Documentary Production in Brazil – A Powerful Project for NERC
Documentary production on an international scale is always an exciting prospect. At Cass Productions in Southampton, Hampshire, we were thrilled to take on the challenge of filming in the awe-inspiring Brazilian rainforest for an environmental documentary commissioned by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).
This project was one of a series of films created to showcase environmental research as part of the prestigious NERC Impact Awards in London. The goal was to bring compelling research to life through powerful storytelling and cinematic visuals, capturing both the science and the people behind it.
Inspiring Science, On Location
This particular case study focused on Dr Cristina Banks-Leite, a NERC-funded scientist whose work is dedicated to protecting fragile natural habitats in South America. The documentary shines a spotlight on her research into biodiversity loss and habitat fragmentation within the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest, an area critically affected by human activity.
Producing a documentary in a remote and environmentally sensitive region comes with its own set of logistical and creative challenges. Our project management team handled every aspect of international filming logistics, including:
Visa and travel coordination
Arranging fixers and local crew
Securing drone and filming permissions
Managing environmental compliance and timelines
Despite a rapid turnaround, our documentary production team was able to provide a full crew, drone operator, equipment, and post-production resources, all within the agreed schedule and budget.
Mixed Media Storytelling in Documentary Production
In addition to live-action filming, we also collaborated closely with Dr Banks-Leite to translate complex scientific concepts into visually engaging mixed media animation from our office in Southampton, Hampshire.
Our animation team worked with her to:
Break down key elements of her study
Clarify ecological processes through stylised motion graphics
Maintain scientific accuracy while keeping the visuals accessible to non-specialist audiences
This layered approach, combining interview footage, slow-motion b-roll, crane shots, and animated segments, helped transform her findings into an emotionally resonant and easily understood narrative.
Set to a carefully selected, cinematic soundtrack, the final video not only educates but also inspires action and reflection.
Why Documentary Production Works for Science Communication
This film is a clear example of how documentary production can amplify the reach and impact of scientific research. By blending cinematic filming with clear visual explanations, we helped make academic findings accessible to a broader audience, including policymakers, students, and the general public.
Benefits of using documentary production in environmental and scientific storytelling include:
Creating visual engagement through real-world settings
Humanising researchers and giving them a voice
Presenting fieldwork and data in a compelling narrative arc
Increasing shareability across platforms and events
Supporting long-term public outreach and education
Animation also allowed us to visualise ecological systems and data in ways that live-action footage alone could not convey.
Lasting Impact and International Reach
The success of this project demonstrated the value of combining science and storytelling on a global scale. By filming on location in Brazil, we were able to capture the beauty and urgency of conservation work firsthand, bringing audiences closer to the environments and issues at stake. The film continues to serve as an outreach asset, helping NERC communicate the relevance of its funded research far beyond academic audiences.
This kind of documentary production isn’t just about creating beautiful visuals, it’s about helping organisations influence change, shape policy, and build public trust in science.
Explore More of Our Work
At Cass Productions, we bring decades of experience in working with universities, NGOs, and research councils on impactful, purpose-driven media across Hampshire and globally.
Explore our science and environmental video projects in our portfolio
Whether you’re planning an international shoot or want to bring your data to life with animation, we’re ready to help elevate your message through world-class documentary production from our office in Southampton, Hampshire.