EcoWaste Solutions: Training Videos on Wake Island
Environmental Technology
EcoWaste Solutions partnered with us to create a series of custom training videos for the U.S. Air Force to operate their incinerators on Wake Island—a remote and highly restricted location. This project required a nimble, efficient approach to navigate significant logistical challenges, including military regulations, equipment limitations, and the harsh environmental conditions of the island. The result was a comprehensive instructional video module that empowered personnel to safely and effectively manage waste in one of the world’s most isolated environments.
production team
Client — Ecowaste Solutions
Agency — Steak+Sizzle CreativeWorks
Producer/Director/Editor — Bonar K. Bulger
the Brief
EcoWaste Solutions, a leader in advanced thermal waste conversion technologies, approached us with a unique challenge: to create training videos for the U.S. Air Force on operating their incinerators at Wake Island, one of the most remote locations on the planet. The incinerators, essential for waste management on the island, required detailed, custom training due to their non-standardized design and varying operational procedures.
The objective was to deliver a clear, comprehensive video module that would ensure military personnel could safely and efficiently operate the incinerators, while navigating the logistical and environmental challenges of filming in such a remote and restricted location.
the CHALLENGE
Executing this project required overcoming several hurdles:
Remote Accessibility: Wake Island, accessible only by military flights, imposed strict weight and equipment limitations, allowing only the bare essentials for the production team.
Operational Restrictions: Filming had to accommodate military schedules, unpredictable weather, and the operational environment of the base.
Logistical Limitations: With no stores or repair facilities, the team had to anticipate every need and prepare for any potential equipment failures or last-minute adjustments.
Custom Training Content: Each incinerator differed slightly in design, requiring a tailored approach to filming and instruction for clarity and accuracy.
the solution
To address these challenges, we deployed a minimum viable production model: a nimble, one-person filmmaking team equipped with a compact, highly efficient kit. This approach ensured:
Agility: The small footprint allowed us to adapt quickly to changing conditions on the ground, from lighting challenges to tight filming windows dictated by military schedules.
Preparation: A meticulously planned kit included backup options and versatile equipment to handle the demands of a three-week shoot without access to replacements.
Collaboration: We worked closely with EcoWaste Solutions to sequence the training content, ensuring the videos followed the exact cadence and operational needs of the incinerators.
On location, we captured detailed footage of the incinerators, step-by-step operational sequences, and supplementary visuals to ensure the training video was both educational and engaging. The final product was a polished, instructional module that met the U.S. Air Force’s high standards.