Client Case Study

CLIENT

LME Global’s Co-founder Jared Cooney Horvath PhD, MEd, a neuroscientist and educator with expertise in human learning, memory, and brain stimulation

BRIEF

LME Global approached Motivo with a concept for an educational pilot. For over 15 years LME Global’s co-founder Jared Cooney Horvath had been studying brain science, teaching, writing, and giving TedTalks, and while he had experience producing content for his YouTube channel, this was out of his scope of expertise.

His goal was to create a captivating and entertaining pilot that would recontextualize the way that the audience thinks about genius, and lead into an eventual six-part series that explores the common misconceptions surrounding genius, as well as giving a road map to how genius is achieved.

SERVICES

• Concept and Script Development

• Scriptwriting

• Pre-Production

• Location Scouting

• Technical Advisement

• Production Coordination

• Physical Production

• On-set Direction and Production

• Licensing 

• Animation

• VFX and Motion Graphics

• Editing

• Film Finishing

• Distribution Strategy and Advisement

PRODUCTION

When Jared contacted Motivo, he had a script, sample video and a six episode outline. The Motivo team got to work with Jared, spending months in development to determine ways to elevate the content, build narrative, and ensure that the audience would be engaged with the material from beginning to end. 

We reconceptualized the project to take place on an Unreel Engine LED stage, concluding that the adaptable technology would allow us to do the most with the resources available. We also added animation and VFX elements to create an imaginative experience that would help the audience to relate to the intellectual concepts presented within the show’s premise.

Our team then began formal pre-production. We investigated the possibility of filming in several different US cities, including Seattle and Portland, and determined that Los Angeles, CA was the best fit for the project due to budgetary needs and production value.

After finalizing pre-production operations that included the contracting of dozens of crew members, designing digital environments, and consulting with our animation and visual effects experts, we traveled to Los Angeles to commence photography.

Filming began with a day of shooting specialized photography and interviews. We utilized a specialized camera system allowing us to film at 1000 fps (frames per second) for an opening shot that would be certain to capture the audience’s attention.

The team and Jared then prepared to film principal photography on the Unreel Engine LED stage. We prepped the stage and cast with a day of lighting, rehearsals, and wardrobe fittings. The resulting on-set environment was a relaxed, unrushed atmosphere where ideas were encouraged and the efficient, talented crew were able to excel in their given roles. It also gave space for Jared, the show’s creator and on-camera host, to deliver a professional and enthusiastic performance, showcasing his personality and presence. 

The post-production process was a textbook example of collaboration. Communication between the editing, animation, VFX, sound, and color teams created a nexus of creativity. Jared was active in the process throughout, weighing in on the voice talent, editorial cuts, animation, and visual effects styles.

As the pilot neared completion, Motivo consulted with Jared on distribution strategy, to ensure that he had the resources and information he needed to put the project in the best possible position of finding a wide audience and raising the funds needed to complete the six-part series.