How We Work — Film & Documentary
No two projects are the same, but our approach is consistent: listen first, plan thoroughly, execute with craft, and deliver with care. For film and documentary work, here's what that looks like.
Conversation
Every project starts with a chat. We want to understand what you're trying to achieve, who it's for, and what success looks like. No briefs, no formalities — just an honest conversation about your story and how we might tell it.
- Understanding your goals and audience
- Talking through ideas and references
- Establishing scope, timeline, and budget
- Working out if we're the right fit
Research & Development
Before we pick up a camera, we do the homework. This is where we dig into the subject, identify characters, develop the narrative, and build a creative approach that serves the story. For documentary work, this often means spending time on the ground building trust with subjects before filming begins.
- Subject and story research
- Character identification and access
- Creative treatment and narrative structure
- Location scouting and logistics
Pre-Production
With the creative locked in, we plan every detail of the shoot. Crew, equipment, schedules, permits, interview questions, shot lists — everything is mapped out so production days run smoothly and we maximise every moment on set or on location.
- Crew and equipment planning
- Scripting and interview preparation
- Scheduling and logistics
- Permits, talent, and clearances
Production
Shoot days are where it all comes together. Whether we're following a subject through their daily life, directing a brand film on set, or capturing an event, we bring a calm, prepared crew that puts people at ease and gets the best out of every situation. We shoot handheld when it suits the story, and cinematic when the moment calls for it.
- Professional cinema cameras and audio
- Experienced directors and crew
- Interview-led and observational filming
- Flexible approach — prepared but responsive
Post-Production
This is where the story really takes shape. Our editors assemble the footage, refine the narrative, and layer in colour grading, sound design, music, and motion graphics. You're involved throughout — we share cuts, take feedback, and refine until it's right.
- Assembly and narrative editing
- Colour grading and sound design
- Music licensing or composition
- Motion graphics and titles
- Revision rounds with your team
Delivery
We deliver final files optimised for wherever your content needs to live — web, social, broadcast, events, or internal platforms. Multiple formats, aspect ratios, and captioned versions as needed. The project isn't done until you're happy with the result and have everything you need to use it.
- Multi-format and multi-platform delivery
- Social cutdowns (16:9, 9:16, 1:1)
- Captioned versions for accessibility
- Raw footage and project files (by arrangement)
How We Work — Animation & Motion
Animation projects follow a different path — no shoot days, but just as much craft. The work happens in the script, the design, and the details. Here's what the process looks like.
Conversation
Same starting point as everything we make. We want to understand what you need to communicate, who it’s for, and what “done” looks like. Animation can take many forms — we’ll help you figure out which approach suits your brief and budget before any creative decisions are made.
- Understanding your message and audience
- Talking through style references and tone
- Establishing scope, timeline, and budget
- Choosing the right format: 2D, motion graphics, mixed media
Script & Voiceover
The script is everything in animation. Before a single frame is drawn, the words need to be right — the pacing, the clarity, the tone. We write and refine the script with you until it’s locked, then record the voiceover if needed. Everything that follows is built around this foundation.
- Script writing and iteration
- Voiceover direction and recording
- Timing and pacing mapped to animation
- Client sign-off before animation begins
Style & Design
This is where the visual world of your project is established. We develop style frames — essentially still illustrations of key scenes — that define the colour palette, typography, character design, and overall aesthetic before any animation starts. Nothing goes into motion until the style is approved.
- Visual style development and references
- Style frames for client approval
- Storyboarding key sequences
- Brand and style guide alignment
Animation
With script locked and style approved, we build the animation. Depending on the project, this might be motion graphics, 2D character animation, or a combination of animated and live-action elements. We share works-in-progress throughout so there are no surprises at review stage.
- Motion graphics and 2D animation
- Character animation where required
- Mixed media — animation combined with live footage
- Progress sharing throughout production
Sound & Music
Sound design and music bring animation to life in a way visuals alone can’t. We source and license music that fits the tone, add sound effects where needed, and mix the full audio to a professional standard. For the right projects, original composition is available on request.
- Music licensing from premium libraries
- Sound design and effects
- Audio mix and mastering
- Original composition available on request
Delivery
Final files in all the formats you need — web, social, broadcast, internal communications. Multiple aspect ratios and captioned versions as standard. The project isn’t done until you have everything you need to use it confidently across every platform.
- Multi-format delivery (MP4, MOV, broadcast-ready)
- Social cutdowns (16:9, 9:16, 1:1)
- Captioned versions for accessibility
- Source files by arrangement
What Makes Us Different
People First
We invest time building genuine relationships with subjects and clients before cameras roll. Trust is the foundation of authentic storytelling — you can't rush it and you can't fake it.
Full Creative Control
We handle everything from research and scripting through to shoot and post-production. One team, one vision. No handoffs, no miscommunication, no quality gaps between stages.
Flexibility Over Rigidity
We arrive prepared but stay responsive. Some of the best moments in our work came from pivoting when we saw a better story unfolding. Creative freedom leads to stronger work.