unnatural selection - case study

Documentary series “Unnatural Selection” explores new developments in the science of gene editing that could forever change the future of mankind. From disease eradication to trait selection and bio-hacking, fierce debate is erupting over the long-term implications of these groundbreaking experiments.

Over the course of this four-part limited series, we’ll travel the world and meet scientists, hackers, critics, ethicists, and the creators and beneficiaries of these technologies that defy evolution. These are real events that are happening right now, raising moral, social, and environmental impact questions about where we, as a society, will draw the line.

This provocative and visually arresting series is the result of more than three years of work. The project was initially brought to us by our partners Shaul Schwarz and Christina Clusiau at Reel Peak Films, from creators / directors Joe Egender and Leeor Kaufman. Joe and Leeor realized early on these emerging technologies would reshape the future of humanity much sooner than people realized, but very few people were aware of the massive social, economic, and moral implications these changes will bring with them. The end result is a series that explores a world where the very essence of life can be altered – not only by Harvard geneticists and multi-billion dollar corporations, but also by renegade bio-hackers working out of their garage – and challenges viewers to examine what it actually means to be human.

GENETIC
EDITING
101

Our story begins with the creators of one of the most controversial discoveries ever: CRISPR. This revolutionary gene-editing tool is so simple, precise, and inexpensive, that experts are calling it the most positively life-changing and potentially dangerous discovery in the history of mankind. DNA, the very essence of life, can now be altered not only by Harvard geneticists and multi-billion dollar corporations, but also by renegade biohackers working out of their garages.

The implications are endless – eradicating disease, designing human beings, wiping out entire species or creating new ones, empowering people to effectively play God.

But given the power of these technologies, should they be regulated or democratized? And who will make these decisions?

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EPISODE 01

CUT, PASTE,
LIFE

Gene-editing technologies promise to eliminate diseases, and biohackers push for access while scientists grapple with formidable ethical questions.

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EPISODE 02

THE FIRST
TO TRY

New gene therapies may change the lives of Jackson, Nick and Tristan. But on this risky frontier, nothing is guaranteed, and the price can be steep.

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EPISODE 03

CHANGINGAN ENTIRE
SPECIES

Using gene drive technology, humans have the chance to shape -- and eradicate -- whole species. But the implications alarm bioethicists and activists.

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EPISODE 04

OUR NEXT
GENERATION

As Jackson gets ready for surgery, Maria and Victor await their “three-person baby” at a Ukrainian clinic that uses pronuclear transfer technology.

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BEHIND
THE SCENES

Unnatural Selection explores many aspects of humanity’s new found ability to edit the genome of any living organism. The documentary series explores the human side; seeking cures for genetic diseases and viruses, and then dives into our potential to manipulate Mother Nature, by eliminating rats or sterilizing virus carrying mosquitos. In this main title sequence, we attempt to encapsulate the science, the art and subversive culture of this emerging technology.

The world of biotech itself was our main inspiration for the titles. We referenced everything from vintage 1960’s educational films to nanotech. Typography layout was borrowed from the ultra-efficient graphic language of pharmaceuticals and laboratory labeling. All living things are comprised of code. We use this code to texture and to define volume and shape. The color palette is hyper rich, bold and diverse with the vibrance referencing an electron microscope image.