The Shetland Challenge

Overview

In collaboration with Manors Golf, we produced and edited a 45-minute feature film set against the wild, unforgiving landscape of the Shetland Islands. More than just a piece of branded content, the film set out to tell a story—one that blends challenge, character, and the raw spirit of the game.

The Challenge

Manors Golf wanted to push beyond traditional golf content and create something with real depth—an experience that would resonate emotionally while staying true to the brand’s identity.

The concept was simple, but demanding: follow a golfer attempting to birdie every hole on the island before leaving. The reality, however, was far from simple.

  • Remote, unpredictable locations

  • Harsh winter conditions

  • A physically and mentally demanding narrative unfolding in real time

The challenge for us was to capture it all authentically—without losing the cinematic quality needed to elevate it beyond standard sports content.

Our Approach

We treated the project like a documentary feature, focusing on storytelling first and brand second.

  • Cinematic Production: Lean, adaptive shooting to respond to rapidly changing weather and light, embracing the rawness of the environment rather than fighting it

  • Narrative-led Edit: Shaping hours of footage into a compelling 45-minute journey, balancing tension, humour, and human moments

  • Authenticity at the Core: Letting the unpredictability of the challenge drive the story, capturing both the struggle and the lighter moments along the way

The Shetland landscape became a character in itself—amplifying both the physical challenge and the emotional stakes.

The Outcome

The final film is a striking, immersive piece that feels as much like an adventure documentary as it does branded content. It captures golf in its purest form—unpolished, unpredictable, and deeply human.

Since release, the film has:

  • Generated thousands of views

  • Driven significant brand engagement

  • Contributed to measurable sales growth for Manors Golf

Closing Thought

This project shows the power of long-form storytelling—when brands step beyond the expected, they don’t just capture attention, they create something people genuinely want to watch.

Get in touch.

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