Visualizing science
My name is Rick Groleau.
My oldest friends call me Une and Unie.
I create animations, produce videos, and write copy that helps to convey esoteric science concepts to a lay audience.
I also produce and direct low-budget dramatic narratives and documentaries.
More about Une…
35 years of science-explaining experience
animation
Over the past decade I’ve developed my own process for creating animations and my own animation style.
My goal is to keep base illustrations as simple as possible and to focus solely on concepts.
Here’s a sampling of my animations, which I created for my last employer.
My process for creating animations
I typically work directly with scientists and university communications professionals.
Here’s how the process sometimes goes…
- I read a soon-to-be-published journal article to help get a sense of the research.
- I meet with the communications specialist and the authors of the paper to discuss ideas and to nail down the goal of the animation and what it will illustrate.
- I create a storyboard. This document includes a script for narration, if requested.
- After several rounds of edits with the stakeholders, we have an approved script/storyboard.
- I create the animation based on the script and pass the animation on for review.
- I make final changes and deliver the animation.
research-driven storytelling
video PRODUCTION
When it comes to video production, I can be a one man band.
In addition to creating animations (if needed), I have been responsible for location scouting, scheduling, interview preparation, lighting, audio capture, camera work, directing, and editing.
With my past projects I’ve had the opportunity to interact with many MDs, PhDs, MD-PhDs, postdocs, grad students, senior faculty, junior faculty, patients, and deans and directors. It’s been so much fun!
In all, I’ve directed over 200 interviews.
Screen grabs from a few of the interviews I captured…
personal projects
Picked wiss
Film productions
In 2007 I produced a surf film that became an official selection at the Maine Outdoor Film Festival. Since then, I’ve directed and produced five more films, ranging from feature-length documentaries to short dramatic narratives.
These films have screened at over 40 film festivals and have been broadcast on Maine and Vermont public television.
These personal projects were created under the company name Picked Wiss. I’ve since retired that company and now focus my time on Unietoons.
trailers
and links to full films
Making Cape Point
Documentary
Trailer: 2:46
Film runtime: 28:56
TYPE CAST
Film/Drama
Trailer: 0:47
Film runtime: 7:26
The Town that Moved a Mountain
Documentary
Trailer: 2:35
Film runtime: 53:35