Challenge
The video was a collaboration between academics located at different locations, who had to approve the approach and content at all stages. The content was based entirely on the input of people with learning difficulties and their carers – we had to gain their confidence and ensure that they were comfortable with the pace and the process of filming, as well as the final result. Funding for the project was tight, with filming at multiple locations necessitating meticulous planning and time-keeping.
Helen is an award-winning producer/director who has been making programmes and corporate videos for the past 30 years. She started her production career at the BBC where she produced videos for Watchdog and Newsnight before moving on to long-form documentaries and investigations for Panorama and various one-off series. She was programme producer for Tomorrow’s World and edited the BBC’s Review of the Year.
Helen brings her story-telling and production expertise to corporate videos. Her films not only look good but deliver on their intended outcomes through clear messaging and an understanding of the audience. She is a very experienced interviewer and is able to delve into difficult subjects with great sensitivity, building the trust of the interviewees.
Corporate clients include Novartis, Sutton and East Surrey Water, EY, TUI and the University of Southampton.
Outcomes
• an authentic representation of the realities facing people with learning difficulties within a fragmented social care system
• an opportunity to empower and embolden individuals while facilitating debate among academics and policymakers
• a meaningful and useful contribution to a structured research programme, completed on time and within budget
• production in various formats: a 10-minute version for conferences and seminars, and a 3-minute version for YouTube
• a mechanism for reaching a diverse audience ranging from adults with learning difficulties and their cares and families, to academics, policymakers and funding organisations
