Open University: Difficult Conversations
Oakbeam Pictures was commissioned by the Open University to create a series of animated films for a new training programme designed for health sector professionals. The programme focused on supporting staff with practical strategies for de-escalating difficult conversations and navigating challenging real-world scenarios.
The animations were developed as learning tools that could be used across a range of contexts, helping practitioners build confidence, recognise risk, and respond thoughtfully under pressure. Our role was to translate complex interpersonal situations into clear, relatable narratives that supported learning without oversimplifying the realities of frontline work.
The project required close collaboration with subject-matter experts and a careful balance between clarity, realism, and sensitivity. The resulting films were designed to support reflection, discussion, and skill-building, while respecting the complexity of the environments in which these conversations take place.
*Animations contain explicit language
Priya & Brigid
The first animation features a conversation between Brigid, a heavily pregnant mother who’s young son is critically ill and Priya who is working on a children’s intensive care unit
All videos feature two outcomes, one where the right de-escalation strategies are not observed and another where the conversation is managed in a more positive way leading to a better outcome.
Colin & Devon
This video features a conversation between Colin who works in an emergency department of a busy city hospital and Devon, a 27 year old man who regularly attends the emergency department with issues relating to alcohol and drug dependency and suicidal ideation.
The voice artists for each video were sourced by Oakbeam and recorded over Zoom allowing us to bring to life the scenarios in a dynamic and authentic fashion.
Jane & Michelle
Michelle is a patient in a busy medical ward and Jane is a student nurse asked to perform observations on her. Michelle’s team intends to speak to Michelle today about her symptoms and possible diagnosis. They have not yet scheduled this meeting. .
A big factor to take into account when making these videos was to ensure we incorporated relevant diversity so that the scenarios being depicted reflected modern day society.
The animations had to be engaging as well as realistically represent the challenges that workers in the health sector face on a daily basis. It was crucial that the performances of the characters were convincing and true to life.
