Barnardo's - "The Big If"

The Open Agency London, United Kingdom

1148

This ad is part of the ACT Responsible Collection

Brand: Barnardo's
Country: United Kingdom

Advertiser: Barnardo's

Title	The Big If
Agency	The Open Agency
Campaign	The Big If
Advertiser	Barnardo's
Brand	Barnardo's
Date of First Broadcast/Publication	2022 / 10
Business Sector	Charities, Foundations, Volunteers
Story	Based on the experiences of real child carers, ‘The Big If’ tells the story of Luke, a young boy who looks after his unwell mother. Whilst he’s initially shown at school, presenting a speech about his weekend, the scene soon cuts to the reality of what happened, juxtaposing his tales of feasts and cinema trips with shots of scanty food and TV in the dark. Luke’s words and reality finally align when his friend Abby - a Barnardo’s project worker - arrives, who drops off a prescription for the mother before taking Luke to play, let off steam, and study, highlighting the influential and beneficial role frontline workers play in the lives of children they support.
Philosophy	Children’s charity Barnardo’s has enlisted Open Agency and RadicalMedia to craft its newest brand campaign, ‘The Big If’. Directed by Amy Becker-Burnett, the spot offers an insight into the bond between child carers and Barnardo’s project workers. Open Agency approached director Amy Becker-Burnett with the script, based on a series of real case studies of the young carers Barnardo’s supports. Mindful of handling this with sensitivity, Amy worked to push the script to make it as rich and relatable as possible, while remaining cautious to relate back to the genuine reality at its foundation and ensure authentic representation. When it came to casting, the team sent all auditioning children information on the background of the role, giving them time to digest the story and appreciate its complexity. Having ensured that they fully understood the circumstances they were representing, Amy then worked closely with the casting director to pinpoint the child who could bring a unique perspective to the story - and found Aidan Gale. Capturing the subtleties, Aidan perfectly conveys the tension between the brave face and the difficulties many vulnerable children, like Luke, experience in their everyday lives. . To facilitate an authentic performance, the team initially shot Aidan giving the speech in front of a group of children his age, feeling that it was integral for it to encapsulate the true feeling of speaking in front of peers. The final voice over was then based on that style of delivery, capturing the nerves and slight performative element that comes with the bravado of a child of his age trying to impress his classmates. Despite its sombre subject matter, the film is optimistic throughout. Though families in such situations can often experience feelings of guilt and frustration (alongside their pride in their role), the crew felt it was crucial not to play into stereotypes of what this looks like. In response, the film takes time to depict the care and respect between Luke and his mother, even in difficult circumstances. Further warmth is added when Abby enters the scene, highlighting the influential and positive role Barnardo’s support workers have as they offer help and support to so many. Luke’s relationship with Abby provides him with vital time to experience what it’s like to be a child, and enjoy some time separate from his caring responsibilities at home.
Media Type	Television
Length	60 seconds
Editing Company	Whitehouse Post
Color Grade Company	Electric Theatre Collective
Advertising Manager	Esme Jones
Advertising Manager	Mike Walczack
Production Company	RadicalMedia
Director	Amy Becker-Burnett
Executive Producer	Ben Schnieder
Executive Producer	Jodie Brooks
Producer	India Bradshaw
Production Manager	Xiaoxuan Zhu
Production Assistant	Clement Brochard
Location Manager	Mark Rolfe
2nd AD	Danny Rumbelow
1st AD	Tom Wynborne
Runner	Joe Walsham
Director of Photography (DOP)	Miguel Carmenes
Focus Puller / 1st AC	Bernin Issac
Clapper/Loader	Ollie Cipres
DIT	Pete Hills
Gaffer	Robbie Smith
Spark	Max Ashworth
Spark	Jamie Exposito
Sound	Henry Ley
Art Director	Giorgia Lee Joseph
Art Assistant	Sean Patel Gould
Editor	Pete Hills
Colorist	Jason Wallis
VO & Sound Mix	No.8
Sound	Sam Robson
Talent	Aidan Gale
Talent	Caroline Deverill
Talent	Sharea Samuels