We like to imagine that environmental ecosystems operate with the same political and social structures as human society. There’s probably a whole other Star Wars franchise just waiting to be made from the political landscape of… well, the landscape. We’d call it Eco Wars, with Anakin Skywalker played by an ant... Antakin Skywalker.
While we may never truly understand the political climate of the non-human world, we can get a clearer picture of how ecosystems function thanks to environmental DNA (eDNA). When Illumina approached us to create a video explaining the power of eDNA research, we jumped at the opportunity to help educate audiences about how this technology is aiding the environment.
We needed to bridge the gap between science and nature, showing how scientists in labs can directly impact ecosystems around the world. But this couldn’t be a dry, overly technical explanation. Instead, we had to craft a story that was visually compelling, accessible, and engaging.
We set out to answer two key questions:
1. How do we make the connection between science and the environment feel seamless?
2. How do we explain eDNA research without overwhelming viewers with scientific jargon?
To illustrate the relationship between science and nature, we removed the barriers between them. The video opens in a lab, but instead of keeping the two worlds separate, we seamlessly transition into a stunning outdoor environment. This direct visual link places scientists both in the lab and in the field, reinforcing the idea that their work directly impacts real ecosystems.
We took this concept even further by mirroring colour palettes, using the same ceiling and background tones in the lab as in the sky outside. This subtle detail helped tie the two worlds together and visually represent how eDNA research connects science to nature.
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The smooth camera movements, natural lighting, and consistent colour themes created a fluid, immersive experience for the viewer. The animation and cinematography worked together to make the science feel approachable, avoiding the sterile, disconnected look that lab settings often have.
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The most important challenge was simplifying the messaging. Rather than diving deep into the complexities of eDNA research, we focused on a clear, engaging summary of how it works and why it matters. We refined the script to strike the right balance - informative, but never overwhelming.
The final video effectively captured the capabilities of eDNA research and how it aids ecosystems across the globe. Illumina loved it, and we were thrilled to help bring attention to such an important and fascinating field.
As for Eco Wars? We’re still waiting for Hollywood to call. But mark our words... Antakin Skywalker will have his day.
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