The Two Lives of Sara, Roche’s brand film on Multiple Sclerosis, tells the story of Sara’s life in two parallel realities – one where she gets a new treatment for MS, and another where she doesn’t.

The DOP did not only create stunning visual poetry, but designed the light setups in a smart way they enabled us to execute all the boarded 44 shots (that become 88 shots when shot split-screen) in two long shooting days.

The matching camera moves, matching compositions and matching actions of the performers added a layer of difficulty to the mix. The organic yet highly cinematic style of the camera movements and compositions was dictated by the emotionally charged story, not the technology used.

In addition to linear split-screen versions (cinema, online), the film has also an interactive version, where the viewer has the opportunity to switch between the two parallel narratives. Please watch the demo film included. This added yet another set of challenges as all the compositions needed to work for very different cinematic formats without losing artistically anything.

Despite all the variables mentioned above, the outcome feels effortless.

Advertising any prescription drugs is not allowed in Finland.

Target audience was those who have MS disease and people close to them. National Current Care Guidelines dictate what kind of treatment is offered to a patient. There are different kinds of treatments for this disease, and you have a possibility to affect the treatment you get.