Working with Essex County Council we were given an opportunity to connect with domestic abuse survivors and co-create this animation, to start a conversation, build relationships and connect people in more meaningful ways. 

Essex County Council required the piece to work as a social media campaign – bringing more people with lived experiences of domestic violence into key decision-making, to help shape the services and help available across the county.

The animation needed to be adaptable to audiences with different experiences and confidence levels. We developed a simple 5 step script that allows us to chapterise the video and create shorter versions for social media.

Throughout our work on the piece, we were aware that for survivors to reflect on previous personal experiences before contributing to the Council can be a complex and emotional journey. With this in mind, the actions that are encouraged progress gently:

1. Sign up to mailing list

2. Join an anonymous video call

3. Request a call back

4. Attend a workshop

5. Give a speech 

The key with the tone of voice was to always sound human, supportive and professional. This comes through in every creative choice – from voiceover to music and from colour palette to motion design.

“WE ARE REALLY HAPPY WITH THIS PIECE FROM REUBEN & CO. EVERYBODY LOVES THE CALMING, FRIENDLY VOICEOVER AND THE ILLUSTRATIONS AND SOUND EFFECTS COME TOGETHER BRILLIANTLY.”
– SORAYAH anderson, lead commissioner officer, essex county COUNCIL

Client: Essex County Council
Commissioner: Sorayah Anderson
Director: Reuben Armstrong
Copywriter: Jamie Neale
Voiceover: Foluke Anglin
Illustrator: Hannah Jacobs
Animators: Reuben Armstrong & Dimitris Papadimitriou
Sound Design: Jamie Frye
Music: Kindness Courage by Kolby Knickerbocker