Borkiewicz, K., Jensen, E. A., Levy, S., Naiman, J. & Carpenter, J. (2022). Introducing cinematic scientific visualization: A new frontier in science communication. LSE Impact Blog.
With rapid advances in science, data processing, and computer graphics technologies, the line between representations of “real science” and “Hollywood science” is blurring. The film “Interstellar” made the news for contributing to scientific understanding of astrophysics, but the blurring goes both ways: science is making visual effects more believable, while visual effects are making science more widely accessible.
A cinematic presentation of scientific data, or ‘cinematic scientific visualization’, can capture public attention and interest in complex science topics in this current age of rapidly growing media consumption. By placing emphasis on aesthetic design, storytelling, and cinematography, these visualizations reach millions of viewers worldwide through entertainment and informal learning experiences ranging from museums and documentary films to YouTube and Reddit.
This form of scientific visualization is driven by distinctive goals, processes, and outcomes, making it a new and important frontier in science communication.
