Citizens Advice Scotland • Winter Campaign Film

Since we launched Arms & Legs in 2018, we’ve had the privilege of working closely with Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS), helping to bring their campaigns to life. For their Winter Campaign, they wanted to highlight the struggles faced by people across Scotland this winter, offering reassurance that support is available.

We were thrilled to collaborate with Scottish spoken word artist Kevin McLean for this project. Kevin crafted a powerful poem, inspired by focus group findings from CAS, reflecting the lived experiences of those struggling with energy bills and the rising cost of living.

The film was designed to tell a deeply personal story of worry and hope, capturing the challenges people face while emphasising the vital role that Citizens Advice Scotland plays in providing support.

The narrative follows two intertwined journeys: Kevin, narrating the poem as he walks through the streets of Leith, and a woman struggling with financial stress at home. Their paths cross at the film’s conclusion, symbolising connection, support, and the transformative power of seeking help.

Pre-Production

With the poem in place, we had an intense week to storyboard, plan, and produce the film. It felt like laying down the train tracks as the train was already in motion! Our team worked closely to ensure the story’s emotional arc resonated while staying true to CAS’s message of hope and support.

Production

We filmed over two days in Leith and at CAS’s Dalmeny Street office, using our in-house crew to capture the journey of the poet and the woman. The choice of location was deliberate, reflecting the everyday environments where these stories unfold. The first day focused on the exterior walking shots and office scenes, while the second captured the intimate moments in the woman’s home.

To create a sense of authenticity, we worked with natural lighting where possible, while our talented crew added layers of cinematic depth to enhance the mood. The project’s quick turnaround demanded precision and adaptability, but the end result was worth every late night.

The Final Film

The finished piece weaves Kevin’s evocative narration with a visual journey of struggle and hope, showing that support is always available. The film highlights the human connection at the heart of Citizens Advice Scotland’s work, bringing their message to life in a way that’s both relatable and inspiring.

If you haven’t seen it yet, check it out on YouTube—we’d love to hear your thoughts.

A Word of Thanks

This project is a testament to the power of collaboration and quick thinking. From Kevin’s incredible poem to the efforts of the CAS team, every part of this campaign came together beautifully. We’re so proud to have played a part in helping Citizens Advice Scotland continue their mission of supporting communities across Scotland.