9 films for
family change
Alongside Javelin and Ireland's Department of Justice, we created a series of nine animated films to help 8-15-year-olds understand what happens when families change. Family separation is an emotional rollercoaster for everyone involved. But for children and young people, difficult conversations, legal jargon, and massive uncertainty can feel even more overwhelming and scary. Led by two animated siblings, the films move through a mixed-media world of illustration, collage, photography, and hand-drawn animation, making complex topics feel clear and reassuring.
What's happening
to my family?
We introduce separation and divorce through a child's eyes, offering reassurance that they aren’t to blame.
The film begins with the child at the center of an emotional universe, while their parents orbit as planets around them. As those planets drift apart, the child remains at the center of both their worlds. The story ends with a reminder that support is always close by, from parents, teachers, other trusted adults, and Childline.
The film begins with the child at the center of an emotional universe, while their parents orbit as planets around them. As those planets drift apart, the child remains at the center of both their worlds. The story ends with a reminder that support is always close by, from parents, teachers, other trusted adults, and Childline.
Where will
I live?
This film explores what homes can look like and reassures young people that every family is different. Familiar homes, bedrooms, and everyday objects make each scenario feel relatable, while the narrator’s POV helps normalize the mixed emotions that come with change.
Will I see
both my parents?
Here we explain ‘contact arrangements’ in child-friendly language, reassuring young people that the adults in their lives are working to find the safest solutions. Using space as a visual metaphor, we found playful ways to express distance and connection. As distance grows, a parent's name becomes a constellation, showing that even when someone feels far away, they can still be reached.
Do I have
a say?
a say?
Children can have a voice when parents can't agree on what happens next, and in this film, we reinforce the core principle of the project: the process revolves around the child's needs. We’re keeping the child at the centre of the story while adults, documents, and decisions move around them.
Character
exploration
exploration
Our cast feels contemporary, relatable, and emotionally expressive for young people. A brother and sister alternate as narrators across the series, while every adult is designed to feel approachable and reflect a range of ages and backgrounds. Subtle facial expressions carry much of the emotional storytelling, while clothing helps distinguish between the emotional and practical worlds, from handmade space suits in emotional moments to everyday clothing for real-world scenes.
Credits
Creative director: Stanislav Bulatskii, Klinta Verbele, Kaspars Staskevics
Executive producers: Laura Zavodska, Tanya Savranenko, Helena Zakare-Semjonova
Head of production: Elina Alaine
Art director: Vladimirs Karsecjans
Storyboard: Arturs Bunts, Margarita Turauska
Animatic: Vadim Luks, Ilya Tkachenko
Styleframes: Gosia Jeniec
Illustrations: Gosia Jeniec, Delphy Briois, Romain Dijon, Oceane Pesset, Gabrielle Schauerhuber
Character design: Gosia Jeniec
Animation lead: Vadim Luks
2D animation: Vadim Luks, Ilya Tkachenko, Vladislav Olshevskii, Oleksandr Kuznestsov,
Andy Wolfl, Dahui Kim, Vladimirs Karsecjans
Compositing: Vadim Luks, Ilya Tkachenko, Oleksandr Kuznestsov
Music & sound design: Stanislav Kucherenko
Executive producers: Laura Zavodska, Tanya Savranenko, Helena Zakare-Semjonova
Head of production: Elina Alaine
Art director: Vladimirs Karsecjans
Storyboard: Arturs Bunts, Margarita Turauska
Animatic: Vadim Luks, Ilya Tkachenko
Styleframes: Gosia Jeniec
Illustrations: Gosia Jeniec, Delphy Briois, Romain Dijon, Oceane Pesset, Gabrielle Schauerhuber
Character design: Gosia Jeniec
Animation lead: Vadim Luks
2D animation: Vadim Luks, Ilya Tkachenko, Vladislav Olshevskii, Oleksandr Kuznestsov,
Andy Wolfl, Dahui Kim, Vladimirs Karsecjans
Compositing: Vadim Luks, Ilya Tkachenko, Oleksandr Kuznestsov
Music & sound design: Stanislav Kucherenko
