The challenge was to tell this story in a way that felt raw and honest, intimate and authentic, without leaning into sensationalism or losing clarity. We approached this through purposeful choices in lighting, contrast, perspective, and texture. The harsh movement of light over tightly framed close-ups of the victim’s body creates a feeling of vulnerability and slows down time, drawing you into the moment. Sharp brush strokes heighten the emotional tension, obscuring and revealing details and playing with positive and negative space. Using a mix of 2D, 3D, and cel animation techniques, we found a way to balance the factual needs of the story with the expressive visuals that capture the intensity and emotion of the experience.

After the story was published, it sparked outrage and led to real action from politicians, victim advocates, and law enforcement. In Georgia, a lawmaker proposed a bill to ban the destruction of rape kits, while New York’s governor ordered state police to investigate a department that had destroyed kits. Washington state’s attorney general vowed to ensure no kits were improperly destroyed across the state. Two police chiefs publicly apologized and quickly changed how their departments investigate sex crimes. In a #MeToo era where many stories focus on the accused, CNN shifted the focus to those responsible for solving reported sex crimes. Through thoughtful creative decisions, “Destroyed” used visual storytelling to create meaningful, real-world change.

Title Design:

Storyboard:

40th News & Documentary Emmy Awards