{"id":7277,"date":"2025-08-26T11:49:55","date_gmt":"2025-08-26T10:49:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/?p=7277"},"modified":"2025-09-29T09:44:29","modified_gmt":"2025-09-29T08:44:29","slug":"knowledge-transfer-partnership-case-study-true-to-nature","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/knowledge-transfer-partnership-case-study-true-to-nature\/","title":{"rendered":"Knowledge Transfer Partnership case study \u2013 True to Nature"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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 <\/a>led the multidisciplinary academic team from UWE Bristol’s Centre for Print Research<\/a>, with Matt Dumbrill <\/a>serving as the KTP Associate who developed expertise in prototyping, design, and systems integration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Company<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Challenge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cThe 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.\u201d Stephen Batty (Commercial Director, True To Nature)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

To address True to Nature\u2019s 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\u2019s 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\u2014especially the natural history genre\u2014is 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\u2014spanning engineering, design, and software\u2014was critical to the project\u2019s success. These skills have been embedded within True To Nature, establishing a lasting in-house R&D capability and enhancing the company\u2019s competitive edge<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits and Changes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/strong> 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):<\/p>\n\n\n\n