Building connections with Children in Need

The new campaign for BBC's Children in Need is an insightful, emotional journey into one young boy's struggles and one man's determination to help. 

Created by BBC Creative and directed by Phoebe Arnstein through Biscuit Filmworks, the 90-second spot follows Kai [ played by Ethan Darby], a teenager reluctant to let others in, and Ryan [Charlie Rix], a project worker determined to earn his trust. Told from both of their perspectives, the film, called Both Sides, explores how meaningful relationships are built over time, and how much the difference a trusted and lasting connection can make in a young person’s life.

From nervous silences, setbacks and uncertain encounters to shared laughter and small acts of determination, we see Kai and Ryan's relationship grow as the former begins to trust the latter, eventually opening up.

“I loved the duality of the script and the challenge of entwining the different perspectives of a child and a support worker both working out this unique and complex relationship,"said Arnstein. "The story of the support worker is often overlooked, and after talking to professionals in the field about their own experiences, I felt it was important to portray a character who doesn’t have all the answers straight away. It was this very human, unpolished and eventually rewarding story that drew me in.

“Charlie Rix brought so much authenticity and resilience to the role of Ryan and was able to bring our improvised scenes to life with his playfulness and endlessly entertaining gift of the gab. Ethan Darby told a whole story with the slightest of gestures and allowed Kai to unfurl with masterful restraint, which was key to telling the story of an ongoing journey that demands so much time and care.”

“In an age of algorithms and AI, this piece of work is like a glass of cool water," added Richard Biggs, BBC Creative's ECD. "It’s bursting with humanity, and care, and craft - with a beautiful story of human connection at its heart. A brilliantly fitting tribute to the extraordinary work that Children in Need do every single day.”