Projects
-
Buzkashi Boys - Narrative Film Production
Set against the dramatic landscape of contemporary Afghanistan and filmed entirely on location, Buzkashi Boys is a narrative film that tells the compelling coming of age story of two best friends striving to realize their dreams in one of the most war-torn countries on Earth.
-
Kabul at Work (currently seeking distribution) - TV Series Production
Kabul at Work is a six part television series that profiles the lives of extraordinary Afghans who live and work behind the headlines.
-
White City - Music Video Production
The official music video for Kabul-based band, White City's debut EP, "Space Cadet". Shot entirely on location in Kabul, Afghanistan.
-
AFGHAN PARAGLIDER - Documentary Film Production
The Devpix team finds the first Afghan Paraglider and joins him as he jumps off cliffs in the Shamali Plain.
-
Photo Essay - Mirwais Hospital Kandahar, Afghanistan
Jake Simkin takes some haunting pictures of civilian casualties in the busiest hospital in Kandahar.
-
Roshan "YAARAN" - TV Commercial Production
A national television commercial for Roshan, Afghanistan's biggest mobile service provider, about the power of friendship.
-
NGO AHEAD - Documentary Film Production
An illuminating take on Non-Governmental Agencies. Commissioned by CARE International, it is being screened for pre-deployment US troops coming to Afghanistan.
-
Roshan "Helping Communities" - TV Commercial Production
A national television commercial for Roshan, Afghanistan's leading telecommunications provider, showing how they are giving back to the community.
-
HALO TRUST - Documentary Film Production
A short documentary about how the Halo Trust has been training locals in how to remove the mines and reclaim the land for the people.
-
Roshan "Pool Hall" - TV Commercial Production
A national television commercial for Roshan, Afghanistan's leading telecommunications provider, about the power of friendship to bring people together.
-
Herb-e-Islami - Documentary Film Production
The Devpix team films Jerome Starkey, correspondent for the Times of London, as he attempts to refurbish a Volkswagon beetle in Kabul. This is part of an on-going Devpix blog, which gives a peek behind the scenes of our daily lives working in warzones.
-
Roshan "Better Relations" - TV Commercial Production
A national television commercial for Roshan, Afghanistan's leading telecommunications provider, showing how we are all connected.
-
The National Solidarity Program - Documentary Film Production
A short documentary about the positive impact of the National Solidarity Program in two rural communities.
-
Roshan "Liberation" - TV Commercial Production
A national television commercial for Roshan, Afghanistan's leading telecommunications provider, highlighting how Roshan helps you grow your business, no matter where you are.
-
COUNTER NARCOTICS - Documentary Film Production
A look at the ways alternative livelihoods in Helmand Province may provide an alternative to growing opium poppy.
-
Microfinance in Action - Documentary Film Production
Get a glimpse into the lives of three women whose fortunes have been changed by access to micro-finance.
-
ROSHAN "SAADAT" - TV Commercial Production
One of the first international quality national commercials to be shot in Afghanistan, this spot follows a humble carpet seller as he rises from rags to riches.
-
SAFI AIRWAYS - Documentary Film Production
A promotional video for Safi Airways: one of the most successful and respected international airlines in Afghanistan.
-
Roshan "DATA" - TV Commercial Production
A national commercial for Roshan, the leading telecommunications provider in Afghanistan, highlighting their new 3G data network.
-
MINE ACTION - Documentary Film Production
Afghanistan is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. The Mine Action Programme of Afghanistan (MAPA) explain what's being done to rid the country of this terrible legacy.
-
The Skateboard Teacher - Documentary Film Production
Kabul: A City At Work is a multi-media project, led by a joint international and Afghan crew collecting interviews, photographic portraits and video shorts of the people of Kabul who live and work behind the headlines.
-
Seeding Afghanistan - Documentary Film Production
The Devpix team investigates how improved wheat seed varieties improve the lives of Afghan farmers.
ABOUT US
TESTIMONIALS
Based in Kabul, Afghanistan, Development Pictures provides production and post-production of the highest international standard for narrative and documentary films in conflict zones and the developing world. With over 20 years of experience and nearly five years producing Afghanistan related content, the principals of the company specialize in delivering consistently high quality, culturally relevant and engaging films for NGOs, Governments, UN Agencies, and the news media, filming unique and compelling stories in dangerous locations and under difficult circumstances.
-
"The striking cinematography [of Buzkashi Boys] captures the bustle and bleakness of Kabul."
-
Kabul at Work is holding a mirror up to the city. And what you see is rich, in detail, colour, energy and variety…a celebration of the ingenuity of its citizens, women and men, old and young, poor and rich.
-
The 6-part (Kabul at Work) show was very well received and viewers have praised your quest to capture the untold stories of everyday Afghans. Your success with interviews with people from all walks of life is a testament to the integrity and honesty of your project.
-
We have truly enjoyed a very productive (and cool) partnership with the Afghan Film Project, resulting in ‘Buzkashi Boys’ – a wonderful film that has brought new life to the Kabul film industry.
-
The whole process from start to finish was a pleasure and I would recommend Development Pictures to anyone seeking high-quality, professionally produced multimedia material, in particular short films, dealing with even quite technical or sensitive development issues.
-
Jake and Sam are a fantastic team of two highly talented individuals who also work brilliantly as a team. The safety issues make filming and photography particularly difficult and their sensitivity and flexibility, as well as creativity to ensure they still got the best shots, were invaluable to me.
-
Sam French directed a film on Turquoise Mountain's flagship international art exhibition in Kabul. We use the film for external communications activities and donor relations. We consider it our best promotional film. In short, Development Pictures is a reliable, professional, friendly, and hard-working company.
-
Jake threw everything he had at White City's first ever music clip. In below zero conditions, clambering over rubble and kabul filth, he shot a raw, gritty but punchy clip. Basically, he did not stop until it was done!
-
Jacob Simkin performed highly professional work in completing a video about the National Area Based Development Programme. From start to finish, Jacob consistently performed in a capable, professional manner. He was a joy to work with, and I give him my highest recommendation.
Newsroom
Become a fan Follow on Twitter