ANZ Junior Tennis Program
Corporate - Shanghai 2025
As part of its broader commitment to community engagement and long-term presence in China, ANZ Bank recently partnered with local primary schools to launch an introductory tennis program for students. This initiative was designed to give children—many of whom had never had access to extracurricular sports—the opportunity to experience tennis for the first time. By collaborating with top-tier and private schools, ANZ strategically positioned its brand in front of affluent, education-focused families, demonstrating not only corporate social responsibility but also a genuine investment in the local community.
To bring this story to life, a New Zealand-based production company was commissioned to create a short documentary-style video showcasing the initiative. Alchemist Films, a seasoned Shanghai video production company, was brought on as the local production partner. With years of experience supporting global productions in China, Alchemist Films acted as the Shanghai video fixer, managing the end-to-end production logistics and ensuring the international team could work efficiently and effectively on the ground.
From handling location permits and coordinating with school administrators to casting students and organizing on-site logistics, Alchemist Films played a key role in navigating the project’s complexities. During pre-production, a challenge emerged when the originally selected school raised privacy concerns, threatening to derail the shoot just days before filming. Thanks to Alchemist’s deep local network and quick response, an alternative school was sourced almost immediately. A new group of enthusiastic students—none of whom had ever played tennis—were cast and fully embraced the opportunity.
Throughout the shoot, Alchemist Films worked closely with school staff and parents to ensure all permissions were properly secured and that filming was conducted with full transparency and cultural sensitivity. The children’s excitement, curiosity, and genuine joy shone through on camera, capturing the heart of the initiative. For many of these students, this was their first exposure not only to tennis but to the idea that such experiences could be made available to them—an idea made possible by ANZ’s sponsorship and community focus.
The resulting video offers more than a brand message; it’s a glimpse into how international companies can make a real difference when they commit to thoughtful, locally grounded initiatives. It also demonstrates how seamless international collaboration is possible when supported by the right production partner. With Alchemist Films managing the ground operations, the overseas team was able to overcome obstacles, adapt quickly, and maintain a high production standard without compromising the integrity of the story.
From scouting and prep to shoot and post, Alchemist Films provided comprehensive support, including film and video equipment rental in China to ensure the overseas team had everything they needed. The project also benefited from Shanghai’s rich urban backdrop—an ideal setting for visual storytelling. For those interested in exploring potential filming locations, this Shanghai photo and video location guide offers a helpful overview of the city’s most cinematic spots.
This project is a strong example of what can be achieved when global vision meets local execution. From strategy to storyboarding to on-the-ground coordination, Alchemist Films provided the support and local insight needed to transform a complex, multi-stakeholder shoot into a powerful, human-centered film. It’s a testament to the impact of collaborative filmmaking—and to how brands like ANZ can connect with communities in authentic and meaningful ways.
