Different Kinds of Hurt: Isaac’s Story

Client: Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, The Walker School

Everyone can use a gentle reminder that “it’s okay not to feel okay.” Together with the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, Walker, and Express Yourself, FableVision Studios created Different Kinds of Hurt: Isaac’s Story, a multimedia campaign aimed at normalizing conversations about kids’ mental health.

Isaac’s Story features young Isaac and his friend Mia as they recount their recent experiences in the hospital. The campaign, which consists of a short animated film, a graphic novel, and accompanying print resources, highlights the similarities between mental and physical health and destigmatizes mental health issues for kids by drawing a parallel between Isaac’s stay in the hospital for anxiety and his friend Mia’s experience dealing with a broken leg.

Working in close collaboration with both the Department of Mental Health and the Walker School, FableVision wrote scripts, storyboarded the animation, and created original characters to produce the warm and friendly film and novel without relying on harmful stereotypes. FableVision also created accompanying print materials for the project, including a poster, coloring page, and three-page resource guide for teachers, families, and parents.
 

A Peek Inside