Our approach was to explain the latest neuroscience accurately and in a visually striking fashion. The film Hijack combines accurate 3D modelling showing the dopamine pathways in the brain with real-world imagery from stock to show how brain pathways are shaped by our experiences of the world.

Key to interpreting the science of how addiction physically manifests itself in the brain was a core creative idea which used a physical space to illustrate clear links between the inside world of an individual’s mind with the external reality of the world, both positive and negative.

Alongside this, we spent a lot of time developing a visual style for the interior of the brain. The shapes and colours for this visual representation of brain activity were carefully chosen to give an easy-to-understand overview of the science at play, taking cues from actual brain scans, but simplifying these complex images into something easier to read in a short video form. This is supported by a voiceover that articulates the science and the effects.

Originally shown at the Labour Party Conference in 2023, the film was designed to be appreciated on a large screen as well as a small one and to be eye-catching with or without audio. The film Hijack has been used at events, on webinars and as part of an educational resource targeting support groups.

Gambling With Lives seeks to bring the scourge of today’s dangerous gambling domain under control and we are proud to be helping them make a difference.