Netflix’s latest miniseries, Adolescence, has captivated audiences and critics alike, not only for its gripping narrative but also for its ground-breaking production technique: each of its four episodes is filmed in a single, continuous take. This ambitious approach immerses viewers deeply into the story, fostering a profound connection with the characters and the unfolding drama. The lessons from this production style offer key insights that can be applied to corporate filmmaking, particularly in crafting authentic and immersive brand narratives.
The Art and Challenge of Single-Take Filming
Martin McKeen, Head of Creative, Film & Animation at DRPG, is a strong advocate for this technique. “I’m a big fan – loved it in 1917,” he says. “One of the most striking aspects of the single-take approach is the level of immersion it creates. When you don’t cut, you don’t give the audience a chance to catch their breath, evaluate what’s happened, and think about what might happen next – which we would do naturally. That really draws you in – you’re almost like a character moving through the experience in real time.”
Achieving a one-take episode demands meticulous planning, seamless coordination, and unwavering commitment from the entire production team. Director Philip Barantini, renowned for his work on Boiling Point, embraced this technique to bring an unparalleled sense of immediacy and realism to Adolescence. The process involved extensive rehearsals, with one week dedicated to the cast and another to the technical crew. This preparation ensured that every movement, line, and technical cue was executed flawlessly, mirroring the precision of live theatre.
One of the most talked-about sequences occurs at the end of the second episode, where the camera transitions from a ground shot to an aerial view, travelling from a school to a crime scene. This was achieved by attaching the camera to a drone, which flew approximately 0.3 miles before being seamlessly caught by a team of grips, transitioning into a close-up shot of Stephen Graham. This complex manoeuvre required two weeks of meticulous rehearsals, underscoring the dedication and innovation of the production team.
“The second thing to call out,” Martin continues, “is how much effort, craft and skill it takes to do that. Obviously, loads. Now, the only question I think businesspeople need to consider is whether the level of impact is worth the level of investment.”
Lessons for Corporate Film and Brand Messaging
While corporate films may not require such extreme technical feats, there are several principles from Adolescence that can inspire filmmakers creating content for brands:
Immersive Storytelling – The single-take format places the audience inside the story, making them feel like participants rather than passive viewers. Brands can use this technique to enhance authenticity and create deeper emotional engagement. Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes factory tour or a live product demonstration, an unbroken take fosters transparency and trust.
Seamless Brand Narratives – Just as Adolescence moves fluidly through locations and conversations, corporate filmmakers can craft seamless narratives that feel natural rather than staged. A continuous journey through a workplace, an event, or a brand’s history can make for compelling storytelling.
Precision and Planning – One-take productions demand rigorous preparation, ensuring every element is perfectly in place. This applies directly to corporate film, where careful choreography of messaging, visuals, and pacing is crucial. The more precise the execution, the more powerful the impact.
The Role of AI in Enhancing Storytelling – Adolescence thrives on real-time performances, allowing emotions to play out naturally. “You mention Human Connection, Precision, and Planning,” Martin says. “These are all absolutely vital. But I think that AI can enhance all of these, and we need to be careful not to draw the conclusion that ‘the human touch’ means ‘no AI’ – because I don’t think that’s the case. We have various projects happening at the moment where the client will get a much more powerful impact because we are using AI.”
A New Benchmark for Authentic Storytelling
Martin is clear on the bigger picture: “I always talk about storytelling – but that’s only because we know that telling stories is persuasive – and we’re in the business of influencing audiences. What I actually care about much more than telling stories is whether our films persuade people to think, feel and do the things that enable our clients to meet their business objectives. What we need to do to achieve that depends on what those objectives are, who the audience is, and what channels we’re reaching out to them on.”
For EVCOM members, Adolescence serves as a masterclass in immersive storytelling, demonstrating how meticulous planning, seamless execution, and the right use of technology can transform a story. Whether in drama or corporate filmmaking, adopting elements of this approach can help brand films forge stronger connections, inspire trust, and create lasting impact in an increasingly competitive media landscape.