Whom You Know: PBS Digital Studios Announces the Premiere of MUTANT MENU, an Immersive Look into Genetic Engineering

Monday, May 8, 2017

PBS Digital Studios Announces the Premiere of MUTANT MENU, an Immersive Look into Genetic Engineering

Vanessa Hill and Dr Lisa Edelmann at Mount Sinai Genetic Testing Laboratory. Credit: Marcus O'Brien.

– The First Long-Form Video Content Produced by the Studio Explores New DNA Technology and the Ethical Questions it Raises –

PBS announced the premiere date of a new short film, MUTANT MENU, which looks at new gene editing technology and explores the scientific, social and ethical implications of such biological advancements. PBS Digital Studios’ first long-form video, MUTANT MENU was created by Vanessa Hill of the popular PBS Digital Studios series “BrainCraft,” and will premiere on May 10 on the “BrainCraft” YouTube channel.

A trailer for the film can be viewed here.

MUTANT MENU immerses the viewer on a global journey to learn more about new technological feats in genetic engineering. While investigating what CRISPR, a revolutionary genome editing tool, can do for humanity, the film also examines the benefits, risks, and ethical questions associated with the latest genetic initiatives taking place around the world.

The 37-minute film talks to a variety of scientists and ethicists to discuss recent breakthroughs in genetic engineering technology and what can be expected in the near future. Hill also travels the globe to speak with those already utilizing the technology, from genetic lab technicians at Mount Sinai Hospital, to a Silicon Valley-based biohacker known for his crowdfunded campaign to provide CRISPR kits to the general public, to a man in Sweden who creates genetically modified greens in his home. Voicing their opinions on the ethical questions raised by these innovations are a variety of science and YouTube personalities, including Mike Rugnetta of “PBS Idea Channel”, Kelsey Houston-Edwards of “Infinite Series”, and science journalist Bahar Gholipour.

“Genetic engineering and CRISPR have the potential to save lives and cure disease, but it also comes with risk,” said Hill. “My goal with MUTANT MENU was to explore all sides of the issue and let viewers come to their own conclusions about this technology.”

“We’re excited to begin exploring longer-form storytelling opportunities at PBS Digital Studios, starting with MUTANT MENU,” said Brandon Arolfo, Senior Director of Content Development at PBS Digital Studios. “Genetic engineering is one of the fastest growing areas of science, and we felt that a short film format was the most effective way for Vanessa to truly delve into its many facets.”

MUTANT MENU was funded through Skip Ahead, a joint venture between Screen Australia and Google to support YouTube creators to make more ambitious content. The program was funded in part by PBS Digital Studios where the “BrainCraft” YouTube channel resides. The film was directed and written by Vanessa Hill, and Margie Bryant from Serendipity Productions served as Executive Producer.

“Vanessa has more than risen to the challenge of telling an ambitious and compelling story across a significantly longer format than her YouTube videos, which demonstrates the breadth of her capabilities,” said Mike Cowap, Investment Manager - Multiplatform at Screen Australia. “We anticipate that the MUTANT MENU series with PBS will introduce Vanessa to brand new audiences and grow her “Braincraft” channel, as well as open new doors for her promising future career.”

"We're inspired by the creativity, curiosity and craft demonstrated by our 2017 Skip Ahead winners,” said Kristen Bowen, Head of Top Creators — APAC, YouTube Australia. “Longer format projects such as MUTANT MENU by Vanessa Hill have enabled creators to expand their skillsets and hone their storytelling techniques, further cementing their status as professional filmmakers."

About PBS Digital Studios

The PBS Digital Studios network on YouTube includes more than 12 ongoing original series, including more than a dozen from PBS member stations across the country, designed to engage, enlighten and entertain online audiences. The PBS Digital Studios network has more than 11.5 million subscribers and has generated more than one billion views. Series include the multiple Webby Award-winning PBS Idea Channel and Crash Course, as well as popular series such as BrainCraft, It’s Okay To Be Smart, PBS Space Time and more.

About PBS

PBS, with nearly 350 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and digital content. Each month, PBS reaches nearly 100 million people through television and nearly 28 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. Decades of research confirms that PBS’ premier children’s media service, PBS KIDS, helps children build critical literacy, math and social-emotional skills, enabling them to find success in school and life. Delivered through member stations, PBS KIDS offers high-quality educational content on TV – including a new 24/7 channel, online at pbskids.org, via an array of mobile apps and in communities across America. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile and connected devices.

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