We see (a) consultant(s) to produce short documentaries that profile its Integrity Icon Campaign Finalists. Integrity Icon is an AL community-driven campaign that ‘names and fames’ honest public servants. The campaign is founded on the belief that a lack of integrity – which leads to corruption, inequality, and insecurity – is a global challenge that often makes citizens feel helpless to deal with graft and mismanagement. The campaign seeks to build citizens’ trust in public institutions by celebrating champions of integrity in the public service through ‘naming and faming’ public servants who operate with integrity and go over and beyond the call of duty to serve the public with humility, excellence and a clear commitment to duty.

The mini-documentaries assist the campaign to profile nominees and the campaign. They should be empathy and impact-driven, moving and motivational, and shot from the perspective of the nominators and nominees while incorporating interviews and inputs from local community members, colleagues, and friends of Integrity Icon nominees.

Scope of work and technical expectations

The consultants are expected to produce high-quality, fast-paced, and colorful mini-documentaries with clean stylistic touches. The selected consultant will be tasked with leading the production of five (5) mini-documentaries each with a running time of not more than seven  (7) minutes. Primary cinematography will be filmed using a hybrid approach combining high-quality multiple film cameras.

The consultant(s) is expected to produce the mini-documentaries in collaboration with the ALZ Film Fellows. The Accountability Film Fellowship is implemented in collaboration with Magamba Network, it seeks to impart knowledge of governance and accountability as well as filmmaking and storytelling skills to the next generation of impact filmmakers. The consultant(s) will be expected to provide mentoring on visual storytelling, and directorial expertise to the cohort of ten Accountability Film Fellows.

AL Zimbabwe will monitor the entire development and production process, providing continuous review, comments, and thematic input support when needed. It will also be the Executive Producer of the films and has the final cut and creative, editorial, and technical direction of the mini-documentaries.

Terms of Reference Milestones

• The consultant(s) is expected to commence work in September 2023
• The contractor will hold a project inception meeting to agree on timelines, narrative framing, storyboards, and mentoring approach.
• A detailed budget and shooting schedule should be provided before commencing filming.
• The rough cut of each film should be provided to the Executive Producer for review, comments, and approval
• The final product i.e. the mini-documentaries, as well as the raw material and project files should be delivered to ALZ on an external hard drive within an agreed timeframe

Deliverables

• Five (5) short films of not more than seven (7) minutes each profiling five Integrity Icon Finalists and the footage (raw) of the recorded stories
• Five (5) 59-second teasers of the mini-documentaries for promotion on social media
• One (1) 59-Seconds teaser/ advert of the Integrity Icon Campaign showcasing the Icons
• On-site mentoring and coaching of ten Accountability Film Fellows on visual storytelling, cinematography, film editing, and interviewing throughout the production of the five (5) films required.
• High-quality (1920 x 1080 px, and 1080 x 1080 px minimum size) Professional portraits of each of the Integrity Icons, comprising one full body shot, and one-half body shot in both RAW and .jpeg format
• High-quality behind-the-scenes images (production stills) of the film production process

Qualifications

Applicants must provide documented work experience in the areas of:

1. Film/reportage/documentary writing, producing, directing, and editing;
2. Previous experience mentoring and coaching amateur filmmakers;
3. Access to highest quality filming, light, sound, and editing equipment;
4. Ability to operate under strict time limits and apply high production and technical standards to maintain a high level of professionalism;
5. Ability to communicate and conduct interviews;
6. A track record of successful materials filmed in the region and/or on similar topics would be an asset.
7. Excellent technical capacities (state-of-the-art equipment including drone camera) to ensure smooth and high-quality production.

To submit an expression of interest

Send the following:

1. A brief letter indicating your interest and how you match the desired qualities/qualifications and outlining any previous experience with similar work.
2. Three references with contact information from previous clients
3. Two to three examples of similar work
4. A budget estimate with total costs for services

The Expression of Interest pack should be sent to zimbabwe@accountabilitylab.org cc zimprocurement@accountabilitylab.org by midnight (CAT) on Thursday 31 August 2023.