Video production - CCDC

Working with CCDC, we developed a script that could be split up into multiple parts, each part to be read by a different presenter. This would accomplish the textural tone we wanted to achieve.

On the shoot day, we utilised a range of architectural features in CCDC's building to create visual interest in the video, and make it unique to them. Featuring a range of tight and wide shots, the video gives you a tour of the building as it tells the story.

Data being shown on the ceiling with a man looking up

In post-production, we overlaid animated elements to enhance the video and illustrate the story.

A man looking straight at the camera, in an office

Watch the final video.

KEY TEAM MEMBERS

Mel

She / her; red / blue. Mel is a writer, editor and designer. Equally happy hiking a muddy trail as playing tabletop roleplay games by candlelight. Will seize any opportunity for a party, as long as said party features copious food, prosecco and hits from the 1980s. Her true passion lies in words. A student of literature, she is fascinated by enduring myths, etymology and science fiction. Kurt Vonnegut is her hero. “We are here on Earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you different.”

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Iulia

She / her. Iulia is Rusty Monkey’s animation, illustration and 3D expert. Responsible for making everything beautiful, she also dabbles in graphic design and UX design. Among her credits is an animated music video for local parody heavy metal band Evil Scarecrow. A talented artist, she showcases her work on her Instagram channel. She usually spends most of her time in some random corner of the house with a drawing tablet and a pen, scribbling away. Cat obsessed. Professional house plant killer. Autumn lover. Maker of things.

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Chris

He / him. Chris is a co-founder of Rusty Monkey. Chris would like to think of himself as a branding philosopher but in reality it means that he can sit in his hammock and come up with great ideas around business and branding problems. He’s also a BBC-trained camera operator and has worked on many large scale TV events. A technophile. Loves the outdoors and will often head into the countryside with his wife, daughter and camera drone. Really interested in ethical thinking and business.

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Matt

He / him; yellow. Creative jack-of-all-trades, Matt is "dangerously knowledgeable" in almost every facet of marketing. His favourite field is branding, and he loves developing inspiring, daring brand identities for organisations who are ready to do something different. But he's equally talented at front end web development and developing digital strategies. He's also the front man and guitarist in local parody heavy metal outfit Evil Scarecrow, plus a huge fan of music, eating in nice restaurants, and going on holiday.

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PROJECT

A project can help you reach your goals quickly and cost-efficiently. We run our projects using WAgile project management.

THE CLIENT

The Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC) are world-leading experts in structural chemistry data, software and knowledge for materials and life sciences research and development.

THE GOAL

CCDC wanted a top-level brand video to describe what they do and encourage a bigger global following. They wanted to represent individuals within the organisation and communicate their brand values.

THE SOLUTION

We decided that a scripted video performed by a selection of CCDC employees would achieve the best results. We worked with CCDC to develop the script, then interviewed selected employees to find the best candidates. On location at CCDC's base of operations, we shot multiple takes of the chosen presenters reading sections of the script in order to be able to choose the best combination of reels for the final cut.

THE TEAM

Members of the creative guild, led by our video expert Chris.

THEY SAID

"Rusty Monkey attended our office to film a brand hero video. The team was consistently helpful, collaborative, and creative from tweaking the script through to final editing. They made helpful suggestions, incorporating modern animations where relevant, but always still listened to our needs and goals.

During filming, they were professional, organized, and made our staff feel at ease to perform their best on the video. They had not seen the site before filming due to COVID restrictions, but were quickly able to develop the plan as we shot. They were thorough in shooting B-takes and filler footage so that we didn't need any rework or additional filming.

I'd happily recommend the Rusty Monkey team to anybody looking to create corporate videos!"

-- Sophie Bryant, CCDC

THE OUTCOME

The video is a great introduction to CCDC, and the complex and important work they do. It creates a sense of community that has encouraged greater engagement and membership.