Documenting the Mayflower Autonomous Ship with IBM

Brief

MSubs and Marine AI required a long term media partner with specialist maritime experience who could support all areas of their visual communication. The brief included:

• High quality content in port environments and at sea
• Graphic design work, CGI and technical visualisations
• Ground photography and video suitable for engineering and defence settings
• Monthly video content for LinkedIn with strong engagement potential
• Consistent branded visuals for international exhibitions
• Fast editing capability for announcements and events
• Detailed documentation of autonomous vessel testing and milestones

Different View was selected because of the success of the Mayflower Autonomous Ship docuseries which demonstrated our technical skill, professionalism and the ease of working collaboratively with complex maritime and engineering teams.


Our Approach

A consistent monthly media pipeline

The heart of this retainer is consistency. Every month we deliver:

• A main branded video
• A short version optimised for social engagement
• A set of edited stills
• Event coverage when required
• A clear style that reinforces brand identity across all platforms

This regular rhythm is far more effective than isolated one off films. It supports audience growth, strengthens brand memory and provides constant material for marketing teams, internal communications and investor relations.

Specialist maritime filmmaking

Filming autonomous vessels and engineering projects requires accuracy and understanding of the environment. We operate drones and FPV from RIBs, quaysides and controlled sites, capturing dynamic footage even in demanding conditions. This includes:

• Tracking high speed autonomous vessels
• Launching drones from moving boats
• FPV sequences that reveal structure and performance
• Filming engineering processes for documentation and tender support
• Filming tests that require controlled coordination and safety awareness

Brand continuity for exhibitions

We support MSubs and Marine AI at major events such as Oceanology International and DSEI. The retainer ensures their exhibition films, printed materials and stand visuals remain consistent and aligned with their brand message. This reduces preparation pressure and ensures a professional presentation every time.


Results

This three year retainer has delivered measurable impact, supported by analytics and clear audience growth.

Major increase in online visibility

More than seventy five thousand impressions were generated on LinkedIn from MSubs content in a single year.

Engagement that outperforms industry norms

Average engagement on MSubs LinkedIn content reached six point nine percent which is more than double the typical figure for similar sectors.

Strong follower growth across all channels

ZeroUSV increased followers by forty percent with a twenty eight percent rise in page visitors. Marine AI increased followers by thirty five percent with a twenty two percent rise in visitors.

High volume of professional media assets

Dozens of videos and hundreds of images have been produced for:

• Announcements
• PR coverage
• Engineering documentation
• Events and demonstrations
• Social content and investor communication

Support for innovation programmes

Our filming has documented the development of autonomous vessels and navigation systems used internationally. These assets are frequently used for investment material, tenders, media coverage and exhibitions.

Strengthening Plymouth’s maritime reputation

The retainer has played a key part in promoting Plymouth as a global hub for autonomous maritime technology. Both companies consistently use the media to showcase achievements and secure new opportunities.


Why the Retainer Works

This partnership shows how a retainer creates deeper value compared to occasional project work.

Consistency

Regular content keeps organisations visible and memorable.
Marketing teams always have fresh, high quality media ready to deploy.

Scalability

The retainer allows us to respond immediately to new tests, product launches and PR moments.
There is no need to start a new project each time.

Brand alignment

Long term collaboration ensures a unified visual identity across web, print, social and events.

Sector familiarity

We understand the maritime and autonomous vessel environment, allowing for efficient filming with minimal operational disruption.

Strategic partnership

The retainer allows MSubs and Marine AI to focus on engineering while Different View manages their entire media pipeline.