Launching the Ascension eDNA Sampler
Ocean Diagnostics
The Challenge
Ocean Diagnostics, a Canadian ocean-tech company, was preparing to launch Ascension, its new eDNA Depth Sampler. The product was designed to transform marine research by collecting environmental DNA at precise depths, making it easier for scientists to study biodiversity and monitor ocean health.
The challenge was to create a suite of branded content videos and photography that clearly explained Ascension’s purpose while showing it in action in the lab, in the field, and under water. The content needed to be both technical and cinematic, appealing to researchers while also strengthening Ocean Diagnostics’ position as an innovative leader in ocean technology.
The Solution
Alpenglow Media, a Canadian production studio specializing in storytelling for purpose-driven brands, designed a two-day production to capture Ascension from every angle.
Day One:
In the lab at Ocean Diagnostics’ office, we interviewed CEO Ethan Edson about Ascension’s impact and filmed branded storytelling segments. We also staged product photography using a professional backdrop and lighting setup, creating a suite of high-quality stills for marketing, technical documentation, and digital campaigns.
Day Two:
On the water to show Ascension in real-world conditions, we filmed aboard a research vessel. We partnered with a commercial dive team to capture underwater video production and photography, showcasing the product in action below the surface. Additional drone photography and video brought cinematic scale to the story, framing Ascension within the broader context of ocean research and fieldwork.
Deliverables
1x Brand Story / Product Film centered on Ascension
Interview content with CEO Ethan Edson
Product photography package for digital and print
Underwater and drone visuals for multi-channel use
Short-form edits for social media and campaign deployment
Our Process
1. Discovery & Planning
We worked with Ocean Diagnostics to define the primary goals: position Ascension in the market, communicate its scientific value clearly, and create a flexible library of visuals to support awareness and sales.
From there, we shaped a narrative that balanced technical credibility with real-world application, planning interviews, lab-based product shots, and field sequences to ensure a cohesive set of assets across video and photography.
2. Production
Filming combined corporate and field production, staged interviews and product photography in the lab, paired with cinematic on-water and underwater storytelling in the field. By integrating drone, dive, and product shots, we created a comprehensive visual package.
3. Post-Production
Editing, sound design, and color grading brought together the lab-based interviews and field footage into a unified brand film. Shorter cutdowns were tailored for digital marketing and social, while still photography assets were formatted for web, print, and promotional campaigns.
The Outcomes
The campaign provided Ocean Diagnostics with a flexible content library that highlighted Ascension’s innovation and positioned the company as a leader in Canadian ocean technology.
The brand story video became a key marketing tool for Ascension’s launch, helping to generate awareness and educate the market. The product photography package supplied high-quality stills for sales decks, scientific communications, and website content. Underwater and drone footage elevated the storytelling, differentiating Ascension as a product designed and tested in real-world conditions.
The suite of deliverables gave Ocean Diagnostics reusable content for multiple campaigns, supporting their goal to increase product sales while strengthening the company’s overall brand visibility.
