Kate Tidman – Communications and Campaigns Manager
“Standing ovation… you’ve excelled yourselves. Thank you!“
The Brief: To celebrate the 20th anniversary of its first medical cohort, formed in partnership between the University of Manchester and Mansoura University, UoM saw an opportunity to travel to the Mansoura campus during graduation week and capture the story of this collaboration through the voices of students, staff and partners.
Over several days, we filmed across the lively campus and attended the 2024 graduation ceremony, which was an incredible and memorable event. As with many international shoots, flexibility was key as schedules shifted, environments changed and cultural awareness remained essential throughout. Beyond simply filming, we were constantly thinking about how each piece of content would shape the final narrative, from interviews to b-roll, understanding when to explore further and when to change direction as the story naturally unfolded.
With years of experience filming internationally, we know how important it is to understand the nature of the shoot early on, as this shapes everything from the type of kit we travel with to the overall logistics, helping us keep the process as smooth and streamlined as possible. For this project, the team consisted of a self-shooting director and a dedicated DOP, bringing together a flexible and versatile skill set able to balance any challenge an international shoot can present. Beyond the practical preparation, understanding the client and their expectations is crucial, especially in a fast-paced environment where plans evolve quickly. You almost need to reach a point where you can anticipate their thinking, staying one step ahead and recognising what they would want captured before they ask. That level of awareness not only strengthens the working relationship but also ensures we can offer the right creative guidance and make meaningful decisions in the moment.
The final edit reflects this approach, carrying an emotional tone and a strong sense of pride. Our aim was not only to showcase the success of the programme but also to highlight the dedication, resilience and teamwork taking place behind the scenes. This partnership is rooted in years of collaboration, trust and shared purpose, and we wanted that history to come through authentically in the storytelling. By giving people space to speak openly and in their own words, their voices became the heart of the film, shaping a narrative that feels both personal and celebratory.
