The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) and True to Nature was established to develop a high-performance underwater drone (ROV) called Mako for capturing cinematic footage of fast-moving marine animals like sharks and dolphins. The project aimed to enhance True to Nature’s innovation capabilities and establish in-house R&D capacity while addressing technical challenges in underwater filming through advanced engineering and manufacturing expertise. Professor Carinna Parraman led the multidisciplinary academic team from UWE Bristol’s Centre for Print Research, with Matt Dumbrill serving as the KTP Associate who developed expertise in prototyping, design, and systems integration.
The Company
True to Nature is a Bristol-based independent production company founded by Dr Wendy Darke, former Head of the BBC Natural History Unit. True To Nature specialises in creating innovative natural history content that connects people with the natural world. With nature at its core, the company invests in advanced filming technologies to deliver immersive visuals and serve as a voice for the planet. True To Nature has produced content for major broadcasters and streaming platforms including BBC, Sky and Netflix and is currently expanding its reach through YouTube.
The Challenge
The KTP project addressed two core challenges: designing a high-performance underwater drone from scratch and embedding a research and development (R&D) capability within True to Nature. The technical challenge involved developing a bespoke Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) capable of capturing immersive wildlife footage, including air-to-underwater transitions. This required expertise across fluid dynamics, system control, power management, communications, digital film, material selection, and 3D printing. A major hurdle was overcoming underwater leakage caused by pressure and seawater erosion. The team had to carefully design and integrate power systems, control mechanisms, and communications to ensure reliable operation during filming.
For True to Nature, the project was a strategic opportunity to enhance its innovation credentials and strengthen in-house R&D capacity. The successful development of the ROV will enable the capture of unique footage of sharks and dolphins, hopefully contributing to winning a landmark series with a major streaming platform and generating significant commercial value.
“The effect of the KTP for True To Nature has been motivating and transformational and will provide the company with a competitive advantage that is difficult to copy i.e. a 20mph capable ROV that will keep pace with and film a shark. This capability has allowed True To Nature to bid for underwater film production opportunities with big broadcasters and streamers that will hopefully underpin future growth in turnover and profitability.” Stephen Batty (Commercial Director, True To Nature)
To address True to Nature’s ambition of capturing cinematic underwater footage featuring fast-moving marine animals such as sharks or dolphins, the KTP project developed a bespoke ROV named Mako (after the world’s fastest shark). Designed for speed and agility, the ROV underwent iterative prototyping and testing, achieving watertight integrity and operational readiness. The film and TV industry—especially the natural history genre—is currently facing significant challenges, with fewer commissioning opportunities. However, the KTP and ROV solution has given True To Nature a competitive edge, enabling the capture of never-seen-before underwater content and increasing the potential to secure new, profitable production projects.
Beyond its original purpose, the ROV also shows promise for wider applications such as search and rescue and rapid coral bleaching surveillance. The multidisciplinary expertise provided by UWE Bristol—spanning engineering, design, and software—was critical to the project’s success. These skills have been embedded within True To Nature, establishing a lasting in-house R&D capability and enhancing the company’s competitive edge
Benefits and Changes
The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between True to Nature, the UWE Bristol, and Innovate UK has led to significant advancements in underwater filming technology, innovative R&D capabilities, and competitive positioning within the natural history production industry at True to Nature. As a result of the KTP, True to Nature and its staff have acquired several new knowledge areas and capabilities. These include (but not limited to):
- The KTP delivered significant benefits across all partners. For True to Nature, it enabled innovative filming techniques with commercial and scientific potential, while establishing inhouse R&D capacity to support future productions and product commercialisation.
- For UWE Bristol, the project opened opportunities to publish academic papers in areas such as underwater drone innovation. The paper will add valuable weighting to support the development of an impact case study for participation in REF2028, strengthening the university’s research profile in advanced manufacturing and creative technologies.
- The KTP Associate gained hands-on experience in prototyping, design, and systems integration through the development of the ROV. This was complemented by formal training, including a commercial drone pilot licence and a professional project management qualification, enhancing technical and leadership skills.
- On the business side, several proposals have been developed to hopefully secure an opportunity to win a new commission and deploy the Mako ROV which provides a unique competitive advance in underwater capture techniques. This would support the company to increase revenue and profit in a time of contraction and uncertainty in the factual TV industry.
- The project also delivers broader societal impact—bringing audiences closer to wildlife through immersive storytelling and supporting the wider sustainability agenda.
What the Knowledge Base partner has to say
At UWE Bristol, the academic team applied specialist expertise to guide the KTP Associate through the full design and development cycle of the Mako underwater drone. This included, aerodynamic assessment of underwater vehicle body to minimise the drag effect on drone speed using theoretical calculation and numerical simulation like Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) (Dr Jun Yao), propulsion and control to power and manoeuvre underwater vehicle operation with designed speed (Dr Budi Chandra), optical knowledge on camera selection for film and whole vehicles manufacture using 3D printing technology, etc (Dr Fabio D’Agnano and Prof. Carinna Parraman).
Strong communication across all partners helped identify challenges early and supported smooth project delivery. Encouraging the Associate to explore new ideas fostered confidence and growth. In the long run, this project enhances UWE’s reputation in technology and innovation, enabling it to better support businesses through UKRI-funded KTPs.
“I have truly appreciated my experience with this KTP. Although it has required considerable effort, it has provided me with numerous
benefits. I have acquired extensive knowledge in prototyping—a field I was eager to explore—and have learned a great deal about business, management, and finances from Ashorne Hill. Additionally, completing APM Project Management training has solidified this knowledge for future application, as I aspire to start a business that may continue to collaborate with True to Nature” Matt Dumbrill (KTP Associate)