The British Council turns 90 With Feral

Feral Brings History to Life: Celebrating 90 Years of the British Council

 

To mark the British Council’s 90th anniversary, Feral was invited to create two short films for the Organisation’s Oral Histories project. The films are packed with moments from interviews with influential figures in the world of politics, the arts, and education, sharing the British Council’s unique journey and global influence over the years.

 

 

 

Telling the Story Through Voice and Vision

Feral’s brief was to bring these stories to life by blending audio from the interviews with photos of each speaker. From the start, the team worked to capture the British Council’s character and legacy while staying true to the 90th anniversary branding, which called for a fresh, distinctive look. A highlight from the design phase was the creation of a soft, rippling waveform—a visual that adds an extra layer of movement and ties beautifully into the audio theme. This subtle design touch became a central feature in both films and is now part of the campaign’s broader digital look.

 

 

Introducing Oral Histories – A Social Media Snapshot.

The first film, Introducing Oral Histories, is a lively introduction to the broader project. Designed specifically YouTube, Instagram and X, this short clip condenses over 40 hours of interview footage into an engaging 90-second film. The pace is fast, the visuals are vibrant, and it’s all crafted to capture attention on busy feeds while still conveying the rich history of the British Council.

 

In Their Own Words – Diving Deeper

The second film, In Their Own Words, is a longer, more in-depth piece available on the Oral Histories project website. This film tells the stories of three influential figures who’ve been impacted by the British Council—Lemn Sissay, Volodymyr Sheiko, and Deb Avery. Their personal experiences give viewers a glimpse into the impact of the British Council around the world. Feral kept the tone conversational and warm, creating the feeling that viewers are in the room with these figures as they tell their stories.

 

 

Right on Cue

Feral Film and Broadcast delivered both films on time and within budget, ready for launch in November 2024 as part of the British Council’s 90th-anniversary celebrations. These films not only highlight the Council’s incredible history but also bring its story to a new generation in a fresh, engaging way.