Smart Drugs (Oct 2018)
Across the globe, university students, lawyers, doctors and entrepreneurs are taking drugs to sharpen their focus and help them work longer. In this cinematic one-off POV documentary, we follow Nik Badminton on a journey down the rabbit hole into the world of smart drugs and cognitive enhancement techniques as he tries to better his career, his productivity, and ultimately himself. Are there real drawbacks to relying on smart drugs? Nik is about to find out. (cbc.ca)
We worked closely with director Ann Shin to develop a visual language for the infographics featured in the film. We wanted to be able to relay details about the makeup and effects of the various smart drugs Nik experimented with in a contemporary style, but at the same time evoke a slightly analogue look to them. Less like a digital composite and more like am old school optical overlay. Blurs, grit and some uneven glows were our friends.
We also created a neat timelapse and compositing effect to suggest a revved-up up Nik moving through a slow motion reality experienced by the rest of us.
