White Rhino Film

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a communications specialist for an international children’s nonprofit. I handle a lot of the external communication, including videos, photography, and printed materials.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with White Rhino Film?

We don’t have the adequate capacity to carry out elaborate filmmaking projects, and we predominantly look to external consultants for this. White Rhino helped us tell compelling stories that we could use for fundraising, awareness, and general advocacy as we tried to mobilize and enhance our relationships with partners around the wellbeing of children in Kenya.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

White Rhino has provided complete technical support, ideation, making scripts, filming, and postproduction. I oversee our projects to make sure we’re getting our messages across according to our organization’s style and brand guidelines.

We’ve done quite a number of videos, including short-form documentaries that focus on a single issue for about three minutes. Some of those appeal for support, and they’re generally human stories about beneficiaries. The videos talk about those people’s lives and how the interventions from our organization improve lives.

We’ve also made long-form documentaries together. For example, White Rhino filmed a seven-minute piece summarizing elements of a children's government event. They made material that was usable on both social media and national TV.

Our teams have also tackled PSAs, including one on seeking treatment and reducing the stigma behind HIV. White Rhino has recently concluded a PSA for a violence against children campaign, and we’re also working with them on the COVID-19 response in Kenya. They produce photography for our campaigns as well.

What is the team composition?

I’ve worked with a few of them, but my main contact is Michael (Creative Lead).

How did you come to work with White Rhino Film?

As part of our competitive process, we weigh different organizations against each other and choose the one with the best value for money with an adequate production level. White Rhino’s history with the organization goes back to before I joined, and I believe they were recommended by another organization.

What is the status of this engagement?

I joined the organization in late 2016, and I worked with them on an HIV campaign at that time. White Rhino had done work for the organization before that time. We have an ongoing contract with them to produce 10 videos.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

They just bring an experienced touch to the production, in terms of shooting style and high-level equipment they use. White Rhino will go the extra mile when it comes to framing shots and effectively featuring our subjects in the films.

How did White Rhino Film perform from a project management standpoint?

Work in remote areas of Kenya is sometimes not as predictable as we’d like it to be. All things considered, White Rhino is pretty good at sticking to our production schedules.

What did you find most impressive about them?

All of their work is very innovative, including their editing and postproduction.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They’re generally a strong production company, and Michael has led it well. The subject matter we work with is pretty complicated and requires a bit of extra preproduction. We deal with lots of technical information and jargon, which can be hard to break through sometimes. Overall, though, they’re pretty strong.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

The client should get them on board as early as possible, at the conceptualization stage. I think that White Rhino will bring in added value in the early stages. They’re pretty good at coming up with different ways of executing a project. They should be brought in early into discussions and allowed to contribute.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the regional resilience Director at DAI Africa, an international development firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with White Rhinos Film?

We needed video production services.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We worked together to do a video and an accompanying case study. That was done by a different individual but the two had to work together. They had to come up with the script, but we had a lot of collaboration between myself, the person doing the writing of the case study, and the White Rhinos Film team. Their scope included photography. We needed one video, but they went above and beyond and did two short videos. 

Once I was happy with the script, they had to go and present it to our client, USAID. We had a few meetings and then USAID got back to us about the adjustments they wanted. They then did the actual shooting and editing. We specified the types of equipment we needed. They also gave us all their raw footage and photos. They also had to liaise with our partners at the county level because they needed to know who they’re going to interview.

What is the team composition?

We worked with a team of 3-4 people.

How did you come to work with White Rhinos Film?

We put out an advertisement looking for companies. We shortlisted quite a number of them, and I came up with a very specific scope. They each came and made a presentation on how they’d approach the project.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent less than $10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from March 2018–November 2019. The filming process only took a few weeks, but we had to wait for approval for a number of tasks that stretched our timeline.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

It’s the most used and watched video within USAID. We use it in every meeting. Last December we had an event in D.C. and it was one of the videos we showed. It was shared with the USAID Bureau for Africa as well and they posted it on their website. The photos are of good quality.

How did White Rhinos Film perform from a project management standpoint?

They were very easy to work with. If they knew they wouldn’t meet a deadline, they’d tell me in advance but that happened very rarely. I was never unhappy with them with deadlines. They’re very good. Communication is good. They have a project manager. They’re held accountable by someone within the team which is very useful. I liked their flexibility.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re relatable. They’re a fun team to have in the field.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I’m happy with them.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I’ve recommended them because it’s smooth and effortless working with them. Work closely with them especially at the beginning. Have constant communication.