Bringing big ideas to life

VIDEO | DOCUMENTARY SERIES | SOCIAL | ANIMATION

THE GOAL

The RSA aimed to transform its flagship journal into a digital-first experience, supported by a new website that enhanced the accessibility and engagement of its content online.

The challenge was to bring articles, interviews and ideas to life through video, animation and social-first content while maintaining the authority and depth of the publication.

APPROACH

Developed a video-first strategy around the quarterly release of the RSA Journal, using original content to extend the life of each edition beyond the printed page.

Through documentary filmmaking, expert interviews and social-first content, the programme transformed complex ideas into engaging visual stories.

A key objective was to broaden the journal's perspective beyond its traditional UK focus, featuring voices from around the world, including Taiwan's first Digital Minister, Audrey Tang, a sustainability-focused musician in Kansas City, and business leaders, academics and changemakers tackling global issues across technology, democracy and sustainability.

Behind-the-scenes on an RSA Journal Presents shoot

EXECUTION

Produced and edited two recurring video series that became central to the RSA's digital-first content strategy. RSA Journal Presents featured ~10-minute issue-led documentaries that explored each edition's themes through expert interviews, walk-and-talk sequences and vox pops, enhanced by animation, motion graphics, drone videography and time-lapse footage.

Alongside this, In Conversation brought together influential business leaders, CEOs, authors and changemakers for long-form interviews that added further depth and perspective to the journal's biggest ideas.

Beyond the flagship series, I developed a wide range of supporting social content, including looping animated videos, motion-led explainers and insight-driven carousel posts.

I also oversaw the wider social campaign, incorporating behind-the-scenes content and contributor-generated assets to build anticipation around each issue and maintain engagement between releases.

RESULTS

The campaign helped establish the RSA Journal as a truly digital-first publication, supported by a rich ecosystem of video, animation and social content.

The programme received more than 15 industry awards, including a Grand Prix win for the animated RSA Journal Presents film The Threat of Misinformation to Democracy.

Across the series, RSA Journal Presents generated more than 650,000 views, while social-first content helped grow the RSA's presence on Instagram through collaborations with recognised artists, generating tens of thousands of video views and thousands of engagements.

The campaign also supported the launch of the RSA's TikTok channel, extending the journal's reach to new audiences.