A charming cast of birds, all experiencing a host of all-too-human health concerns …
Studio AKA partnered with Leith creative agency and the Scottish Government on the ‘Be the Early Bird’ campaign , which encourages early cancer detection among adults in Scotland.
The original 40-second PSA, released in 2023, introduced a charming cast of birds experiencing a series of all-too-human health concerns. Styled as a nature documentary with a playful twist, each bird faced a worrying symptom, took swift action, and was soon back to enjoying everyday life — underscoring the vital message: early detection saves lives. This year, the birds are back and we’re reunited with the same delightful flock — now joined by a spirited new character: a seagull on the promenade who’s discovered a lump in her neck. True to the theme, she wastes no time in seeking help, and is soon back to her chip-snatching antics.
Directed by Kristian Andrews and brought to life by Studio AKA’s 3D team, the films blend documentary-style framing with vox-pop-inspired performances. The tone is carefully pitched: light-hearted and approachable, while handling a serious subject with sincerity and respect. With a tight turnaround once again, the team leaned into smart technical solutions — skipping traditional face rigs in favour of bespoke lip-sync methods, and using displacement maps instead of full simulation for plumage — to craft believable, nuanced characters within a compressed schedule.
“We put everything into this film because we genuinely hope it inspires people to get any unusual symptoms checked out early — just like these lovable birds.
— Kristian Andrews, Director
