The Challenge

Columbia University Medical Center needed a set of short films that could do a lot at once—speak to donors, alumni, clinicians, and researchers with equal weight. The tone had to strike a balance: emotionally real, scientifically credible, and polished enough to reflect one of the top academic medical institutions in the world.

The goal: tell human stories across research, care, and education in a way that builds trust, sparks pride, and drives support.

The Solution

Over the course of several campaigns, we produced more than ten short films—each focused on a different part of Columbia’s mission and impact.

The series included:

• A TAVR story that followed one patient’s life-saving journey

• A look into the promise of personalized medicine and precision care

• Columbia’s leadership in Project ALS research

• Behind-the-scenes snapshots of student life and medical training

• Conversations with major supporters and institutional leaders

We interviewed some of Columbia’s most influential voices, including:

• Roy Vagelos

• Len Tow

• Philip and Cheryl Milstein

• President Lee Bollinger

• Other prominent New Yorkers and key university stakeholders

Each film was designed for flexible use—donor presentations, campaign events, alumni outreach, and digital engagement. Clean, thoughtful storytelling that connected prestige to purpose.

Skills & Execution:

• End-to-end production: concept, scripting, direction, cinematography, and editing

• Sensitive interviews with patients, students, and senior leadership

• Interviews with major donors and institutional figures

• Translating complex science into accessible stories

• Coordination across development, clinical, and comms teams

• Final delivery for events, digital, and direct donor presentations