Crossroads Films : and director Nick SCOTT solve the puzzle of happiness in times of crisis

Some might argue that our times of international recession and the even more terrible fear it spreads in its midst make this the ideal time for the release of the 'School portrait' film by Nick SCOTT c/o CROSSROADS FILMS, which has been met with popular acclaim.

The 2-minute film that only cost 200 GBP and took just one day to make is a co-production of London-director Nick Scott and producer Michael Berliner.

The clip enjoyed more than half a million views since it appeared on the Internet and no wonder that the media world jumped onto the bandwagon to praise the video – The Huffington Post, Gizmodo's digital media site, reddit and GoSee. Famous fans include Stephen Fry and Armando Lannucci.

The film features Jonathan Rhodes as a bitter photographer – whose personal circumstances wipe off each and every trace of happiness off of the little kids' faces. Banking crisis, tuition fees, divorce, global warming . . . an educational campaign that takes a completely different route for a change. Until he meets his nemesis – a little redhead girl with a stoic dedication to remain in jolly spirits.

This is director Nick has to say about his own film: "Sadly, much of what is said to the kids is indicative of the pretty gloomy future facing their generation but hopefully the film shows that no matter how cynical you are there are always things that can give us hope!"

And just now, the Office for National Statistics has announced that the Brits, despite the crisis, seem to be rather happy and content after all – that is, according to the statistics. Humour is the best medicine after all it seems.