Myths and Misconceptions - NSW ICAC

The New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is an independent agency established to prevent and investigate corrupt conduct. The commission engaged Punchy Studio to create an animated video to address the communication challenge of clarifying common myths and misconceptions about its role and powers. The brief was to explain that the ICAC is an investigative body rather than a court, and to outline its accountability to both a parliamentary committee and an external independent inspector. We produced a professional animated explainer video that systematically debunks various myths, such as the idea that the ICAC can sentence people to prison or that its only function is to investigate. Our approach focused on legal and procedural literacy, explaining that while the ICAC can find a person has engaged in corrupt conduct, findings of criminality and sentencing remain the responsibility of the courts and the Director of Public Prosecutions. The video is deployed on the ICAC website and used in educational training for public officials to foster a better understanding of the commission’s work in corruption prevention and public education. By combining professional scripting, custom animation, and an authoritative voiceover, we effectively simplified complex regulatory frameworks for the general public. Clear motion graphics reinforce the call to action, directing viewers to the official ICAC website for comprehensive information on its functions and oversight.