Veeam Software — WA:KE:UP - A Human‑Centered Cybersecurity Podcast Series

Documentary‑Style Production Capturing the Emotional Reality of Cyber Incidents

Watts Media partnered with Alan Agency and Veeam Software, the global leader in data protection and cyber‑resilience solutions, to produce a five‑part audio and video podcast series featuring raw, reflective conversations with Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). These leaders share firsthand accounts of major cybersecurity incidents — not from a technical perspective, but from the deeply human one: stress, responsibility, aftermath, and recovery.

Veeam, known worldwide for its mission to help organizations achieve radical data resilience and recover quickly from disruptions, saw an opportunity to elevate the conversation around cybersecurity by focusing on the people behind the response. With more than 6,000 employees globally and a reputation as the #1 leader in data resilience, Veeam understands that cyber incidents impact far more than systems - they impact lives.

The Creative Challenge

Capture the emotional aftermath of cybersecurity incidents - not the technical details

CISOs rarely speak publicly about the personal toll of cyberattacks. The challenge was to create an environment where they could open up honestly about:

  • The moment everything changed

  • The pressure of protecting global organizations

  • The weight of decision‑making under extreme stress

  • The long‑term emotional impact of cyber crises

The series needed to feel intimate, cinematic, and urgent - a stark contrast to typical cybersecurity content.

Our Creative Approach

A late‑night office as a metaphor for the “wake‑up call”

The series is anchored by the WA:KE:UP clock, a visual motif symbolizing the moment CISOs realize their world has shifted. To reinforce this theme, Watts designed a set inspired by modern office environments after hours — quiet, reflective, and charged with tension.

Key creative elements included:

Shifting Light States

Lighting subtly evolves throughout each episode to mirror the emotional progression — from shock to clarity to resolve.

Time Progression & Countdowns

Visual cues reinforce the urgency CISOs face during real incidents, where minutes matter and decisions carry enormous consequences.

Human‑Centered Framing

Close‑up compositions, controlled camera movement, and atmospheric sound design keep the focus on the person, not the technology.

This approach aligns with Veeam’s broader mission to help organizations “bounce forward” after disruption, not just recover from it.

Production Execution

Watts handled full end‑to‑end production for all five episodes, filmed over two days. Our responsibilities included:

Pre‑Production

  • Location scouting & sourcing

  • Set design and custom fabrication

  • Creative development aligned with Veeam’s brand and message

  • Full crew sourcing, including:

    • Director of Photography

    • Multi‑camera operators

    • Gaffers, grips, and audio specialists

  • Equipment sourcing:

    • Cinema cameras & lenses

    • Lighting packages

    • Multi‑track audio capture

    • Monitoring & control systems

On‑Set Production

  • Multi‑camera interview setups

  • Controlled lighting transitions

  • High‑fidelity audio capture

  • Real‑time direction to maintain emotional authenticity

Post‑Production

Crafting a Cinematic, Human‑Centered Cybersecurity Narrative

Once filming wrapped, Watts moved into a tightly coordinated post‑production process designed to preserve the emotional honesty of each CISO’s story while elevating the series with a premium, cinematic finish.

Editorial Approach

Our editors shaped each episode around the natural cadence of the conversations, allowing pauses, hesitations, and moments of reflection to remain intact. This documentary‑style pacing reinforced the vulnerability and gravity of the experiences being shared.

Color & Atmosphere

A controlled color grade unified the late‑night office aesthetic across all five episodes. Cool tones, subtle contrast, and intentional shadows amplified the sense of urgency and introspection that defines the WA:KE:UP motif.

Sound Design & Audio Mastering

Because the series centers on human experience, audio clarity was essential. We layered:

  • Cleaned and mastered dialogue

  • Atmospheric room tone

  • Subtle tension‑building sound cues

  • A restrained musical bed that supports emotion without overpowering it

The result is a soundscape that feels intimate and immersive.

Motion Graphics & WA:KE:UP Identity

Minimalist motion graphics were integrated to reinforce the countdown and time‑pressure themes. The WAKE:UP clock appears as a recurring visual anchor, tying each episode back to the central metaphor of the series.

Multi‑Format Delivery

To support Veeam’s global marketing and thought‑leadership strategy, we delivered:

  • Full‑length podcast episodes (audio + video)

  • Social‑ready cutdowns

  • Teaser clips for LinkedIn and YouTube

  • Clean audio masters for distribution on podcast platforms

Each asset was optimized for discoverability and engagement, ensuring the series could reach cybersecurity leaders, IT teams, and broader business audiences.

The Outcome

The WA:KE:UP series became a powerful storytelling platform for Veeam, reinforcing their leadership in cyber resilience and their commitment to supporting the people who protect the world’s data. As Veeam continues to expand its global footprint and thought leadership in data protection , this series adds a deeply human dimension to their brand.

The project delivered:

  • A cinematic, emotionally resonant podcast series

  • Authentic CISO perspectives rarely shared publicly

  • A visual identity built around urgency, reflection, and resilience

  • A storytelling asset that differentiates Veeam in a crowded cybersecurity landscape