From a passion for storytelling to pioneering sustainability-driven corporate films, ESG Films is on a mission to transform how businesses communicate their ESG commitments. ESG Films completed BIRD Incubator’s pre-incubation program last year, further refining its vision and business strategy. We spoke with Đuro Gavran, the co-founder of ESG Films, to learn more about his journey, challenges, and vision for the future.
Let’s start with a little intro: Who are you, what’s the name and age of your startup, and what problem are you solving?
ESG Films is a full-service film production team that blends the expertise of ESG specialists with the creativity of film professionals. We specialize in turning corporate ESG communications into compelling narratives that both inform and inspire. By translating complex sustainability data into engaging storytelling, we help companies communicate their commitments effectively to stakeholders.
What inspired you to start your company, and what’s the story behind your journey into entrepreneurship?
After a decade of producing films and TV projects known for their impactful storytelling and social relevance, our work gained recognition across Croatian and European media. ESG Films was born as a spin-off of PIPSER film production company, following the success of the documentary series Good Economy, which explored sustainable economic practices in Croatia.
We realized that our passion for opening sustainability topics to the public through film could also benefit companies making sustainability a core part of their business. This led us to create ESG Films—helping businesses communicate their ESG strategies authentically and powerfully.
How did you first connect with BIRD Incubator, and what made you decide to join the program?
I first discovered BIRD Incubator through media coverage and LinkedIn posts. My interest grew when I saw the list of mentors, recognizing it as an excellent opportunity to deepen my business knowledge and establish meaningful connections within the startup ecosystem.
Every startup faces challenges—what’s been your toughest obstacle so far, and how did you overcome it?
ESG covers a wide range of business operations, often fragmented across different departments such as leadership, finance, HR, marketing, and supply chain. Our biggest challenge has been identifying and connecting with the right decision-makers—those who truly understand the importance of ESG communication.
Fortunately, with more companies establishing dedicated ESG departments, we’ve found it easier to collaborate with professionals who are actively driving sustainability efforts. This has allowed us to offer our expertise in a way that seamlessly integrates into their existing ESG strategies.
What’s one resource, connection, or experience at BIRD Incubator that truly made a difference in your startup’s growth?
A session with Ema Gerovac on Value Proposition Design helped us rethink our core offering and target audience. The outcome? We now focus on helping large organizations across the EU translate their ESG commitments into internal and external films, turning complex sustainability data into clear, compelling narratives for stakeholders.
Investors and partners are often curious—what makes your business model stand out, and who are your target customers?
With the European Union introducing new ESG reporting regulations in 2024, an estimated 62,000 companies will be required to produce ESG reports by 2026. This shift has created a growing demand for effective ESG communication.
Our business model stands out through close collaboration with independent ESG experts, ensuring credibility and minimizing the risk of greenwashing. By refining screenwriting with expert insights, we deliver high-quality, authentic storytelling at a competitive price point, making us more efficient than traditional agencies in the field.
Looking ahead, where do you see your startup in five years, and what goals are you most excited to achieve?
Having established a strong presence in the Croatian market, we envision ESG Films becoming a leading producer of corporate ESG films across the EU. Our goal is to work with major organizations to create bold, impactful films that elevate their sustainability messaging and drive real change.
To wrap up, what’s one piece of advice or wisdom from your journey that you believe every founder should know?
Play fairly and sustainably.
