Harnessing Filmmaking Power for Impact
If filmmaking is a great power, then—as a certain friendly neighborhood superhero once said—it comes with great responsibility. For us at The HK Fixer, that responsibility is clear: to harness the power of moving images to drive change. Our mission is to create films that inspire action and provoke meaningful emotion, which is why we thrive when commissioned to document corporate actions that truly make a difference.
The Challenge
Enter the H³ Programme—short for Heart, Head, Hands—a unique initiative by Hermès, running since 2013. It embodies the humanist spirit of the house by inviting its staff to nominate socially engaged organizations they believe the Hermès Foundation should support. The goal? To spark awareness among Hermès collaborators, encouraging them to take positive action themselves.
In Hong Kong, Hermès focuses its efforts in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, working to protect the essential oyster reefs of Shenzhen Bay. These reefs are crucial to the coastline's ecosystem, and the hands-on task involves rebuilding the reefs—literally, one pillar at a time. Our challenge? Capturing this mission in the unpredictable mudflats of the bay.
The Solution
We knew we needed to be prepared. So, after in-depth research and connecting with local experts, we set out with a high-quality cinematic package: the classic documentary ARRI Amira paired with Zeiss Superspeeds. But shooting on the mudflats came with its own challenges—sinking was a real risk. Our solution? Equip the crew with sturdy rudders to keep everyone afloat (and upright) on that soft, wet soil.
The Outcome
The experience was nothing short of magical. Who would have guessed how much life thrives in the mud? Birds, crabs, fish—all vibrant and teeming with energy. And the volunteers from TNC brought a palpable passion that was infectious. The resulting film is an ode to teamwork, resilience, and the vital mission of protecting our natural world.