Case Study | Golden Goose Awards | Cone snail research at University of Utah w/ 522 Productions

In July 2022, I was tasked with capturing some fascinating research happening in Salt Lake City, Utah regarding the use of cone snail venom in medicine. Until the initial phone call about this project… I had no idea that snails were venomous never mind that their venom could be used to make medicine.

We had one day to shoot a couple of interviews along with b-roll in the lab where they do said research with minimal crew. It was a fun challenge since we were in a large room with very tall windows… and of course, it was a wonderfully sunny day. Using a mix of lights & a constantly moving flag we were able to make a pretty solid frame for the interviews. Of course, these interviews wouldn’t have turned out as well without Tom Conzo bringing quality sound to the mix.

The measure of success on this project was ensuring a positive experience for those at the award ceremony during which the researchers were being showcased. Needless to say, everyone was happy with the outcome and the research continues to plug away helping create better medical opportunities in the future!

After we filmed the interviews it was time to move next door & see the snails in action… kind of. We learned a ton about cone snails that day including that some can take down humans. 😳😳 Seeing the lab’s staff in action was impressive & you can tell the 50+ years of research have really allowed them to dig deep and find what works well.

This was a fun project to be behind the camera for. Thanks to 522 Productions for bringing me into the fold here in Utah, and great work on the final edit!