Recent years have seen a lot of progress in DNA analyses. Almost every day new information is discovered. People find out who their real family are, why they might not like coriander, have a fear of heights or  carry certain genetic disorders. Families might be reunited after decades and cold cases finally solved. And all this thanks to DNA.

The 6 episodes series is a search for the possibilities of DNA on both a human and scientific level. A combination of emotion and wonder. A parallel montage of broad human interest, scientific experiments and extraordinary cases.

DNA is the binding factor: linked by 2 hosts, each expert in their own field. One has a popular science background, the other guarantees great human interest. They go out (sometimes together, sometimes separately) in search of stories, testimonials and breakthroughs. Each episode will also feature a celebrity who will have their genetic sequence mapped. Each part threaded together by our hosts in an off the cuff discussion. The original ‘youtube/podcast – setting’ is interspersed with fresh animations.

THE FORMAT BEATS

There are 3 key returning elements in each episode:
1 Overarching scientific theme is investigated. (cloning, disease, crime,…)
1 Celebrity has his/her DNA mapped. Experiments are devised the predictions based on their sequence matches the reality.
1 Guinea Pig Team of 10 ordinary people also through the same experiments as our celebrity

THE HUB

The whole is sewn together by the 2 hosts in a unique setting. They are in a podcast setting as is often used online. In this way we also try to appeal to a younger audience. This part ensures that the sometimes heavier science can be told in an approachable way. These parts are perfect for social media use, they are short, fun and informative. We start from an oft asked question or statement ‘Can we bring back the Mammoth?’. The “science host” explains to the other host the science and developments in that field. The second is rather ‘the voice of curiosity’.

THE SCIENCE

The science, the facts, the stories. What do we know, what can we do and what could we do in the future? We break down the science in a location that befits the theme. We might travel to meet a cloned dog and it’s owner or a unique facility in Iceland at Decode Genetics.

THE CELEBRITY

Every week we give Celebrity his/her DNA sequence. We visualize this in the form of a DNA mirror on which his/her unique code is printed. The sequence will give us predictions about that celebrity and these will be tested in real life through a set of fun, simple and very visual experiments.
– Can you swim faster if you break down caffeine more quickly?
– Can we predict car sickness?
– Is your sense of direction really as bad as your genes predict?

THE GUINEA PIGS

10 ordinary people have given us access to their own genetic sequence. They have been tested for various properties that can also be read out genetically, often properties that are also linked to the tests of the celebrity, often they undergo the experiment but, unlike the celebrity, they are not aware of what is being tested. They are the ‘control group’.

The Great DNA experiment is a fun light hearted look at a rapidly developing science that can reveal much about us and how we experience life.