Passports, PPE, and the joy of frontline inspiration

It’s been more than a while. And the world has certainly changed. But how brilliant to get back to where amazing work happens.

Having barely been anywhere in two years, just a few weeks ago I travelled to Tanzania to film some of the truly transformative work funded by Smile Train. DTV aims to minimise our footprint wherever possible, so it was just me coming from the UK to meet up with camera crew and a stills photographer from the region. (More news on this network of on-the-ground story gatherers coming soon!)

The biggest difference from previous filming trips, aside from the mountain of Covid-related travel admin, was that about half my luggage was PPE and lateral flow tests for use by the crew and local staff I would be working with... But it was all worth it.

It felt really good to be back collaborating with local teams and crews again. While meeting families affected by cleft lip and palate, hearing their stories, and then being there to see the utter joy of mothers after their child’s cleft surgery was unforgettable.

Many of our recent shoots have had to be directed remotely, including several for clients in Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. But in some countries, our team have still been able to visit and film programme and project work. For example, our head of DTV India, Mukesh Nauhwar, directed a shoot for SmileTrain in late last year said:

“Though we still had COVID restrictions, and it wasn’t easy at all, all hardships are behind us when you come across the hardships people are facing on the ground and also see the great work being done by the Charities helping those who need it most. It was great to see the work SmileTrain does on the ground and the difference they’re making. Countless emotional stories of change out there - going on field trips is always life-changing that ways.”

As more of the world opens up, we’re ready to roll and to do so through a collaboration of expert direction and in-country teams. We’ll be sure you’re among the first to know about this pioneering new venture soon!

Bio

Gillian is DTV’s Senior Planner, working across all clients to find the sweet spots where the needs of NGOs and their audiences meet. Gillian has helped charities to develop fundraising communications for more than 20years and directed many of our overseas shoots. She says the only downside on long haul travel is the lack of sleep.