Our latest project, Beyond the Code, took us to Stanford University in the Bay Area, where we worked alongside the BBC to showcase the extraordinary advancements in artificial intelligence.

This production, paid and presented by Schmidt Sciences, highlighted how leading researchers are leveraging AI to push the boundaries of medicine, energy, and beyond.

Bringing AI to life visually requires more than just expert interviews… It demands a cinematographic approach that immerses viewers in the world of innovation. To elevate the storytelling, we sought out unique locations that not only complemented the subject matter but also added depth and richness to the visual narrative.

Filming in Stanford’s cutting-edge research labs placed audiences at the heart of AI experimentation, while capturing scenes in the historic Cactus Garden provided a striking contrast that blends the organic and technological worlds together. These choices reinforce AI’s role in shaping the future while grounding it in a real, tangible environment.

AI2050: The Scientists Defining Tomorrow

The project introduced audiences to two AI2050 fellows, whose work is revolutionizing their respective fields:

• Kelly Chibale, professor at the University of Cape Town, is using AI to create personalized medicine tailored to individual genetic makeups, potentially transforming healthcare accessibility worldwide.
• Gege Wen, assistant professor at Imperial College London, is developing AI-driven solutions to enhance the storage and efficiency of renewable energy, a critical step in global sustainability efforts.

By placing these scientists in visually compelling settings, we crafted a narrative that was as engaging as it was informative.

Maximizing Production Value

Producing a documentary-style project for the BBC meant balancing educational depth with high production value. Our approach included:

• Dynamic Cinematography: We utilized cinematic lighting, fluid camera movement, and strategic framing to elevate the storytelling beyond standard documentary visuals.
• Diverse Locations: By filming in high-tech AI labs, Stanford’s historic Cactus Garden, and other striking environments, we visually connected science with nature, technology, and innovation.
• Immersive Visuals: Macro shots of cutting-edge lab equipment, slow-motion captures of research in action, and expansive walking shots of the Stanford campus all helped create a sense of scale and wonder.

Every frame was designed to reinforce the film’s core message: AI isn’t just theoretical and that it’s happening now, shaping the future in profound ways.

The Future of AI, The Future of Storytelling

Beyond the Code is a testament to AI’s power to reshape industries and the impact of great storytelling in bringing these advancements to the world. By combining expert insight with cinematic visuals, we transformed a complex scientific subject into a compelling visual experience.

Want to collaborate on a project that makes innovation come alive? Let’s talk!