GENE TRANSCRIPTION - CASE STUDY

This film illustrates the mechanism of action of a drug to treat myelodysplastic syndrome, MDS, where the failure of certain genes causes proliferation of immature white blood cells. The film shows how this results from inhibition of transcription in blood stem cells, and how the drug restores normal function by replacing DNA bases. Excerpts from a longer film are shown here.

Plastic Milk worked closely with the healthcare agency’s writer and a consultant haematologist to produce the storyboard. Meanwhile, construction began on the CGI models of the molecules, cells and environments. Chemists from the pharmaceutical company were consulted to ensure scientific accuracy. The storyboard was reviewed by both the agency and the pharmaceutical company and revised by Plastic Milk. Once the modelling, surfacing and lighting were completed, static frames were sent to the client for approval of the look and feel. The animation team then broke the film down into individual shots. The shots were animated, rendered at low resolution and compiled into a rough edit with a guide voiceover track. This initial version of the film was uploaded to a secure site so it could be viewed by the pharmaceutical company in the US. Once the low res was approved and a voice over artist had been selected, Plastic Milk arranged and directed the voiceover recording session. The final stage involved high resolution rendering, compositing and post production, before the completed film was sent off to the client.

A visually stimulating film which demonstrates a complex mechanism in a clear and understandable way.