When the National Academies decided to tell a story that highlights this issue, it needed an authentic narrator. The personal & emotional experience of a single individual struggling with OUD in their family would be able to show that this is just the tip of the iceberg. While this story is narrated by one anonymous voice, it reflects the power of many.
The National Academies
Medications for OUD Save Lives
Repeated use of opioids changes the brain and can cause opioid use disorder (OUD). While medications for OUD are indeed effective and do save lives – there’s a problem. Stigma, misunderstanding, regulatory restrictions, and financing challenges can prevent the people who need them most from accessing them. This video tells the story of one family dealing with this challenge.
Narration Development
Visual Style
An illustrative approach was inspired by the colors of the published report from the National Academies. This look & animation style both mirrored the despair & loneliness of a family affected by OUD, and conveyed that there is indeed hope for recovery on the horizon.
Credits
Creative Development Duke & Duck
Creative Director Alex Herder
Producer Tarisa Shelton
Art Director Katie Trayte
Animators Victor Verdugo, Dave Ellington
Sound Design Chris Mastellone
