UCLA

UCLA needed a flagship story that refused to feel like “just another university video,” and the behind-the-scenes film shows exactly how we achieved it. Created to support the hero animation and embody the spirit of “UCLA Connects,” the BTS piece pulls back the curtain on the craft, collaboration, and decision-making that turned a sensitive, real-world medical milestone into a warm, human story.
The core narrative, UCLA’s first lung transplant using the Organ Care System, and the life it saved, demanded authenticity and emotional clarity. The BTS content documents how the team grounded complex science in a simple visual thread: a UCLA plush bear passed from hand to hand across campus, into the hospital, and through one family’s journey. More than a prop, the bear became a unifying symbol of connection and hope, illustrating how UCLA’s impact moves through students, researchers, caregivers, and families.
The behind-the-scenes video highlights the production approach that made the final film feel true-to-life. Using references of real UCLA characters and locations, the team combined AI generation and manual editing tools to create highly detailed storyboards prioritizing accuracy as the key to fast, confident approvals and a smooth transition into full 3D animation.