SAMHSA OPIOID AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

OVERVIEW

This public health campaign was built to break a common myth. Opioid addiction doesn’t belong to one type of person. It can affect anyone, across age, income, and background.

 

Working in collaboration with Montana SAMHSA and Montana State University, I produced a video series that follows individuals through addiction and into recovery, alongside a practical education piece focused on prevention and safety.

 

THE CHALLENGE

The stories needed to feel honest and urgent without relying on explicit or sensational footage of addiction. We had to convey desperation, isolation, and risk in a way that was respectful, accurate, and safe for broad public distribution.

 

WHAT WE PRODUCED

 

• Four story-driven videos featuring different demographics

   

  • Working mother

  • Older rancher

  • Young athlete

  • Recovery-focused personal story

• One informational video covering opioid safety and harm reduction topics, including safe disposal of unused medication and how to advocate for yourself in care settings

 

CREATIVE APPROACH

The key was emotional truth without exploitation. We built each story around clear narrative beats, then used controlled visuals, pacing, and music to carry the weight of what couldn’t be shown directly.

 

Instead of literal scenes, the films rely on mood, detail, and structure to communicate the experience. The result is content that feels human and credible, while staying appropriate for education, outreach, and community settings.

 

OUTCOME

This project is closed and metrics are no longer available, but the creative goal was clear. Make the risk feel real across demographics, and make recovery feel possible.