Different projects. Different worlds.
Same goal – helping people tell stories that matter.
The first few months of 2026 have been properly busy here at Crispy Dog.
We’ve gone from creating AI-generated deepfake scenarios for government-led innovation challenges to filming inspiring entrepreneurs, documenting healthcare conferences and spending a fair bit of time surrounded by conversations about trust, communication and emerging technology.
That’s one of the things I love most about this work. One week you’re filming in a conference hall talking about misinformation and synthetic media, the next you’re hearing deeply personal patient stories or capturing the energy of a room full of small business founders. Different worlds, but all connected by people trying to communicate something meaningful.
Here’s a look at a few projects that kept our tails wagging during the first quarter of the year.
ACE & Home Office – Deepfake Detection Challenge
One of the biggest learning curves of the year so far came through our work with ACE and the Home Office on the Deepfake Detection Challenge.
The challenge brought together government, academia and industry to explore how we detect and respond to deepfakes — a topic that’s moving incredibly quickly and becoming more relevant by the day.
For us, the project involved creating a five-minute opening presentation film using AI in an incredibly tight three-week turnaround, alongside five separate one-minute AI-generated scenario films designed to test participants in realistic situations.
It pushed us well outside our usual kennel in terms of workflow, experimentation and learning. AI tools are evolving at a ridiculous pace and working hands-on with them really highlighted both the creative potential and the genuine concerns surrounding misinformation and trust. Fascinating and slightly unsettling in equal measure.
Alongside the production work, we also filmed and photographed the event itself, created overview content and had the chance to demo some of the work to MP Jess Phillips. Jake and Harry even found themselves being interviewed by Channel 5 along the way.
A brilliant project to be part of and one that sparked a lot of important conversations.
Security & Policing 2026 – Farnborough
Following on from the Deepfake Detection Challenge, we joined the Home Office Innovation Zone at Security & Policing in Farnborough.
It was one of those events where every conversation seemed to lead somewhere interesting. We met people from all over the world — including members of the Kenyan Police — and spent several days talking about the realities of AI-generated misinformation and the challenges surrounding detection and public trust.
There’s something quite surreal about demonstrating deepfake technology to rooms full of security professionals while also remembering just how accessible this technology is becoming to everyday users. The event had a real sense of curiosity and collaboration around it, but also a recognition that these issues aren’t theoretical anymore. They’re already here.
For us, it was another reminder of how visual communication sits right at the centre of these conversations now — for better and for worse.
Enterprise Enfield – Celebrating 40 Years
Away from AI and security conversations, we also had the chance to work with Enterprise Enfield as they celebrated 40 years of supporting businesses and entrepreneurs. This project had a very different feel and that contrast was refreshing.
In February we filmed and produced two case study films featuring Empire Performance Studios and The Nail Group, showcasing the journeys behind the businesses and the people driving them forward. Then in March we returned to film the anniversary event itself at the Dugdale Arts Centre.
The celebration focused heavily on inspiring women in business and there was a brilliant atmosphere throughout the day — lots of energy, honest conversations and a real sense of community.
These are the kinds of projects we always enjoy because they’re rooted in real people and real stories. No overcomplicated messaging needed — just giving people the space to talk about what they’ve built and why it matters.
Melanoma Focus – 10th Anniversary Patient Conference
“Sometimes storytelling is simply about helping people feel seen.”
Another important project this quarter was working with Melanoma Focus at their 10th Anniversary Patient Conference. Over two days we photographed the gala dinner, talks, presentations and the many conversations happening throughout the event.
What stood out most was the balance between expertise and humanity. Alongside clinicians and researchers sharing knowledge, there were also powerful personal stories from patients and carers. Those quieter moments between sessions often say just as much as the presentations themselves.
Conferences like this are a reminder that visual storytelling isn’t always about creating noise. Sometimes it’s simply about documenting moments carefully and honestly so people feel seen, represented and connected.
Home Office Science Directorate (SIT)
We also revisited a project we originally worked on last year with the Home Office Science Directorate, refreshing video content highlighting emerging security technologies and innovation.
“The best projects usually start with curiosity.”
These projects always sit in an interesting space creatively because they involve translating highly technical subjects into something visually engaging and understandable without losing the seriousness of the topic.
That challenge — making complex ideas feel human and accessible — is something we genuinely enjoy as a team. And thankfully, it usually involves fewer exploding graphics and sci-fi clichés than you might expect.
Looking Ahead
If there’s been a common thread running through these projects, it’s probably trust, communication and human connection — whether through AI, healthcare, entrepreneurship or public sector innovation.
Huge thanks to all the organisations and people who invited us into their worlds during the first part of the year.
Anyway… we’re heading into Q2 with slightly fuller hard drives and slightly emptier coffee supplies.
