Vodafone // Need A Dip (Series)

Vodafone Ireland commissioned Need A Dip, a short-form, three-part docu-series set against the wild Atlantic coastline of West Cork. The series follows The Slippery Mermaids, a group of women who meet regularly for sea swims, capturing the rituals, humour, and quiet resilience that bind them together. The aim was simple but meaningful: to tell a story about connection. Not just to technology or place, but to each other.

From the outset, the directing approach prioritised patience and presence. Rather than imposing a heavy visual concept, the production leaned into observation and immersion. The goal was to create a space where the women could simply be themselves. Cameras followed conversations before and after swims, lingering on the small, revealing moments that define long friendships. The Atlantic became both backdrop and character, its energy shaping the rhythm of the series.

Filming in open water came with its own challenges. Conditions changed quickly and the physicality of cold sea swimming required a nimble, responsive crew. The team worked carefully to remain unobtrusive while still capturing the immediacy of the experience. Handheld movement, natural sound, and close proximity to the swimmers helped translate the shock of cold water and the exhilaration that followed, without pulling focus from the women themselves.

In post-production, the emphasis remained on authenticity. The edit allowed conversations to breathe and moments to unfold without unnecessary intervention. Natural sound and restrained music choices supported the atmosphere of West Cork while maintaining the intimacy of the storytelling. The result was a series that feels grounded, warm, and quietly cinematic.

The response was immediate. Across Vodafone Ireland’s social channels, Need A Dip reached nearly two million combined views, resonating with audiences drawn to its honesty and sense of place. More than anything, the series stands as a portrait of friendship. The kind built on laughter, cold water, shared routines, and the simple act of showing up for one another.