CASE STUDY
Capturing Breakthrough Science & Technology on Video
Overview
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) develops breakthrough science and technologies to ensure national security. The agency collaborates with academia, industry, and government partners to tackle problems challenging enough to qualify as “DARPA hard.” Among its most transformational successes: stealth technology, miniaturized GPS, and the Internet.
As DARPA pushes technology boundaries, the agency seeks to showcase its innovations and to inspire participation and support – from the R&D community, Congress, citizens, and others.
When those messages need the power of video, DARPA turns to Spire.
Our talented team – which includes DARPA’s 2022 Contractor of the Year – creates sizzle reels, explainers, and other short- and long-form videos for the agency’s promotional channels as well as internal use.
CLIENT
DARPA
PROJECT
Sizzle Reels, Explainers, and Short- and Long-form Videos
INDUSTRY
SERVICES
An award-winning sizzle reel
Evoking the DARPA experience
In 2022, DARPA hosted six regional events at leading universities to connect with new talent and build new partnerships in the R&D community.
Dubbed DARPA Forward, the initiative needed compelling video to highlight the agency’s accomplished technologists and leaders and energize the next generation of DARPA engineers.
To open the event, our team created a dynamic and evergreen sizzle reel. The agency continues to rely on it to boost brand awareness, recruiting efforts, and internal messaging.
— Client comment included in lead videographer’s winning nomination for SETA (contractor) of the Year.
ON LOCATION & IN THE FIELD
Showcasing program success
One of DARPA’s research thrusts focuses on developing autonomy across multiple domains – land, sea, and air.
To capture the progress of those efforts, our team went to DARPA’s proving grounds.
The resulting videos demonstrate how vehicles of tomorrow will handle rough terrain and keep our warfighters safe in extreme environments.
Powerful videos like these reach thousands of subscribers to DARPAtv and feed the agency’s other brand channels with content that engages and inspires.
from storyboard to final cut
Engaging broad audiences in tech challenges
For DARPA, the mission demands the best ideas – regardless of experience or credentials. The agency often seeks broad participation in grand challenges, welcoming students, tinkerers, and innovators to pitch their solutions to critical national security concerns.
To drive participation, Spire develops video explainers to capture the challenge and potential impacts for anyone with the drive to make a difference.
We write the script, source B-roll, interview the program manager and those who stand to benefit from the solution, and edit the final product to hold the viewer’s attention to the end.
