Tackling disease with Cryo-EM technology
The focus of this exciting project was creating animations showcasing the technical capabilities of two cutting-edge JEOL electron microscopes, Crewe and Ruska at the Rosalind Franklin Institute Harwell campus.
Our challenge was to create a selection of short videos for social media and video channels to promote the research, showcasing the functionality and strengths of each microscope. The videos had to be visually appealing and understandable to a non-technical audience, whilst offering scientific accuracy. As the microscopes were manufactured to a bespoke design, had yet to be installed, and there were no reference photos or diagrams establishing an overall look for the animation was challenging but achieved. The project also took place during covid-19 restrictions that prevented us from doing any site visits.
FrameLyst - Rosalind Franklin Institute
FrameLyst - Rosalind Franklin Institute
FrameLyst - Rosalind Franklin Institute
Following a clear process we started the project with an extensive discovery phase, consulting members of the research team, reading academic papers outlining the technology and began planning the animation. Storyboards were essential in defining the look and feel of the project from the outset, and we used these as a guide throughout the project. After discussion it was decided that including a voice-over from a member of the research team would help bring the animation to life and provide additional authenticity. FrameLyst created a script, and helped record the audio remotely to follow Covid-19 protocols. The animation development was iterative, and we found the final look through frequent discussions.
The end result was a set of videos demonstrating the functionality of both microscopes with versions optimised for video platforms, social media channels and classroom use.
A NEW ERA FOR ATOMIC CELLULAR BIOLOGY
Following the successful video project showcasing the Crewe and Ruska Cryo-EM
devices, we took on an even more ambitious and challenging animation with the
Dorothy microscope.
This device featured a radical and innovative design enabling the detailed study of
conditions including chlamydia and trachoma that was leading to preventable sight loss
in developing countries.
There were two key challenges on this project. Firstly, demonstrating the image capture
process in a clear and easily understandable way. We went through several iterations of
this together with a visualisation of the ion beam milling process before achieving the
final look.
The second challenge was the wide range of different effects shots and visual styles
ranging from photo realism through to more stylized diagram based sections. These all
had to help illustrate the research effectively, be visually appealing and work cohesively
to outline key features.
FrameLyst - Rosalind Franklin Institute
FrameLyst - Rosalind Franklin Institute
FrameLyst - Rosalind Franklin Institute
Our development process included extensive storyboarding, script revisions and regular consultation with the research team, and having regular contact was invaluable. Being able to reference captured images from the device also provided essential context to inform the look and feel of the final animation. This project used fluid simulation and particle effects to strong effect, and we also took some learnings from the previous Crewe and Ruska project.
All this combined effort delivered an animation featuring a diverse combination of visual styles under a cohesive identity, led by a professional and relatable voiceover from a key member of the research team.
Research and development for FrameLyst's 3D
Complex materials and shader technology continues to advance rapidly, and enables us to create an almost infinite
number of materials and surface options completely bespoke to your project needs.
From semi opaque gelatinous membranes through to solid steel structures we can deliver
animations featuring flexible objects that can easily be manipulated.
By constantly evolving our range of tools we constantly strive to deliver the most accurate,
engaging and visually impactful work that resonates with audiences.
FrameLyst
FrameLyst
FrameLyst
Utilising existing and emerging technology we are able to recreate and simulate almost any situation or scene. We have access to technology that radically improves results leading to more realistic
animations helping to reduce project costs.
We can also render a scene or story in a more simplistic way which sometimes adds an improved story telling element as the audience is not distracted by incredible imagery but rather finds it considerably easier to ingest everything in simpler bite sized chunks.