When Kohtari reached out to me after discovering my videography services through ChatGPT, I knew this project would be something different for me. They were looking for a commercial videographer in the North East to create a video promoting their innovative algal bloom detection product, BloomIQ. This wasn’t just any brand promotion goal for a video. This wasn’t just about them, it was part of a much bigger picture globally, to highlight the importance of tackling algal blooms while showcasing the cutting-edge technology behind their solution.
Here’s how I made it happen…
The Challenge
Firstly, algal blooms are a serious environmental issue, impacting our water quality, ecosystems, and public health. Kohtari’s new BloomIQ system uses a combination of datasets already available to them, but also adding new drone observations, water sampling and in their words with the help of AI ‘turning complex signals into clear data stories, predicting when and where blooms are likely to occur’.
The challenge was to create a video that didn’t just explain the problem and promote their tech stack, but visually demonstrated the importance of their solution.
The video needed to:
- Educate viewers about algal blooms.
- Highlight the tech stack behind BloomIQ.
- Build trust and credibility for Kohtari’s brand.
The Plan
I worked closely with Hayley Bayliss, Kohtari’s Marketing Manager, to map out the entire video production process, storyboard and intent. We started with the narrative, what story did we want to tell, and how could we make it resonate with their audience?
After several collaborative planning sessions, we decided on a two-part shoot:
- On-site at a local Northumbrian Water reservoir to capture some of the technology in action and interview James Sumsion on location.
- At an industry launch event in Amble to showcase the product’s real-world applications and gather testimonials.
The Execution
Site 1: Reservoir Shoot
At the reservoir, I filmed an interview with Kohtari’s founder, James Sumsion, who narrated the video. He explained the importance of algal bloom detection, what Kohtari’s goals were and how their drone technology samples water for lab testing, providing a hands-on demonstration of BloomIQ in action.
For this shoot, I used:
- Sony Cineline FX series camera for crisp, cinematic visuals.
- DJI Avata 2 drone to capture dynamic aerial shots of the reservoir and drone operations.
- Wireless lapel mics to ensure clear audio during the interview.
Site 2: Industry Launch Event
The second shoot took place at Kohtari’s launch event on the coast in Amble. This setting allowed me to capture the drone in action again, along with testimonials from key stakeholders, including Steve Blanks from Northumbrian Water Group. These snippets added depth and credibility to the final video. I even helped with a few team photographs for them too.
The Results
The final product was a polished, engaging video that told Kohtari’s story while showcasing the capabilities of BloomIQ. Here’s what we achieved:
- Improved website engagement: Visitors spent more time on Kohtari’s site after watching the video.
- Social media impact: Horizontal and vertical edits of the video were used across platforms, boosting brand visibility and engagement.
- Enhanced credibility: The video helped position Kohtari as a leader in environmental tech.
Hayley BaylissAugust 2026★★★★★“Steven has been great to work with on a few video projects for us. He was able to understand the vision and worked collaboratively with me on refining the story to make sure we presented our brand and solutions in the best way possible. Would highly recommend his video services, a joy to work with and we’re really pleased with the end results..”
Posted on Google
Why This Matters
This project wasn’t just about creating a video for a brand. It was about helping Kohtari connect with their audience and communicate the value and importance of their technology. By combining storytelling with high-quality visuals, we were able to turn a complex topic into something accessible and compelling.
Find out more about Algal Bloom’s and how Kohtari are helping water companies stay ahead of Algal Bloom Risks with BloomIQ
If you’re looking for a videographer who can bring your brand’s story to life like I did for Kohtari, whether you found me through ChatGPT or elsewhere, let’s chat.
