Nils
Clauss
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Filming Western Union’s Chain of Betters in Changle, China

Filming Chain of Betters in Changle

I traveled to Changle, China, to co-direct and shoot a short film for Western Union’s Chain of Betters campaign. I worked alongside Harrison Winter through Co.MISSION Content Group. The project took place around Chinese New Year and focused on small, practical changes sparked by community support. Rather than framing the story as a campaign, we approached it as a set of individual moments shaped by trust and initiative.

Working in Changle

In Changle, we followed people who had received grants through Chain of Betters. These grants come from nominations made by others, often from within the same community. The idea is simple. One action leads to another. Our role was to observe and document, not to explain or guide the outcome. That meant staying close, listening carefully, and letting situations unfold at their own pace.

The Chain of Betters Initiative

Chain of Betters supports individuals or groups who already work toward positive change. The grants help them continue or expand what they have started. The initiative operates in many countries. Past projects include improving access to schools in India and supporting agricultural work in Mexico. Each case looks different, but the structure remains the same. Local action comes first.

Why the Structure Matters

What stood out to me was how indirect the process is. People nominate others. Funding follows trust rather than visibility. This approach allows small actions to scale quietly. It also keeps the focus on people who stay rooted in their communities.

Production and Collaboration

The project relied heavily on collaboration. I want to thank the local production team in China and Europe, as well as Alex Opdam for shaping the final edit. Working across regions requires patience and clarity. This project benefited from both.

Looking Back on the Project

Filming Chain of Betters in Changle reminded me why I value documentary work. It allows space for observation and restraint. The film does not try to summarize impact. Instead, it stays with specific moments. For me, that is where meaning tends to surface.

As part of a Western Union Chain of Betters campaign, a young Chinese woman sits on the edge of her king-sized bed in a cramped sleeping room with concrete walls, surrounded by furniture and personal belongings in Changle District, China.
As part of a Western Union Chain of Betters campaign, a Chinese husband and wife, residing and working in Italy, reach out with a hugging gesture during a video call with their son, left behind in Changle District, China.
As part of a Western Union Chain of Betters campaign, a young Chinese boy sits on the edge of a bed in his newly decorated children's room in Changle District, China, speaking to his parents via a video call.
As part of a Western Union Chain of Betters campaign, a young Chinese boy enters his newly decorated children's room in Changle District, China, while his parents, residing in Italy, are projected onto the wall via a video call.
As part of a Western Union Chain of Betters campaign, a young Chinese woman sits on the edge of a bed in a newly decorated children's room in Changle District, China, featuring a desk, cupboards, a clock, and picture frames on the wall.