NI / Washington Post Brand Studio
Engineering Hope
Derek partnered with Malka Media and Washington Post Brand Studio (now Creative Group) to create this branded content campaign. This campaign was rolled out over a month-long period, with each video in the series garnering more engagement than the last. Derek chose to highlight the relationship NI has with the German-based producer of ventricular assist devices, Berlin Heart, and the heart-warming story behind some key employees of both companies.
"The Calling of an Engineer"
The story of one committed engineer, David Yi, and one of the incredible projects he’s helped to shepherd—a pediatric medical device produced by Berlin Heart that has saved the lives of thousands of children with heart failure.
"The Path to Innovation"
An inside look at the complex and careful engineering behind the development of a life-saving medical tool. This episode follows the story of the engineers of this tool, Oliver Peters and Matti Elsner, and one young patient who is alive today thanks to their efforts.
"Hope for the Next Generation"
The finale of this series again focuses on David Yi, how he managed his daughter’s devastating medical crisis, and how an innovative product that he helped engineer turned out to be essential to the young girl’s recovery.
A Journalistic Approach
Despite the Washington Post's Brand Studio status as an independent division with different responsibilities, requirements, and objectives than its journalistic staff, Derek approached this project as he were creating an original documentary series. Not only was it a valuable approach creatively in its inherent authenticity, and important in capturing organic on-camera emotions with each of the interview subjects, but it also evoked the storytelling integrity synonymous with the history of the Washington Post as an American institution.