What Do You Think? is the result of a collaboration between the Institute for Crime & Justice Policy Research (ICPR), Revolving Doors and Media Trust, a charity that works to amplify underrepresented voices by connecting the media and creative industries with grassroots organisations and charities.

As part of our Lived Experience of the Law project, we were selected to take part in Media Trust’s film challenge, where charities are matched with professional volunteer filmmakers to produce short films with a social justice focus. Our brief was clear: we didn’t want to make a film about lived experience, but a film about why lived experience matters in research. The result is What Do You Think? — a short film that highlights the role of co-produced research in creating a fairer, more effective criminal justice system. It makes the case for acknowledging people with lived experience as experts in their own right.

At the centre of the film is a simple message: people with lived experience of the criminal justice system must not only be heard, they should play an active role in shaping the research, policy and reform processes that affect them. What Do You Think? questions the assumption that expertise only comes from formal institutions or academia. It asks: whose knowledge counts, and what changes when different voices are included?

The process of making the film reflected these values. Our team of peer researchers, each with lived experience of the law, were involved throughout. From initial discussions about the film’s concept to reviewing scripts and taking part in creative planning sessions, they helped shape the message, tone and approach. Their contributions ensured the film wasn’t just about lived experience but grounded in it. 

One peer researcher, Charlie, shared:

“Co-creating this meaningful short film was an incredible experience. It highlights how vital lived experience and co-production are in shaping real solutions. we’re not just participants, we’re experts at the table.”

Another, Jeanette, reflected:

“I really enjoyed being involved in the meetings about what ideas we had for the film. I felt I could give my opinion on what message we wanted to get across, suggesting how the actors should behave in the scenario to reflect real experiences. Watching the final film, I thought: yeah, I helped shape this.”

This kind of co-production is not just good practice. It is essential. It challenges traditional hierarchies and ensures that those closest to the issues play a meaningful role in addressing them. Through this collaborative process, we have produced a film we hope will encourage reflection and discussion, particularly among researchers, funders and policymakers.

Our directors, Carla and Jared said: 

“It was important to us that this film championed the belief that real, impactful change comes when we listen to the people who have first-hand knowledge. From the outset, it was vital to us that the voices of the peer researchers were not just included but truly heard and embedded throughout as their insights helped shape the idea and script. We wanted the film to reflect their pride, hope, and sense of purpose from being involved in research, not just the challenges they’ve faced, but the power of being part of something bigger. We’re grateful to have been trusted with their experiences and to translate those into something creative and meaningful.”

What Do You Think? is one output from our wider research project, but it captures a key principle at the heart of our work: meaningful change must include the voices of those most affected. Co-production is not a trend. It is a necessary step towards more inclusive and effective research.

ICPR researcher Nicola commented: 

"Stepping outside traditional academic outputs and exploring more creative and artistic ways to present research is becoming more and more common. It is important that we think carefully about how we communicate our findings and who we are trying to reach. Co-production is not only central to our approach, it is one of the key messages of the Lived Experience of the Law project. It was a fascinating experience to work alongside our directors, Jared and Carla, and just as importantly, a real privilege to collaborate with our peer researchers. They continue to humble us and teach us through their insights and experiences, helping us produce more grounded, relevant and impactful research."

We are proud of the film and of the collaborative and respectful way it was made. We hope it encourages others to think about whose voices are missing from research, and what can happen when we begin to listen.

Please let us know, What Do You Think?