Brian Rea Animates Big Feelings for The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood
Brian Rea is the illustrator behind a series of animated films produced by Dutch Uncle for The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, with animation by Delcan & Co and music by Ahre Studio.
The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood raises awareness of how positive, nurturing interactions in the early years shape lifelong outcomes.
This animated explainer series explores how everyday moments support early brain development and will be shared with professionals and families across the UK and beyond.
Animation Credits:
Illustration & Direction: Brian Rea @freebrianrea
Animation: Delcan & Co @pablodelcan
Music & Mix: AHRE Studio @ahrestudio
Production: Dutch Uncle Studio @agencydu
View all of the explainer videos below…
The topics covered in the films are:
How we grow an emotionally healthy brain: this film describes the rapid development that happens in early childhood. It explains how early relationships, surroundings and experiences shape development and can have lasting effects throughout life.
This film was illustrated by Jasmine Hortop, animated by Real Good Liars and produced by Making Pictures.
Noticing and navigating feelings: this film unpacks a concept called attunement. In attuned conversations, adults notice a child’s emotional state, name what they are feeling and help them to manage these feelings. The film also describes other ways adults can talk to babies and young children about emotions and how this supports development.
This film was illustrated by Alec Doherty, animated by Plastic Horse and produced by Grand Matter.
Managing big feelings together: this film explains a concept called co-regulation. Co-regulation involves supporting another person when managing big feelings and returning to a state of calm. When adults co-regulate children, they help a child deal with positive or negative feelings that might otherwise be overwhelming. This enables the child to return to a state where they can think clearly, feel safe and respond to the world around them in helpful ways.
This film was illustrated by Brian Rea, animated by Delcan & Co and produced by Dutch Uncle.
Back and forth interactions: this film unpacks a concept called contingent responsiveness (also known as serve and return). Contingent responsiveness is what happens when an adult notices a baby or child’s cue or signal and responds in a way that is sensitive and appropriate. This is a central part of nurturing care.
This film was illustrated by Haley Tippmann, animated by Henrique Barone and produced by Oskar Illustration.
Supporting early learning: this film explains a concept called scaffolding. Scaffolding occurs when adults support children’s learning by helping them to do something for themselves, adjusting the level of guidance and support provided, led by the child’s needs and abilities. This supports the child in mastering new skills.
This film was illustrated by Vicki Turner, animated by Plastic Horse and produced by Grand Matter.
Creating space for connection: this film explains a concept called pacing. When we pace our interactions with children, we adjust our tempo and slow down to help them to process information and respond. Pacing creates space and time for meaningful connection, giving the child greater opportunity to engage positively in an interaction or activity.
This film was illustrated by Owen Gildersleeve, animated by Plastic Horse and produced by Grand Matter.
Further Viewing:
Illustrated by Brian Rea (Instagram)
Animated by Delcan & Co (Instagram)
Produced by Dutch Uncle Studio (Instagram)
Music by AHRE Studio (Instagram)
