HWS – Hilfswerk-Siedlung GmbH – is a Protestant housing association in Berlin. They commissioned us to produce a recruitment video for trainees: the video was to be modern rather than outdated – without being over the top. In keeping with the nature of the training program. In several meetings, the trainees at the time told us what they do at HWS and what they particularly appreciate about it. This helped us to develop the concept for the video.

The trainees provided valuable input, but they were also a little camera shy. How did we manage to create two authentic portraits despite this? Instead of having them “act” AND speak in front of the camera, we split up the performances—because audio recordings in a separate room, with only the audio equipment and the editor present, are more relaxed. And they can be used later as voice-overs. In addition, we used staging gimmicks: cool transitions and jump cuts reflected the exciting tasks – especially in the scenes in the forest.

The trainee video was extremely well received, not only by the client but also by the trainees themselves. They felt that it portrayed them and their work at HWS perfectly, particularly in terms of the modern equipment, the collegial atmosphere from day one of their training, and HWS's commitment to environmental protection and sustainability.