How project giving back captured the magic of RHS Chelsea Flower Show with Interval Films
“Interval Films were so easy to work with, knowledgeable, flexible, and fun. They’re real problem-solvers who helped us capture every special detail of the garden builds, even when things changed last minute.”
— Isabella Nunes da Costa, Project & Production Manager, Project Giving Back
The client
Project Giving Back (PGB) is a philanthropic grant-giving initiative that funds gardens for good causes at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. By 2026, they will have supported over 60 charities and not-for-profits, giving each one a national platform to raise awareness of their mission.
As the only philanthropic grant scheme at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, PGB helps bring powerful stories to life through design, collaboration, and creativity. Their gardens inspire millions, each one built to spark meaningful conversations and lasting social impact.
The challenge
Each garden at Chelsea is a labour of love, a temporary work of art built over two intense weeks. PGB wanted to capture that transformation in all its detail: the teamwork, craftsmanship, and emotion that happen behind the scenes.
While PGB regularly produces films and short documentaries about their gardens, they knew timelapse could add something unique, a visual layer that reveals the hidden magic of the build itself.
But filming at RHS Chelsea brings technical challenges:
- Strict site restrictions (no digging or permanent fixings)
- Evolving garden designs that can block views or shift layouts mid-build
- Tight turnaround times with limited installation windows
- PGB needed a timelapse partner who could adapt fast, work sensitively within showground constraints, and deliver exceptional footage under pressure.
The process & solution
PGB partnered with Interval Films because of their deep experience filming at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and their reputation for reliable, creative problem-solving.
From the first conversation, the collaboration clicked. Ollie and the Interval team worked closely with PGB to plan camera positions that would capture the intricate process of garden construction without intruding on site activity.
When a large tree unexpectedly blocked one of the cameras mid-build, Interval quickly responded, sending their hands-on crew to reposition the equipment and maintain perfect visibility. Despite restrictions on digging or fixing to the ground, Interval engineered custom mounts to keep the cameras stable and discreet.
Their flexible approach and on-site agility meant nothing was missed, every crane lift, planting detail, and design flourish was beautifully documented.
The impact
The timelapse footage became an essential storytelling layer in PGB’s project story films, which combine interviews with designers and charities alongside before-and-after visuals of each garden.
Engaging visual storytelling: The timelapse sequences added energy and emotion, revealing the creativity and hard work that go into every build.
High-quality b-roll for films and PR: The footage elevated production value, helping PGB share their mission across digital and social platforms.
Smooth collaboration: Interval’s flexibility, responsiveness, and genuine enthusiasm made them a trusted extension of the PGB production team.
“The quality of the footage was exceptional. Interval Films made everything easy, nothing was ever too much trouble.”Isabella Nunes da Costa, Project & Production Manager, Project Giving Back
How they got there
This success came from Interval Films’ Event & Exhibition Timelapse Service, a specialist offering for creative and short-term builds. It combines precision camera setups, adaptive on-site management, and cinematic editing designed to capture complex projects where every detail matters.