The brief
How Public Sector Video Storytelling Showcases 30 Years of HTA Impact
The Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Programme has played a crucial role in shaping public health research and policy for the past three decades, demonstrating how government-funded research films can effectively communicate impact to key stakeholders. Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), HTA research assesses the clinical and cost-effectiveness of healthcare treatments, interventions, and diagnostics. By comparing new and existing approaches, HTA research ensures that NHS and social care services provide the best possible care to patients.
To mark 30 years of achievements, NIHR hosted a celebration event in London on 12th March 2024. As part of this, they wanted a people-focused hero film that would:
- Showcase the success and impact of HTA over three decades.
- Incorporate a timeline of key milestones in HTA research.
- Look ahead to the future of health technology assessment.
- Feature four interviewees representing different perspectives within the programme.
Deliver a high-end, visually bold film that engages both experts and the public.
What we did
Turning 30 Years of Research into a Powerful Story
With such a vast topic, our first priority was to build strong collaborations with NIHR and its stakeholders. This project needed to distil a complex story into something engaging and accessible, making the scripting stage a critical part of our approach.
After an in-depth pre-production process, we entered production fully prepared. Given the range of locations and people involved, the shoot was logistically demanding—but we thrive on creative challenges. Our focus was on capturing the different facets of HTA’s work, ensuring that every frame helped tell the bigger picture of its impact.
This project required a carefully planned visual style. We worked to maximise every location, balancing lighting, composition, and stylistic choices to create a film that felt both cinematic and informative.
The Art of Combining Structure and Flexibility
While the project was storyboarded to maintain visual consistency, we also left room for creative spontaneity. Some of the most compelling moments came from improvised shots, allowing us to enhance the film’s authenticity.
Bringing the visuals together with voiceover and music was a rewarding process. Seeing the transformation from reference imagery to a polished, high-impact film was a highlight of the project.
The technical
Concept development
Story development
Schedules and timelines
3 days of production
Editing
Social cuts
Music licensing
Subtitling
The result
How Video Content Drives Public Health and Research Engagement
The final film was exactly what we had hoped for—bold, high-end, and deeply engaging. It successfully moved away from a standard corporate film, instead offering a narrative-driven, people-focused celebration of HTA’s 30-year journey.
Reflecting on the making of this film, we recognise the intensity of the production process, but more than that, we’re proud of the rewarding outcome. The HTA programme has shaped healthcare research in transformative ways, and we were honoured to help tell that story.
Want to create a healthcare research impact film for your charity, NHS body, or public sector organisation? Let’s collaborate to bring your achievements to life! Let’s talk!
