDP aims to help communities become self-sufficient for a brighter future.

The Equator Prize, organized by the UNDP, is awarded biennially to recognize outstanding community efforts to reduce poverty through the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. In 2019, the UNDP awarded the prize to indigenous communities in Guinea-Bissau, Australia, and the United States for the first time. Award-winners were also in Benin, Brazil, Cameroon, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Micronesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Tanzania, and Vanuatu.

The UNDP needed to film in these countries and often in remote locations. They were looking for professional documentarians who knew how to handle sensitive situations, as many indigenous communities were unfamiliar with being around cameras.

Glimmer Studios took on full responsibility for the production. We partnered with a senior producer on our platform and handled the crewing and project management for the UNDP.

We tapped into our Rolodex of international production experts and offered the UNDP agile video production solutions. We helped UNDP navigate diverse cultures, manage logistics in remote locations, and deliver outstanding storytelling. This partnership resulted in a stunning collection of videos that conveyed the stories and accomplishments of the Equator Prize winners, showcasing their innovative nature-based solutions.

Glimmer Studios can handle any NGO or governmental project with sensitivity and care. The partnership hits home the power of collaboration in bringing about positive change and shedding light on the resilience of indigenous peoples in addressing our global climate crisis.

Challenges

  • How to pull off video productions in remote locations in over 22 countries
  • How to find and hire filmmakers with experience handling hyper-local, culturally sensitive stories
  • How to find a cost-effective solution to a large-scale, global video production project