Animation/Video Production

In our increasingly multimedia-oriented culture, video has become a critical component for engaging the public with science and education. The advent of such technologies as podcasting, YouTube, and social media have created a demand for storytelling that extends beyond the printed page.

The production team at IPAC has been producing high quality audio and video projects for over a decade, and has historically been quick to adopt new technologies. The IPAC team was responsible for some of NASA’s first audio and video podcasts, and has an established track record of working with some of Hollywood’s most notable stars for short-feature educational videos. Production styles span everything from traditional documentary formats to creative edutainment styles. Expertise includes:

Script Development
Video Filming
Music Composition
Video Editing
Multimedia Production
Podcast Development
Computer Graphics

Hidden Universe

Leveraging images, animations and graphics developed for press releases, Hidden Universe is a short documentary style video podcast series. The host, IPAC's Visualization Scientist Dr. Robert Hurt narrates and hosts the series. Topics have included: "The One Ring of Saturn", "Trilogy of Terror", "The Art of Exoplanets" as well as image explorer videos like "The Dragon and the Swan", "Cygnus X Marks the Spot" and more.

IRrelevant Astronomy

Using a mix of animation, voice, live action and celebrities from film, television and online gaming, IRrelevant Astronomy provides a light look at the infrared side of the universe. Guest actors have included Cameron Diaz, Sean Astin & Felicia Day, Sean Astin & Betty White, Mark Hamill & George Takei, Alan Tudyk & Wil Wheaton, Linda Hamilton, Dean Stockwell & Ed Wasser, Robert Picardo & Danny Pudi and more.

Science Animations

To support press releases, web features and other communications, ICE develops animations and videos relevant to observatories and projects, including animations of images and science results, artist conceptions, and background videos. These can be used as standalone products, for sharing in social media, and as B-roll for broadcast media.

Ask an Astronomer

This was one of the first video podcast series produced by IPAC. The videos featured IPAC astronomers and were designed to provide answers to astronomy-related "frequently asked questions." The production was purposely kept low-key to make the episodes easy to produce, and also to show scientists in a natural setting.

Astrophysics Variety Hour

How do astronomers find planets beyond our solar system...without even seeing them? Join host Felicia Day on a lighthearted channel-surfing romp that explores where planets and people came from, and how we are finding worlds orbiting distant stars in our Milky Way galaxy. Starring Felicia Day. Featuring Whitney Avalon, Andre Boyer, Lauren Lopez, Burl Moseley, Alyssa Preston, Joey Richter, Clayton Snyder, and Wil Wheaton. With an original song performed by Rachel Bloom.