Metastasis Short Film
The Problem.
Most breast cancer deaths are caused by metastasis: the spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body. In this short film, we aimed to visualize and explain the basic mechanisms by which breast cancer metastasis can occur. The goal was to create a short film that would be informative to a broad audience and emphasize the importance of studying this disease. Read below to learn more about how we approached the design.
The transforming ribbon.
Before diving into the biology, our short film opens with a conceptual representation of breast cancer metastasis using the familiar pink ribbon. The ribbon transforms into a tumor, and is either quickly contained, or morphs into an invasive web. The goal here was to provide a clear symbolic representation of the different types of breast cancer that would immediately resonate with a diverse audience before digging deeper into the science.
The microbiological world.
Every aspect of the biological world within was designed to create the sense of an ominous tone and to convey an almost alien-like impression of the cancer. The lighting is moody and dramatic, and the tumor cell is slimey, bumpy, and its nucleus glows with a red malignancy. The structures are motivated by real scientific data, but the shots are designed to carry the mood and elevate the message.
Representing the breast cancer survivor.
Medical animations often use representations of patients that feel a bit clinical and impersonal, feeling more like a transluscent mannequin than a real person. But we wanted to find a way to represent the breast cancer survivor that made her feel a bit more human and relatable, emphasizing that this is a disease that impacts real people. In every shot featuring the survivor, the lighting is moody and dramatic, underscoring the somber tone of the film.
Coming full circle.
To help the audience integrate the message, we return to the original symbolic representation: a breast cancer ribbon riddled with invasive strands, but now running in reverse, representing a possible solution. The final frame is intended to be forward-looking, inspiring a call to action.
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