Harnessing Film for Mental Health and Well-being

Over the last few years, the conversation around mental health has exploded, accelerated by the pandemic. Brands are increasingly looking to address this crucial issue, and film has become a key tool in these efforts. But how can you truly harness its power? Here are 5 steps to inspire and elevate your next mental health campaign:

Talking heads are great for offering multiple perspectives, but often miss the opportunity to create deep emotional connections. To maximize impact, dig deeper into individual stories. Offer more than just an overview—provide insights, tips, and positivity that your audience can take away.

Sometimes a conversation can open doors that a solo interview cannot. We’ve witnessed firsthand how documenting genuine conversations—for example, Neil and Karen’s tale from the Time to Talk campaign—can encourage individuals to talk more openly, resulting in a deeper, more sympathetic narrative.

Animation is a powerful tool for simplifying complex issues like mental health without trivializing them. It’s perfect for social campaigns and educational content, breaking information into digestible, engaging pieces.

While mental health is a serious topic, campaigns like the US Ad Council’s #SeizetheAwkward show how humour can disarm audiences and create emotional connections. A lighter touch can still deliver a strong, clear message.

Dramatic scenes, when done well, can leave a lasting impact. Campaigns like Beyond Blue in Australia have shown how powerful this approach can be. The key is to defy expectations and use techniques like inner voice narration to make the experience relatable and immersive.

To drive real change with your film, always ask yourself why, what, who, and how. Real stories are compelling, but they must be told in a way that offers insight and hope. Whether you use real voices, animation, humour, or drama, the goal is the same creating a powerful connection that inspires action.

Let’s get creative and start driving change.