INTEL
Intel Pioneers
A documentary series from the front lines of climate change—and the technology helping us fight it.
The sciences are underfunded—especially climate research. We partnered with researchers and organizations across the world to empower them with Intel technology to augment their research and find new ways to solve our planet’s toughest problems.
They did the work. We created a branded content series to elevate them to a global audience and demonstrate what Intel technology makes possible.
Ironically, this project came to life from a case study brief for oil and gas companies.
In partnership with:
Above the Arctic
Svalbard. 80° North. The front lines of climate change. This region is getting demolished by climate change, making research more challenging than ever.
Enter the Intel Falcon 8+—a commercial drone designed to battle extreme conditions and capture thermal data and photography, mostly for oil and construction surveying. We armed climate scientist Ole Liodden with the drones and tracked his story. The drone gave his team a safe, noninvasive way to track polar bear movements to measure the effects of climate change.
It was the first time a mission like this had ever been attempted.
Documentary Shorts
NYT Interactive Editorial
We partnered with The New York Times to create an interactive, multimedia piece that told the story of the expedition. Click here to read the full story.
Preserving a Legacy
We couldn’t stop there. If Intel tech can aid projects for construction companies, can it help with the biggest construction project in the world? Next stop, the Great Wall of China.
Over one-third of the Great Wall has been reclaimed by the Earth. Many sections—like Jiankou—have been reduced to rubble and overgrown vegetation, making restoration nearly impossible.
Intel launched a new approach to restoring this world wonder—using artificial intelligence and drones. We traveled to this remote section of the Great Wall to tell the story of this mission.
Film
Social: 360° Video + Instagram
We used our photography drones to capture 360° footage of this lost section of the wall, giving viewers a perspective of this world wonder most will never see. We also brought the drones to life as characters, because they’re kinda cute.
To promote the film, we created print ads that ran in Wired and National Geographic, for fans of technology and the natural world.
Below the Surface
Our final chapter led us to the open seas.
Marine biologists study whales by chasing them in boats and shooting them with biopsy arrows. Seriously. These animals are barometers for the health of our oceans (and ultimately, our planet), yet they’re really hard to find.
Intel partnered with the Ocean Alliance and Parley for the Oceans to develop a new method of identifying whales in the wild, capturing biological data in real-time, and analyzing it to better understand our oceans and our planet’s health.
Believe it or not, the secret lies in whale snot.
Films
Press & Recognition
Fast Company World Changing Ideas Award: Finalist
Webbys: Film & Video, Branded Series: Honoree
Webbys: Branded Entertainment, Corporate Social Responsibility: Nominee
Brand Film Festival: Short Form Documentary Series: Official Selection
One Show Merit: Branded Entertainment
One Show: Red Pencil, Bronze (2), Merit (2)
AICP: Next Innovation, Shortlist
Featured in: Fast Company, BBC, Adweek
Credits:
Leila Moussaoui, art director
Shachar Aylon, ACD
Katie McCarthy, creative director
Tom Green, producer