
UNDP
ExtremeLives
Documentary series & photography
Overview
ExrtremeLives is a documentary video series sponsored by UNDP and the EU exploring the driving forces behind violent extremism through emotive, character-driven narratives, and offers at-risk viewers actionable alternatives.
Extremism is often thought of as religiously motivated. But the reasons why youth end up in extremist groups vary enormously between countries, contexts, and communities. From drug misuse to imprisonment, gendered inequalities to socio-cultural stereotypes, this video series dives deep into the stories of youth affected by known drivers of extremism, and who have turned their lives around against the odds. Using behaviour science insights, short film, and creative digital content, this alternative-narrative project promotes constructive conversation, meaningful human connection, and asserts that we each have the power to take control over the trajectory of our lives.
Since 2020, Palim has led the ideation, strategy, producing, and marketing for this EU-funded series across 6 countries in Asia, in collaboration with Human Pictures, UNDP, and the EU.

About the Project
For this project, Palim provided a full production package from research to dissemination. We guided our client through the management and integration of behaviour science principles into all pre-production and production, supported by freelance consultants and an intelligence agency to tailor content to six country contexts: Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, the Maldives and Sri Lanka. An extensive pre-interview and casting plan was conducted to source appropriate stories within our client’s close requirements. Creative treatments and logistics plans were developed for six shoots and local crew were sourced and hired for parts of production. Production was completed in 20 days in collaboration with Human Pictures, with the Palim crew photographing and directing in-situ and remotely. In post-production, we directed narrative editing, coordinating editorial reviews with our client, and developing animation storyboards to deliver the final product. Finally, we also manages a graphic designer to produce animations and promotional materials for social media dissemination.
Services
Research & Scripting
Logistics
Filming & Photography
Editing
Sound design
Colour grading
Animation/ motion graphics
Branding












Director Mailee Osten-Tan
Producers Juan Yepes, Mailee Osten-Tan, Juan Caster Castaneda, Olivia Heffernan
Directors of Photography Juan Caster Castaneda, Josh Paul
Translator/Local Producers Por Burapacheep, Zabrina Fernanadez
Photographer Mailee Osten-Tan
Animation & Graphics Ian Hamden
Branding Sanchita Jain