For those who have suffered from sexual assult and rape, it can be a very lonely and isolating time, as victims can often be either too ashamed, or too afraid to talk about their experiences. Lauren Midwinter’s latest films for the NHS are there to offer support, The Sexual Assault and Rape Centres (SARCS) are free for anyone to access. There is help available, even if you don't want to go to the police. www.nhs.uk/sarcs

Lauren’s direction is emotive, focusing on the human aspect, with simple camera movements and close ups of the characters with very little cuts, allowing the message to do the talking.

Here is what Lauren had to say about the project - “As soon as I read the sensitive brief from the creative team at The Leith Agency, my heart wanted to direct this campaign on both a personal and professional level. I was so pleased they trusted me with their campaign; they were wonderful to collaborate with.

The project was put together at whiplash speed, awarded on Wednesday and shot the following Thursday. Everything - casting, location scouting, crewing, recces, production design, styling etc. - was done in 5 days, skillfully executed by the Greenroom Films team. Everyone grafted hard and with such care, compassion and respect for the subject matter.

Working with actors is the best part of my job. My directing style comes from a drama background, but in commercials, you don't often get to explore deeper character motivations with actors. It was so fulfilling collaborating with the actors in this way; it reconnected me to a style I love.

The campaign resonated on a very personal level. I wonder how different things would have been for me, and many I know, if we had been aware, these centers existed. I feel proud to be part of something that might enable others to access the help they so need and deserve.”

CREDITS

CLIENT: Scottish Government NHS

PROD COMP: Greenroom Films

AGENCY: Leith Agency

CREATIVES: Lottie Grant + Debbie Morgan

DIRECTOR: Lauren Midwinter

EXEC PRODUCER: Lucy Ball

DOP: Anna Macdonald

PROD MANAGER: Katie Welsh

1ST AD: Kieran Kelly

1ST AC: Clyde Jones

2ND AC: Mike Edwards