Storytelling through animation

Let's Talk

Summary

Braw Talent partnered with Albatross Arts CIC to deliver a unique series of storytelling and stop-motion animation workshops inspired by the awe-inspiring journey of The Valkyries on HMS Oardacious, a team of women from the Royal Navy who rowed across the Atlantic Ocean.

Working with two groups of young people from both forces and civilian families, the project aimed to explore themes of resilience, belonging, and shared understanding, using creativity as a way to connect experiences and bridge communities. Through the process, participants developed characters and scripts, learned stop-motion animation techniques, and produced two original short films that celebrate strength, adaptability, and empathy.

Our Approach

Story Development & Scriptwriting – Working with screenwriter Lisa Keddie to shape authentic narratives inspired by participants’ experiences and the journey of HMS Oardacious.

Visual Design & Stop-Motion Animation – Exploring character design, set building, and animation techniques to bring original stories to life through hands-on creative workshops.

Voiceover & Production – Recording participant voiceovers and editing footage to produce two animated films celebrating resilience, belonging, and the voices of young people.

The Animation

Inspired by the all-female HMS Oardacious crew – The Valkyries – this animation celebrates strength, resilience, and the power of the human spirit. Drawing from ancient Nordic poetry, the film reimagines epic challenges faced and conquered through mental toughness, unity, and determination. It invites young people to reflect on their own challenges and discover how they, too, can harness inner strength to overcome adversity.

Let's Talk

Let's Talk: Part 1

Part 1 looks at the theme of Stop and Search through the perspective of JJ and his friends. Co-produced by young people, these animations shine a light on what to expect and encourage viewers to consider the perspectives and impacts these interactions have on young people.

Let's Talk: Part 2

Premiere

The final films were showcased at a special premiere event hosted by Albatross Arts at The Submarine Centre in Helensburgh—a spectacular venue featuring a suspended submarine and 360-degree projection.

Families, friends, and local community members gathered to celebrate the young people’s work, and the sense of pride in the room was palpable. The event was a powerful reminder of the impact creative expression can have.

Impact

Through the power of animation, Braw Talent and Albatross Arts empowered young people from forces and civilian families to share their experiences, build confidence, and celebrate resilience. By amplifying their voices through creative storytelling, this project fostered empathy, connection, and understanding—strengthening community bonds and highlighting the value of inclusive, youth-led expression.

You could really tell it was us that fed into it, people weren’t speaking for us, they were letting us do the talking.

Participant - Our Hearings Our Voice

The team at Braw Talent took the time to get to know our group of young people and build a relationship based on power sharing. The end product was a powerful and truly authentic animation that was faithful to the wishes of our young people.

Amy Miskimmin-Logan - Our Hearings Our Voice

This bit of work has been the highlight of my year so far, the way you both engaged with us and, especially the talented young people we work with, was a joy.

Gordon Main - Scottish Children's Reporter Administration

A project in collaboration with...

A Braw Talent CIC production in collaboration with Albatross Arts CIC.

Producer & Facilitator Darren Osborne Facilitator Lorna Gallagher
Screenwriter Lisa Keddie Dubbing Mixer Emily Wright
Behind the Scenes Filmmaker Gordon Campbell
Premiere Filmmaker TJ Sedisa Captioner Emily Benita