Development of Documentaries on Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in the Africa Blue Economy Strategy, AU-IBAR

Background

The African Union-InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) is a specialized technical office of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (DARBE).

AU-IBAR provides leadership in the development of animal resources for Africa. By supporting and empowering the African Union (AU) Member States and the Regional Economic Communities (RECs), AU-IBAR’s vision is an Africa free from hunger and poverty. Animal resources make a significant contribution to the global arena.

Founded in 1951 to study the epidemiological situation and fight rinderpest in Africa, AU-IBAR’s mandate covers all aspects of animal resources, including livestock, fisheries, and wildlife, across the entire African continent. At the same time, AU-IBAR fills a unique and strategic niche by working at the continental and regional levels, with the RECs being key partners.

AU-IBAR was founded on an important principle that guides its operations. The principle of subsidiarity ensures that animal resource-related activities are undertaken at the most local level possible. AU-IBAR assumes responsibility for those areas that national and regional bodies cannot address or for which AU-IBAR enjoys a clear comparative and strategic advantage. An important area of focus is developing and promoting common African positions within the global animal resources arena.

Context

AU-IBAR is implementing the ‘Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in the African Blue Economy’ Project (2021-2024). The Project is being funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). The Project sets out an agenda for action to enhance institutional capacity of African Union Member States and Regional Economic Communities on the utilization, conservation and protection of aquatic biodiversity in the context of the Africa Blue Economy Strategy.

In order to raise awareness about the importance of conserving aquatic biodiversity, key drivers of change, challenges and opportunities on management through the Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in the Africa Blue Economy Project, AU- IBAR is seeking a videography firm to assist the project develop videos along those lines. Specific deliverables are listed in the sections below.

Objective of the Assignment

The overall objective of this assignment is to produce a short video and a minimum of thirty (30) high resolution photographs per location that can be used in various communications platforms. This will involve travelling to 4 country locations (to capture the necessary footage and photographs).

Specific Objectives

• Showcase the objectives of the Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in the African Blue Economy Project objectives
• Capture lessons learned from beneficiaries and implementers of the Project, across the entire spectrum of the project’s result areas.
• Contribute towards advocacy of key thematic issues to a wide-range of stakeholders

Methodology

The firm selected for this assignment will perform the following indicative tasks:

• Develop the video concept and scenario to be discussed with AU-IBAR team;
• Present a work plan for the assigned work specifying travelling days;
• Travel to four locations to capture relevant footage; Maximum of two (days) in each location, excluding travel dates.
• Perform appropriate short interviews with the Projects’ major partners, beneficiaries and stakeholders;
• Compile and develop the desired products for this assignment, notably: high resolution photographs and video(s)

Deliverables/Expected outputs

Under the overall leadership of the Acting Director, AU-IBAR, and supervision of the Senior Knowledge Management Office, the videography firm will produce an online album with at least thirty (30) high resolution photographs and two (2) videos: a 15–20-minute video, and a five-minute abridged version of the 15-minute video.

One 15–20-minute video in HD; with a 5-minute abridged version

1. Video shooting and editing;
2. Narration, translation and subtitles in English/French where necessary;
3. Script development;
4. Full usage rights for music (or music for which copyright has been granted);
5. Voice over
6. One fully-produced clip of approximately 5 minutes in length in 1080p (HD) resolution aimed at sharing with continental audience including government institutions, Non-State Actors, Regional Economic Communities, local communities as well as an international audience.

The video must highlight the purpose and goal of the Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in the Africa Blue Economy Project; including:

1. interviews with local people;
2. documentation of the necessity of conservation on aquatic biodiversity and local communities, especially women;
3. interview with experts working on various project themes, such as issues dealing with enhanced ratification of continental and global biodiversity and environmental instruments, Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), and cross-cutting issues, such as gender and climate change – to capture best practices and lesson learned in the context of the Africa Blue Economy.

High resolution photographs

At least 30 high quality and high resolution, edited and captioned pictures from each site, which will be uploaded in an online repository, should include landscapes and local communities.

Report

An end-of-assignment report on all photography and filming locations (GPS points), including names and contact details of all individuals photographed or that have been filmed. The report must include at least five statements by community members and other stakeholders to be used in reports, fact sheets and newsletters.

Duration and Location

The assignment will entail up to 90 days of field work, including travelling to at least 4 locations, and 7 days of editing and reporting, beginning upon the signature of contract with AU-IBAR. AU-IBAR will cover travel and accommodation costs of locations.

Logistical Support

AU-IBAR will provide logistical support including arranging flights, accommodation and introduction to a focal point in countries that will facilitate travelling to field site. AU-IBAR will also provide some local assistance arranging meetings with Governmental representatives, and non-state actors.

Duration of Assignment

• The assignment is expected to take 90 working days from the date of signing the contract.

Payment

A maximum amount of 13, 500 USD shall be paid to the firm for the provision of services.

Payments will be made in two instalments:

• 30% after delivery of work plan, shooting schedule and scripts;
• 70% after delivery and approval of high-resolution photographs and 2 short video/documentary, written impact testimonials, and project report.

Qualifications and competencies

The service provider should ideally have the following qualifications and competencies:

• More than 5 years’ company experience in film production (15 points).
• Minimum of seven (7) years’ documentary work experience in the area of documentary writing, producing, directing, filming and editing for the lead team member
• Lead team members to have at least a degree or higher diploma in video production, film production, media arts studies, multimedia studies or equivalent.
• Track record in producing documentaries on sustainable development/ animal resources development for continental/ international organizations with the aim of reaching both local and international audiences (25 points)
• Experience in working with Continental and other international organizations (10 points).
• Excellent technical capacities (state of the art filming and editing and sound equipment preferably High Definition; Innovative skills in use of animation; infographics to illustrate historical flow of events, and voice over) to ensure smooth and high-quality production (15 points)
• Experience in development communication, including excellent storyboarding techniques and video editing skills (20 points).
• Experience engaging with high-level delegates and local communities of different cultures;
• Working knowledge of English is necessary, and knowledge of French would be an advantage.

Evaluation Criteria and Scores

Criteria Scores

Qualifications of lead videographer (At least a degree or higher diploma in video production, film production, media arts studies, multimedia studies or equivalent) 15

General Experience of firm and lead team members in documentary production/ filmmaking 15

Technical Competencies (State of the art filming and editing and sound equipment preferably High Definition; Innovative skills in use of animation; infographics to illustrate historical flow of events, voice over) 30

Specific Experience in production of documentaries on sustainable development or animal resources development 10

Methodology and approach 10

Evidence of sample work/ portfolio 10

Previous engagement with high-level delegates and different cultures 5

Proficiency in English and French (level B proficiency – independent user) 5

Copyright and Intellectual Property Rights

In consideration of the fees paid, the firm expressly assigns to AU-IBAR any copyright arising from the works the consultant produces while executing this contract. The firm may not use, reproduce or otherwise disseminate or authorize others to use, reproduce or disseminate such works without prior consent from the AU-IBAR.

Equipment

The videographer will use their own equipment deemed necessary during the execution of the assignment.

Insurance cover

The videographer will be responsible for own medical and life insurance cover; and equipment cover for the duration of the assignment.