1 in 100 Million

Working with creative studio Gravity Road, Framestore’s VFX team, led by Director and ECD William Bartlett, crafted a compelling film to garner support for the Refugee Olympic Team as they prepare for the 2024 Paris Games.

The film, which brings attention to the scale of the global refugee crisis, was brought to life by Framestore's ECD and the film's director, William Bartlett. It depicts the athletes' relentless struggle, showcasing their unwavering determination to break free. Ultimately, they emerge as individuals, ready to compete at the Paris olympics as 1 in 100 Million.

An integral aspect of the film's production was the engagement of contributors affiliated with the refugee community, such as illustrator and author Engy Jarrouj, a refugee from Syria. “Creating illustrations for the Olympic refugee team fills me with joy and pride. As a refugee, I've grappled with issues of identity and belonging,” said Engy Jarrouj. “Seeing a team that reflects my own journey, with its struggles and triumphs, is incredibly validating and empowering.” 

Working closely with Engy, Framestore trained bespoke machine learning models to map the style of her aesthetic expression onto footage produced by Framestore Pictures and news clips from the UNHCR. The resultant sequence portrays the adversities inherent in the refugee journey, coupled with the discipline and physical commitment needed to reach the Olympics.    

“Bringing our expertise to such an important project has been an honour,” said William Bartlett. “The work required a blend of innovation and artistry crafted through cutting-edge AI technology, but at its heart we have delivered an impactful and authentic message with the help of those closest to this crisis.”

The film features an original piece of music titled “ALL IT TAKES,” by recording artists Che Lingo and Framestore’s Manon Dave who served as Music Producer/Composer. "Crafting a musical narrative that echoes the resilience and spirit of the Refugee Olympic Team was profoundly important,” comments Dave. “This song is designed to capture the essence of their incredible journeys—against overwhelming odds—towards the Paris Games. Music has a unique power to convey deeply moving stories that unite people, and it's my hope that this soundtrack not only enhances the visual experience but also resonates with audiences worldwide, inspiring them with the athletes' stories of courage and determination.”