The Blood Count: Mixing Horror Tropes with Life-Saving Missions

The Challenge
Blood donation often carries a heavy, clinical, or even fearful connotation for the general public. Stanford Blood Center needed a way to break through "preshow fatigue" in local movie theaters and address common donation myths. The goal was to create a PSA that felt like a natural part of the cinema experience—engaging, funny, and high-energy—rather than a dry medical plea.

The Creative Strategy
I led the creative development of "The Blood Count," a short theatrical spot that leveraged classic cinema tropes to humanize the brand.

• Concept & Scripting: I leaned into the "Classic Horror" genre, using a Dracula-inspired protagonist to playfully address misconceptions about blood loss and needles.

• Storyboarding & Art Direction: To ensure the spot felt cinematic, I storyboarded the sequences to mirror big-screen aesthetics, focusing on dramatic lighting and comedic timing.

• Creative Direction: I oversaw the transition from initial script to final production, ensuring the humor remained sharp while the core call-to-action stayed clear.

The Result
"The Blood Count" ran as a featured pre-show advertisement across local South Bay theaters, successfully reaching a broad demographic in a relaxed, captive environment.

• Brand Engagement: The use of humor effectively lowered the "barrier to entry" for first-time donors, making the organization feel approachable and modern.

• Platform Versatility: Beyond the theater, the spot became a permanent fixture on SBC’s YouTube channel and social media, serving as a long-term educational asset.

• Public Reception: The PSA was lauded for its creativity, proving that even a serious medical mission can benefit from a creative approach.

Available via YouTube.