How short-form video content amplifies purpose-driven brand collaborations: The Whale Wise and dryrobe story

Whale research in Iceland is no small feat. It’s a blend of science, patience, and grit, carried out against the dramatic backdrop of the every changing weather fronts being delivered by the North Atlantic. This September, I had the incredible opportunity to co-create a video with dryrobe and Whale Wise, a UK-registered charity dedicated to fostering an ocean where whales and humans can thrive.

Telling the story of Whale Wise

Whale Wise are a team of passionate scientists, conservationists, and educators committed to bridging the gap between science, policy, and public engagement. Their work aims to foster open conversations about whale conservation, creating actionable change in the way humans interact with marine life.

One of their core research techniques involves flying drones over humpback whales to monitor their health and scarring. These scars often reveal past entanglements in fishing gear, offering crucial data about the impacts of human activities on whale populations. It’s meticulous, often challenging work carried out along Iceland’s windswept coastline—a setting as raw and unforgiving as it is beautiful.

The role of dryrobes in the field

Spending hours in temperatures not much higher than single digit deg c, the Whale Wise team faces the full force of Icelandic weather. Enter dryrobe—a game changer for researchers working in extreme conditions. This essential gear provides insulation and protection from the elements, allowing the team to focus fully on their research without being hindered by the cold.

It was important for the video to highlight not just the work being done, but also the human resilience and ingenuity that makes it possible. From the moments of drone launches to the quiet focus of researchers in dryrobes braving the chill, the story became a celebration of both the science and the people behind it.

The process of co-creation

Collaborating with Whale Wise on this video was a deeply rewarding experience. The brief was simple yet powerful: tell the story of their fieldwork in Iceland while showcasing the importance of their mission, whilst highlighting the dryrobes the use in the field. It was about bringing the unseen—the cold hours spent on the coast, the quiet determination of the team, and the beauty of humpback whales—to life in a way that would resonate with audiences.

The video also served as a reminder of the interconnectedness of every aspect of this work. The rugged landscapes, the resilience of the researchers, the vulnerability of the whales—each element plays a part in the bigger picture of conservation.

Why this work matters

Whale Wise’s research doesn’t just inform—it inspires. By identifying the impacts of human activity on whales, they create pathways for more ethical and sustainable practices. Videos like this one play a vital role in their mission by connecting people to their work, helping them see the tangible and emotional importance of conservation efforts.

If you’d like to learn more about how we can co-create to share your story by harnessing the power of short-form video, head on over to the pages here or contact me here.