New Short Animation Launched to Promote Smoke Alarm Testing

A short animation highlighting the importance of regularly testing smoke alarms has been created with the help of local university students. 

The animated video, ‘Reasons to Test’, has been created in partnership with the three fire and rescue services in Wales and Wrexham Glyndwr University.

Launched at the Catrin Finch centre at Wrexham Glyndwr University, the video features several quirky characters going about their daily routines, accompanied by an original catchy soundtrack penned by north Wales based singer songwriter Daniel Lloyd.

Currently the three Fire and Rescue Services in Wales promote weekly testing of smoke alarms on social media through the ‘Test it’ campaign. However it is hoped that their new animation will further emphasise the importance of working smoke alarms.

Six students currently studying the MDes and BA programmes in Animation Visual Effects and Game Art at Wrexham Glyndŵr University worked together to design and produce the three minute advert.

Daniel, who is originally from Rhosllanerchrugog, composed the original music for the animation, and students from the university designed colourful characters for the scenes and brought them to life.

Stuart Millington, Senior Fire Safety Manager for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said the animated video aims to communicate a ‘vitally important message to residents in a fun and lighthearted way’.

He continued: “It is essential that people test their smoke alarms regularly to ensure they are in working order. We have seen time and time again how having a working smoke alarm can save your life in the event of a fire by giving you that extra time to escape.

“We are thrilled to have been working on this three way collaboration with Glyndŵr University and local artist Daniel Lloyd, which allowed us to commission an exciting and innovative piece of work which will help us to promote important messages to members of our community.”

Marisse Mari, Principal Lecturer in Design and Programme Leader, School of Creative Arts, Wrexham Glyndŵr University, said: “This has been a fantastic opportunity for the students. We encourage our students to work on real briefs and the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service public information campaign has provided a perfect example for them to gain professional experience.”

“The students are still in their second year and have come through a steep learning curve learning new software skills and putting them into action on this very worthwhile project.

“We hope to continue fostering good relationships and creating work within the local community.”

Three of the students who headed up work on the project were Tim Davies, Thomas Purdue and William Parker. They said: “We very much value this opportunity and have enjoyed working on this project.

“We are now planning to set up a business and form our own company together after we complete our course. This will be one of the first projects that will help us to promote what we can offer.”

Other students working on the project were Ellis Roberts, Duncan Adams and Marta Gabiga. They added: “We have enjoyed creating character designs and storyboards then coming up with humorous solutions to animate to the lyrics of the accompanying soundtrack.

“We hope it will stay in the viewer’s minds and are really happy to be part of this campaign.”

The video is available to watch in full, here.