Summary
‘Articulate’ is an animated short film that brings to life the collective narrative of members from ‘Our Hearings Our Voice’, with the main character, Alex, embodying their diverse characteristics, circumstances, and experiences. This poignant film delves into the profound effects that confusing, poorly considered, and negative language choices by adults have on the experiences, emotions, and actions of young people within Scotland’s Children’s Hearings System.
In partnership with Children's Hearings Scotland and the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration, the group created a report proposing actionable changes all around language, and discussing how simple reframes and consistency could create huge impact in the setting..
To sit alongside this report, they wanted to co-create an animation that would breathe life into the report, creating a shared narrative, giving context to the setting and illustrating the impact of language for young people, care givers and professionals.
3 sessions
Session 1
Participants review report findings, reflecting on personal experiences before shaping a collective narrative.
Session 2
Participants receive script options derived from their session 1 discussions and ideas. They refine the script for authenticity.
Session 3
Participants are given the opportunity to perform and record voiceovers for their film.
Session 1
Drawing from SCRA’s 'Language that Cares' guide and Children's Hearings Scotland's 'Language in the Hearing Room' report, we partnered with Our Hearings Our Voice to explore the key themes in greater depth. The group contributed personal experiences and insights to help improve existing systems, culminating in the creation of a collective narrative that peers in similar situations can relate to.
Session 2
Using audio recordings from session one, we collaborated with screenwriter Lisa Keddie to organise the groups' ideas into a concise, well-structured script, always mindful of language and speech patterns. The script was shared for group input. Initial visuals of key characters were introduced from motion designer Craig Barbour, sparking more in-depth conversations on setting and design for the animation to help develop storyboards.
Session 3
Driven by a keen interest in sound recording and voice acting, our group collaborated with Up Next Studios, a recording studio working with clients like the BBC, Channel 4, and STV. We aimed to provide participants with professional recording experience, direct learning from experts, and a high-quality film production. Participants infused creativity and personality into their voiceovers, bringing the film to life.
Beyond this third session, the group also finalised their storyboards and continued to liaise with the motion designer to develop the animation before sign-off.
The film launch
Première
The group organised a celebration event to showcase their remarkable work within the report and their animation, inviting changemakers and policymakers from across Scotland. They presented their efforts with passion and determination, aiming to drive positive change for a better future for young people in Scotland.
A project in collaboration with...
A Braw Talent CIC production in collaboration with Children's Hearings Scotland and SCRA
Script development and voiceover recordings by Our Hearning, Our Voice
Project lead Lydia Everitt Project lead Darren Osborne Motion designer Craig Barbour Screenwriter Lisa Keddie Dubbing Mixer Emily Wright Captioner Emily Benita Recording studio Up Next Studios
For more information about why language in hearings matters visit SCRA and Children's Hearings Scotland