Project Overview
The path of scientific discovery is an intense, often unpredictable journey, marked by relentless effort and sacrifice of the scientists involved. For every groundbreaking success, there are countless moments of failure. Yet, with increasing pressure to accelerate pipelines and enhance the efficacy of drug candidates, scientists continue to push forward, undeterred by obstacles.
But what fuels this unwavering pursuit of breakthroughs, how do these visionaries transform setbacks into stepping stones, driving innovation within the dynamic and demanding BioPharma industry?
In partnership with Sciex, Boulder created The Pursuit, a docu-series that shines a light on the pioneering work of BioPharma scientists, capturing both the exhilaration and the challenges of their mission. Through the production of 2 docu style films, we sought to immerse audiences in the pulse of the lab – where each day is fast-paced, unpredictable, and potentially revolutionary. We brought this to life not only through the voices of our interviewees but through a visually arresting blend of stylised graphics, dynamic editing, and intimate character framing that mirrors the passion and urgency of their work.
Research & Development
We started this process by interviewing numerous leading scientists to understand their motivations, both as professionals and as individuals. This exploration allowed us to shape the foundation of our series and identify potential partner labs and key personalities whose stories would drive the narrative.
After weeks of research and in-depth interviews, two extraordinary companies emerged as the focus of our inaugural episodes: Sutro BioPharma and Aliri BioScience. These organisations not only demonstrated unparalleled innovation in drug discovery but also introduced us to remarkable individuals whose dedication, vision, and personal stories became central to our films.
Pre-Production
Collaborating closely with each business and its key figures, we began crafting the unique narrative for each episode. Our goal was to uncover the essence of their mission and pinpoint the stories that would best communicate their triumphs, challenges, and aspirations.
Authenticity was paramount as we sought to create a deeply emotive connection with our audience. Therefore, rather than relying on scripted scenes, we embraced an organic approach through unscripted Q&A interviews, spontaneous ‘walk and talk’ sequences, and expansive b-roll footage to set the scene.
To capture the high-paced energy of the labs, we blended concise soundbites from multiple interviewees into a seamless, cohesive narrative that reflected their shared passion and determination.
Our two labs, located in Colorado and California, provided vibrant backdrops, and by working with local crews, we maximized the production budget while filming all necessary content over two weeks. PPM’s ahead of each shoot ensured all parties were aligned before we set off, ironing out the details to maintain efficiency and creative coherence.
Shoot Production
Each film shoot began with an on-site visit and recce, familiarising our crew with the environment and ensuring we could capture its essence effectively. Over two days, we filmed a blend of one-on-one interviews, walk-and-talk sequences, and an array of b-roll footage, designed to add depth and vibrancy to the narrative and highlight the pioneering spirit of each scientist.
Our 8 person crew operated with precision and agility, ensuring minimal disruption to the labs’ daily operations and safety whilst on site. This approach allowed us to capture the pulse of innovation, capturing both the grand and subtle moments that make the pursuit of science so profound.
Post Production
As we entered post-production, our initial task was to weave together the unscripted interviews into cohesive assembly edits for each episode, establishing a narrative that would resonate emotionally with the audience. Once the narrative structure was solidified, we integrated the rich b-roll footage, adding layers of emotion, dynamism, and pace to the films.
While the films centre on the human emotions and motivations driving drug discovery, we also had to communicate the complexity of scientific processes. To achieve this, we seamlessly incorporated elegant motion graphics and 3D animation, translating intricate concepts into visually compelling and captivating visuals.
The final result was a pair of cinematic, high-production-value films that offered a powerful glimpse into the world of BioPharma pioneers—stories that not only illuminated their relentless pursuit of innovation but also inspired the broader community to appreciate the human spirit that fuels these incredible advancements.
