BBC StoryWorks EMEA were looking to create three branded documentaries that intertwined unique human stories with their DHL sponsor. We researched many characters in multiple countries and landed on three wonderfully rich and very different stories.
A family in remote Sweden, with a young son who has worsening spinal muscular atrophy. Oskar is a wonderfully positive and happy child and although very limited in movement… he is, somewhat, set free from his wheelchair by video games, where he can run, jump, frolic and meet up to chat with other children online. In order to play these games Oskar requires bespoke games controllers that he can operate; so his father reached out to 8BitDo in China and the CEO personally responded with a custom controller for Oskar, delivered by DHL. Every time Oskar’s movement lessens, 8BitDo adapts a new controller for him, to keep him in play.
A couple in South Korea, who have built a billion dollar baby carrier company, Konny. Through care, compassion and being parents themselves, they spent a long time developing a baby sling that is made by parents for parents with the best materials, an almost entirely female workforce and endless love. Erin and her family have an amazing success story from very humble beginnings and their products are sold and shipped globally by DHL.
Lastly, a young entrepreneur in the foothills of the Austrian Mountains, Markus, son of a famed mountain climber has driven the company Heimwerker to new heights. The company started in a garage with bespoke metallurgy pieces and has grown into a huge E-Commerce company, only supplying the highest quality products. DHL ships these in huge bulk globally to fit out high end hotels, architecturally diverse homes and anyone else in need of top spec metalwork.
The campaign was a mix of the following elements;
- Three x 2 mins Hero Films Digital + Broadcast
- Three x 30 second teasers Digital + Broadcast
What we did
We worked closely with lead creative and production team to define what these stories should be and after looking through innumerable options (everything from crazy back yard builders, to house boat owners to explorers in need of remote deliveries, to female bodybuilders), we landed on our three very different stories in Austria, Sweden & China and South Korea. Due to COVID restrictions at the time we were locked out of South Korea the day before flying and had to shoot that one remotely over late night Zooms. The others held their own adventures and with our super tight documentary crew we travelled round creating these unique films that all look visually stunning and have great heart.
