Co-Produced Video Content
The most authentic and effective videos are often made when the service users are involved in the creation. Chocolate Films is your ideal partner for impactful co-produced charity video content. We manage the process from initial commission through to delivery, working with both the client and the co-production group.
Working to create authentic content for specific audiences
The ideal group is a collection of people who have lived experience, access or insight into the topic being addressed in the film. We work with a wide range of organisations to tell their stories, many of which are charities or NGOs. Previous projects have included the following topics, with these groups:
Promoting Health
An animation to promote the take-up of childhood vaccinations in young offenders institutions, co-created with inmates
Addressing Violence
An animation to encourage to help young people who are victims of violence with sign-posting for help, co-created with young people who are themselves victims of violence. Watch the film here
Managing Anxiety
An animation about anxiety for teenagers, co-produced by young people who have experienced anxiety.
Destigmatising Mental Illness
We worked with a group of adults who had experience of asylums in the 1980s, to create several outputs for the Wellcome Medicine Gallery at the Science Museum.
Experienced and skilled: the Chocolate Films team
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What is co-production?
Co-production (or co-creation) is the process of making video content in collaboration with members of your key audience groups.
Let’s imagine we were making a film to support people with a medical condition. We would start, as with any film, by responding to a brief from the commissioner. But then we would work hand in hand with a group of people with experience and understanding of the condition. These may be people who have the condition, their carers or their doctors. Often all three groups can be present, as their varied perspectives can be valuable. Over a structured process, we invite input on the content of the script, the tone and style to help the film reach its audience.
[For clarity, this is very different to the kind of co-production you see in the film industry, which is more about multiple international companies investing in a project and producing it together]
Why co-produced video works
Many charities work with people who share specific experiences. When making video for service users, it’s therefore important that the issues and narratives we include in a video are as authentic and relatable as possible.
We believe that the most powerful narratives come from the people with first hand experiences of the issues. Service users have an intimate understanding of their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. They have valuable advice about what works and what doesn’t work for them. Their insights are invaluable in shaping content that resonates with authenticity, connecting with both the hearts and minds of your audience.
By co-producing video content with service users, our filmmakers gain access to their unique perspectives. They can shed light on what works, ensuring that your message is relatable and effective. Moreover, they can also identify potential pitfalls or aspects that might deter others in similar situations. This firsthand knowledge allows you to create content that is not only compelling but also considerate and respectful of your target audience.
How do we manage the co-production process?
Our co-production process is a collaborative journey that begins with a workshop approach.
We initiate a dialogue with service users, encouraging them to share their stories, experiences, and ideas. Through brainstorming sessions, we collectively develop concepts that align with your charity’s mission and objectives.
We also work on tone and style. When telling a story through animation, issues such as character design, colour palette and pace are extremely important. Our creative development sessions can touch on each of these elements.
Throughout the production process, we maintain open lines of communication with service users. Their feedback and insights are integrated at every stage, from scripting to filming and editing. We believe in a transparent and inclusive approach, ensuring that the final product reflects the shared vision of your charity and the service users.
Experienced and skilled: the Chocolate Films team
Our team at Chocolate Films brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. We have a rich history of crafting compelling charity content, understanding the nuances and sensitivities involved in such projects. But more than that, all of our team are facilitators as much as filmmakers. Through our sister company, Chocolate Films Workshops, they run creative workshops with children, young people and adults.
Each team member has undergone rigorous checks, including Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, first aid and safeguarding training. These safeguards are crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved, especially when working with vulnerable individuals. You can trust that our team is not only skilled in videography but also in creating a safe and respectful environment for service users to share their stories.
Check out some recent co-produced content
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