Insider Threat Brief Animation
Project Overview
CDS DS was commissioned to produce an animated explainer video for an internal training programme on insider threat awareness. The client requested a short, engaging piece built around the real-life case of David Ballantyne, a British civil servant who passed classified information to Soviet intelligence. I led the project as creative lead, handling all aspects of design, production and delivery.
Details
Type: Instructional Video
Client: CDS Defence & Security
Date: December 2023
Tools
Adobe Premier Pro
Adobe After Effects
Adobe Illustrator
Wondercraft
Skills
Creative Direction & Production
Storyboarding & Scripting
Video Editing / Animating / Sound FX
Instructional Design
The Brief
The client approached CDS DS to develop a concise, accessible awareness video for their internal training programme. They wanted to use a real-world case study, the story of David Ballantyne, to explore how insider threats can develop and go unnoticed. The video needed to strike a balance between engaging storytelling and clear behavioural insight, using visual clarity and strong narrative pacing to support key learning outcomes.
They specifically requested that the animation be created using VYOND, supported by an AI-generated voiceover and high-quality editorial production including sound design and editing for internal release.
Instructional Design & Analysis
As the sole designer on the project, I carried out the research and analysis phase independently, using an ADDIE-based approach to shape the instructional direction. I began by identifying the core learning objectives: to increase awareness of insider threats, highlight early behavioural indicators, and reinforce individual responsibility in recognising and reporting concerns.
I deconstructed the complex real-world case of David Ballantyne into clear, digestible learning beats. This helped transform historical events into relevant, actionable insights for a modern audience. The analytical groundwork laid the foundation for a narrative structure that was both informative and compelling, designed to prompt reflection as well as retention.
Storytelling & Design
The animation’s narrative centres on David Ballantyne’s gradual shift from disillusioned civil servant to convicted spy. The visual design was carefully crafted to reflect this descent, with David as the only fully rendered character. All other figures were intentionally faceless and shaded in blue, creating a stylised, noir-inspired atmosphere that reinforced his sense of isolation and internal conflict.
During the early storyboarding phase, I created a set of hand-drawn visuals to support the script and give the client a clear sense of tone, pacing and visual treatment. These drawings helped shape a shared vision early in the process and guided the animation's development from concept to final output.
Environmental cues and subtle visual metaphors such as shadows, locked drawers and shifting light were used to convey mood and signal key turning points without over-explaining. The storytelling was tightly focused on David’s perspective, encouraging viewers to consider not just what he did, but why, and how the signs may have been visible to those around him.
Throughout the animation, I included deliberate pauses in the narrative, punctuated by the repeated line: "Nobody noticed. Nobody said anything." This client-requested refrain became a central emotional and instructional hook, encouraging reflection on the importance of vigilance and early intervention.
The final sequence delivered clear, actionable takeaways around awareness, responsibility and behavioural risk, designed to stay with the viewer long after the animation ends.
Create & Develop
The animation was built entirely in VYOND, as requested by the client. While the platform has its constraints, I was keen to push its creative potential beyond standard templates. I experimented with camera movement, dolly-ins during key dialogue moments, close-ups and fade transitions to create a more cinematic, emotionally resonant feel.
To further enhance the aesthetic, I designed custom background graphics with a cool, noir-inspired palette that reinforced the tone and kept the focus tightly on David’s experience. These visual choices helped elevate the animation and give it a more distinctive style within the limitations of the platform.
I handled the entire production process end to end, from scriptwriting and hand-drawn storyboards through to animation, AI-generated voiceover, sound design and final edit. The last stage of production took place in Adobe Premiere Pro, where I refined timing, mixed audio and polished the final output to a professional standard.
Client collaboration was smooth and genuinely rewarding. Feedback was minimal and focused, with sign-off achieved almost immediately. They found the work aligned closely with their vision and praised the clarity, pace and overall execution of the animation.
Let’s Create and Collaborate
I’m currently freelancing and open to new collaborations, whether you need a promotional video, a multimedia-rich training solution, or a fresh take on digital learning design.
To learn more and view examples of my portfolio work, please get in touch!
Let’s make learning that has an impact with learners and products that clients are proud to deliver.