Inside Clans is a two-part investigative documentary exploring the hidden alliances, power structures, and escalating violence of criminal clans in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

The challenge was to create a visual language capable of connecting interviews, archival footage, observational material, historical context, and personal stories into a coherent narrative. The resulting broadcast design package includes the opener, typography, lower thirds, infographics, animated maps, and illustrated story sequences, forming a consistent visual system across both episodes.

Illustrated sequences were developed to visualize deeply personal accounts that could not be shown through archival footage or reenactments, while animated maps communicate complex historical and geopolitical relationships in a clear and accessible way. Together, these elements strengthen the documentary’s clarity, atmosphere, and storytelling without competing with its journalistic content.

Client: ZDFinfo
Production: megaherz, just5media

Producer: Jonas Gernstl
  Director: Thomas Schwendemann
Art Director: Markus Feder

Animated Story Sequences
  Illustration: Paul Grabowski
Animation: Tim Hilbrand

Original broadcast by ZDFinfo under the title Blutsbande – Clans in NRW.