Conservation group, Cairngorms Connect needed to communicate their 200 year vision of land management in a human and inspiring way.
Deer management can be controversial and misunderstood outside specialist circles. Cairngorms Connect wanted to destigmatise deer stalking, explain its ecological role, and educate local and broader audiences about balanced land management. They asked us to help them tell that story in a compelling and culturally resonant way.
The film needed to frame deer management as part of a nuanced human–environment relationship that supports habitat regeneration and community well-being.
Client: Cairngorms Connect
What we delivered:
- Research & development
- Film production
- Post Production
- Distribution strategy
Format:
Online Campaign
The Approach
Wunner Film worked collaboratively with Cairngorms Connect partners to develop a film rooted in local voices and ecological context:
Story research and development
We explored the cultural and ecological background of deer management, engaging with Cairngorms Connect staff and local land managers to shape a narrative that is informative, non-judgmental and grounded in lived experience.
We explored the cultural and ecological background of deer management, engaging with Cairngorms Connect staff and local land managers to shape a narrative that is informative, non-judgmental and grounded in lived experience.
Strategic planning and pre-production
Collaboratively, we defined a narrative that could communicate complex environmental ideas in human terms – focusing on individuals actively working in the landscape.
Collaboratively, we defined a narrative that could communicate complex environmental ideas in human terms – focusing on individuals actively working in the landscape.
Production
We planned a candid, handheld approach to add to the realism of spending time out in the field. Filming took place on location in the Cairngorms, working with the challenges of upland weather, variable access and remote terrain.
We planned a candid, handheld approach to add to the realism of spending time out in the field. Filming took place on location in the Cairngorms, working with the challenges of upland weather, variable access and remote terrain.
Distribution strategy
Beyond making the film, we supported Cairngorms Connect with thinking about where and how the story could be shared to reach landowners, local communities, conservation supporters and wider audiences, helping maximise impact.
Beyond making the film, we supported Cairngorms Connect with thinking about where and how the story could be shared to reach landowners, local communities, conservation supporters and wider audiences, helping maximise impact.
The Outcome & Impact
The resulting film helped humanise a complex subject and highlight a deeper understanding of deer management’s role in landscape restoration.
Outcomes include:
- Over 25,000 views across Cairngorms Connect platforms
- Selection within the Fort William Mountain Film Festival "Best of Scotland" category
- A resource Cairngorms Connect use in communications with funders, partners and stakeholders
