Open University: Learner & Discovery Services
Oakbeam Pictures was commissioned by the Open University to create an animated film supporting communication between academic staff and the Learner and Discovery Services department during the development of new course modules.
The challenge was to communicate a complex, multi-stage process involving several teams and areas of expertise. The animation needed to provide clarity on how different roles and responsibilities connect, while remaining accessible and engaging for academic audiences unfamiliar with the full production lifecycle.
We worked closely with stakeholders to shape a clear narrative that reflected the realities of institutional decision-making and collaboration. A simple journey-based structure was used to help audiences understand how ideas move through different stages of development, without reducing the complexity of the process itself.
The final film was designed to support understanding, alignment, and confidence across departments. It provided a clear overview of how the service operates, helping academics navigate the system more effectively while reinforcing trust in the process and the people involved.
“It’s been a pleasure working with Oakbeam on this project. I appreciated their creative and enthusiastic approach and how they immersed themselves in the brief, quickly understanding the complex context in which the work would be delivered. The result is a contemporary animation that engages the audience while delivering clear communication. I look forward to working with them again.”
— Liz McCarthy Williams, The Open University
