FILM/AUDIO/VIDEO PRODUCTION (2027-2030)

NWS requires an experienced agency of Film, Audio and Video Production with demonstrable credentials, which include evidence of previous work for high-profile clients in both the private and public sectors. The Contractor’s staff will work with NWS and will bring a variety of skills and competencies within Film, Audio and Video Services. The team must be able to evidence experience from previous assignments and contracts. With direction from NWS’ Creative Lead, the successful Contractor will assist with the development of film/audio production across the following deliverables, while adhering to NWS brand values, to the highest standard, on time and on budget.

The successful Contractor shall provide a single point of contact, subject to NWS’ regular review, for responding to NWS, picking up the scope and tracking and notifying the budget spend. The delivery of the work could be provided by the Contractor in-house or via sub-contractors. The approved single point of contact shall not be replaced at a later stage without notifying NWS. The successful Contractor will provide options as required and manage amendments from start to completion, with delivery of the appropriate video/audio files on specification, including digital and high-res versions.

The Team appointed will be professionally qualified, and key personnel will provide CVs for approval by NWS.

The successful Contractor will make allowances for hard of hearing or subtitles as required, as well as provide VOs in both English and Welsh when required. The successful Contractor will assist with the industry regulation processes, including UK government legal accessibility requirements and delivery to broadcast stations, should this become a requirement.

Examples of previous film productions can be seen below; the successful Contractor will be expected to match or improve on the quality of films produced:

https://youtu.be/sGasDQmPD5M

https://youtu.be/1GPDi39iDlY

https://youtu.be/MWkPujO8gC0

GDF Explained - Geology Q&A with Andrew Parkes - YouTube

Underground resources - YouTube

What we're up to at the Low Level Waste Repository - YouTube

What is the GDF (Geological Disposal Facility) community siting factor?

How does the multi-barrier system work in a GDF?

Requirements would come in the shape of briefs, spanning a range of formats and styles, including short concept-style films, ‘in the moment’ social media stories and talking heads made at short notice, long-form explainers and short ‘fly on the wall’ documentary-style films that showcase the work across NWS. Access to different film directors and camera crew, specialist skills and equipment, studio locations within commuting distance from both Cumbria and the Southeast, in-house post-production services and resources are necessary. The agility to provide a small crew at short notice will be required on a regular basis. NWS is seeking a Contractor with own camera equipment covering all bases, and studio film/audio broadcast facilities, owned or contracted, readily available. These will be equipped to the latest industry standards, with own or hired kit and access to set build capabilities.

The successful Contractor will provide a suite of post-production services, ranging from green screen to Computer Generated Imagery and 3D techniques, and will continually update these services to find new innovations and developments within the sector. The successful Contractor will have an awareness of AI techniques and regulations. Use of AI will be strictly limited to tried and tested techniques and any use of AI beyond retouching material filmed conventionally should be declared and subject to NWS approval.

Should NWS require a preferred photographer to join the crew, they should be allowed access to the Contractor’s studio facility or facilities and to film production's locations if required, and as appropriate.

Delivery would include providing different file formats in very high resolution as required, long- and short-form as required, portrait or landscape as required, managing amends and keeping a record of all files’ versions and approvals. The Contractor should keep all NWS files safely and securely archived for the duration of the Contract, unless otherwise specified. Upon request, open files and folders would be delivered to NWS at the end of each project for future editorial use.

Work will be required over a period of two years with an optional extension at NWS’ discretion of a further period of two years. Each project’s lead times will be agreed at the outset of each brief.