Production of a Documentary for Phase II of the Peace, Security and Stability at Act Change Transform (Act)

Reference number:  ACT-PD-03-2020

Overall Objective

The overall objective of the assignment is to document success stories and lessons that provide a clear, in-depth cases and compelling narratives on the efforts by the various actors supported by Act! so far with a focus on results achieved, applicable strategies and challenges faced in the implementation of the program and identify lessons learned and best practices for potential scalability of the program.

Specifically, the success/impact stories will highlight the following;

• The impact of the program in addressing conflicts and violent extremism in the target counties.
• The changes/outcomes that have occurred during program implementation period.
• The capacity and effectiveness of CSOs and government security agencies in responding to conflicts and violent extremism in Kenya.
• The role of women in fostering peace and security at the grassroots level, and how conflicts have impacted their livelihoods.
• The effectiveness of traditional mechanisms to resolve conflicts (Alternative Dispute Resolutions-ADR).
• Constructive engagement of youth in promoting safe and peaceful communities in Kenya.
• The effectiveness of early warning, early response mechanisms to identify and respond to incidents and warning signs of political conflicts, violent extremism and radicalization in select counties.
• How the program used different peace actors to coordinate and respond to conflict situations in target counties.
• The role of community peace structures including council of elders, peace committees,nyumba kumi committees, religious leaders in fostering peace and security in Kenya.
• The use of evidence based research to inform initiatives, policies and strategies in mitigating conflicts and violent extremism.
• The impact of the program in promoting peaceful communities.

Specific tasks for the Consultancy

The consultant(s) will work closely with the Act’s Program Manager (PSS) and will be under the direct supervision of the Program Officer (PSS). There will be collaborative engagements with the Head of MERL and IT.

• Develop a compelling concept and storylines that capture the various segments of the program and at all levels of the implementation. This will involve performing desk review /literature review to understand the overall program objectives, target beneficiaries and expected results in line with the program’s theory of change.
• Determine the exact scope of the stories; identify and develop topics and agree on target beneficiaries to be interviewed to ensure shared vision and content in line with program objectives.
• Develop tools and formats that will be used for documenting the stories to be packaged in the agreed format(s).
• Develop a fast paced and colorful documentary with clean stylistic touches, at the highest market quality standards, high-definition and that meets national and international TV standards.
• Develop a detailed work plan and a shooting script and schedule with clear timelines and provide them prior to commencing filming.
• Produce the rough cut of every phase of the documentation exercise for review and incorporate comments, and produce final version of the video documentary.
• Capture quality digital photography, audio, and visuals during the documentation and ensure high quality editing and final product;
• Provide periodic updates to the Act! program team, MERL team and Program manager on the proceedings of the assignment.
• Have full control over the entire process of recording in terms of creativity, technical aspects, content, follow safe working practices and professional practice.
• Deliver the final products (main documentary and short clips) ready-to-air product in broadcast standards and in HD technology format 16:9 and within the specified timelines.

Methodology

The assignment will involve site visits to the following counties namely; Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, West Pokot, Kisumu, Laikipia, Isiolo and Garissa where the program is being implemented. The documentation will involve situational analysis, key informant interviews with both secondary and primary beneficiaries as indicated above.

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

The consultant will deliver to Act! the following:

• Delivery and acceptance of a compelling documentary overall concept/storyboard and scenario which capture themes to be documented as best practices/lessons/case stories that show the impact of the program.
• Delivery and acceptance of a high quality and well-edited one ‘Long film’ (approximately 10-15 minutes) detailing summary of success stories, challenges encountered and lessons learnt as well as recommendations for future programming. The video should be suitable for conference presentations and internet use.
• Delivery and acceptance of raw footage of all video interviews undertaken in the project sites in an external hard disk
• Delivery and acceptance of first cut of the documentary film on either DVD or video link for review and comments.
• Delivery and acceptance of 10 copies of the final 15-minute documentary in a DVD as well as a 3-minute summary promotional version of the documentary for the website and Act!’s social media platforms.

Expertise Required and Qualification

To be eligible to apply for this role the consultant/firm must;

• Have been in existence for at least 5-10 years prior to 1st January, 2018.
• The Team Lead must hold a degree in a relevant field: Communication, Journalism, Media studies, Fine Arts. Other team members should also hold relevant qualifications in any of these areas.
• Demonstrate Firm’s experience in undertaking similar assignments by use of samples (YouTube links) of successfully and recently completed work.
• Team Lead must have at-least five to ten years working experience in development of documentary or film production that meet national and international broadcast standards.
• Proposed Team must have good knowledge of multicultural aspects in Kenya, cultural nuances, gender and crosscutting issues.
• Team Lead must possess excellent communication skills-fluency in oral and written English Previous proven experience in documenting donor supported projects using digital media.
• Firm must have excellent technical capacities to ensure smooth and high quality production (video production staff, owner of its own video production studio or a documentary proof of an access to a rented video studio) etc.
• Clear articulation of capacity and skills, and innovative approaches to carry out the assignment; as well as ·a clear work plan and articulation of expected methodologies and outputs within the tight timeframe.
• Track record of successful materials filmed in the region and/or on similar topics by would be an asset
• Ability to start immediately and work under strict time limits.

Duration and timing of services

• The assignment is expected to take 35 days from the date of signing the contract.