B A T T L E G R O U N D A F G H A N I S T A N
I designed and art directed a promo for National Geographic’s new documentary war series Battleground Afghanistan at Imaginary Forces.
The goal is to use a cinematic treatment for this promo which conveys both the personal and realistic aspects of their livelihoods as they put themselves in harm’s way to complete each dangerous mission. Original pitch photography done by me.
Design pitch round i : :
The most resonant and powerful element of this war is in the human story. One soldier’s preparation becomes an intimate portrait, providing us a window into the tight bond with his company and experience on the battlefield.
This sequence features two distinct vignettes – a soldier gearing up for war is juxtaposed with footage from the Afghan theater. Moments from one scene evoke the other, creating a poetic symmetry between everyday life and the war.
The tone is evocative and emotionally moving. Macro photography of the soldier’s preparation is deeply intimate and revelatory. The footage will be shot at high speed to create beautiful, frozen moments – a dreamlike state that contrasts the stark reality depicted by the show’s footage. Sounds of combat can be heard underneath a soldier’s VO which navigates us through the spectrum of themes from brotherhood to the facing of fear.
Original photography by me.
Design pitch round ii : :
Final video : :