Cynthia Hall and The Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development

Human Trafficking

There are more people in slavery today than at any other time in history. Cynthia Hall and the Karyn Purvis Institute came to us to create a film highlighting the critical issue of human trafficking and the situations that can lead to someone becoming trafficked.

The Scrapbook

The challenge

A difficult and sensitive subject, we had to explain human trafficking in a way which was able to deliver important information, raise awareness and create empathy. The film had to appeal to an audience of care and support professionals while also engaging the public.

The film

This is an important and delicate subject with complex insights and information. Careful use of visual language allowed us to present the content of the film in a clear and understandable way. Mapping the information well meant that information and illustrations could expand and develop in complexity as information was elaborated on. This elaboration reached its peak in the set piece of the head, showing how the cycle of grooming worked externally and internally through the metaphor of the watch tower. This metaphor reflected the state of high alert and the emotional trauma experienced by victims. To aid understanding we used a slow pace and a kind but authoritative voiceover. Completed by a strong script, the film raised awareness and gave viewers key information in a way that was highly informative, memorable and engaging.

About the client

Cynthia Hall is a writer, producer and director. The Karyn Purvis Institute of Childhood Development operate to develop research, education, training and outreach programmes to improve the lives of children who have experienced abuse and trauma. Both based in Texas, they came to us to create a film raising awareness about this important issue.

The Context

For more on the history and mission of the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development, visit their website here.