DOCUMENTARIES
Critical Productions produces documentaries about raw materials, mining, sustainability and the green transition. We combine media production with earth science and raw materials expertise to tell accurate, engaging stories about people, planet, research, industry and the materials that shape modern life.
Our documentary work ranges from public perceptions of raw materials to behind-the-scenes access at research facilities, laboratories and working sites.
Our documentary work
We produce films and documentary series that help audiences understand complex raw materials topics, including public perception, responsible sourcing, mining legacy, scientific research, sustainability and the human stories behind the green transition.
100 Perceptions: Raw Materials
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100 Perceptions: Raw Materials is a documentary about public understanding of the minerals and metals needed for the energy transition.
Critical Productions collaborated with Satarla, Impact Creation Leads for the EU Horizon and UKRI funded VECTOR Project, to document a live study of public perceptions of the use of raw materials. 100 volunteers were invited from a cross-section of society to the Natural History Museum, London to analyse and understand the general public’s knowledge of raw materials and their opinions of where they should come from. Participants were asked to respond to a series of statements at the beginning and end of the study, having participated in a series of educational activities about raw materials in-between. Watch the documentary to find out how 100 people’s perceptions may change over the study.
Read more about the details of the study, the making of the documentary, as well related resources.
Legacy: Mining Namibia’s Past, Present & Future
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Legacy: Mining Namibia’s Past, Present & Future is Critical Productions’ first documentary series. The series explores how mining decisions made today can shape future legacy, while also recognising how the mining industry continues to be defined by the legacies of its past.
The first two episodes were filmed in Namibia following the 2024 Society of Economic Geologists Conference. We set out to understand what natural resources mean for the country today. With only a few days on the ground, we were struck by how deeply mining has influenced Namibia’s culture and identity.
The film was fully funded by Critical Productions’ partner, Satarla, and we extend our thanks to B2Gold for their support with logistics and access to site. Special thanks also go to Hein at Skeleta Tours, who organised all of our travel and filming while in-country. We are also grateful to the Society of Economic Geologists for helping to connect us with people following the conference, and to everyone we met and spoke to, all of whom were open, generous, and incredibly friendly.
Coming Soon: Mining the Human Story: Portugal
Mining the Human Story: Portugal is an upcoming Critical Productions documentary exploring raw materials, mining, communities and sustainability in Portugal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of documentaries does Critical Productions make?
Critical Productions makes documentaries about raw materials, mining, sustainability, science, research and the green transition, with a focus on accurate storytelling and real-world context.
Can Critical Productions produce documentaries for research or sustainability projects, not just solely mining?
Yes. Critical Productions works on documentary projects that communicate research, public perception, sustainability, mining and raw materials topics for wider audiences.
Where can I watch Critical Productions documentaries?
Selected documentaries and episodes are available through links on this page, including 100 Perceptions: Raw Materials and Legacy: Mining Namibia’s Past, Present & Future. You can also watch our documentaries on our YouTube channel.
Does Critical Productions produce other video content outside documentaries?
Yes. Our short-form content can be discovered on our Socials page and our industry footage can be found on our B-roll page.
Need a documentary about raw materials, mining, science or sustainability?
Contact Critical Productions to discuss documentary development, filming, production, editing or impact-focused storytelling for your organisation or project.