A new TV advertisement for Redkite

A television advertisement is being produced to increase awareness of Redkite's vital work. Thanks to our passionate supporters, it will cost a fraction of its commercial value.

The ad portrays the journeys of two families through their children’s cancer. It features some of the ways Redkite supports families.

The idea to create a TV ad came from Director Josh Whiteman and iconic Australian actor and Redkite Ambassador, Les Hill, known for roles in Underbelly and Rescue: Special Ops. Josh is a Writer and Director with an extensive background in the advertising industry. His experience includes being a Creative Director both in Australia and overseas. Currently he works as a Director with Plaza Films.

“I invited Josh to a brainstorm at Redkite about a promotion they were working on,” recalls Les. “They wanted some industry insights and I thought Josh would be a great person to come along. We left the meeting and were talking and as we were getting out of the lifts, we both agreed Redkite needed a commercial. Josh went away and came back with a brilliant idea which we took back to Redkite.”

“Redkite loved the concept Josh and Les came up with. We worked with them to finalise the content and began production as soon as possible. Throughout the creation of the ad, Josh worked closely with Redkite Social Workers who support families throughout the cancer journey. The stories featured in the ad were guided by real circumstances many families face,” says Susie Cameron Redkite’s Campaign and Communications Manager.

Les and Josh called in friends, family and contacts across the industry to make an exceptional TV commercial. Even the cast and crew who worked during two days in June (see pictures below of filming) did so either voluntarily or at a reduced cost. As a result, the advertisement will cost approximately 8 per cent of its commercial value.

Keep your eyes peeled for the advertisement!

Production Company: Plaza Films
Writer / Director: Josh Whiteman
Producer: Belinda Mayne
DOP: Ben Shirley
Editor: Peter Whitmore, The Editors
Production Designer: Paul Finch
Post Production: Cutting Edge
Special Effects Supervisor: Ron Roberts
Post Producer: Katherine Webb
Colourist: Yoomin Lee
Online Editor: Heather Galvin
Sound Producer: Jodie Vignes, Sound Reservoir
Sound Engineer: Barry Stewart
Casting: Marianne Jade at Maura Fay
Voice Record: Sonar Music
Voice Over: Joel Edgerton

Filming Redkite ad

Producer, Belinda, on set.

Scene featuring a family after a diagnosis of child.

Director Josh Whiteman on set watching a take while protecting his equipment from rain with a towel.

Les Hill on set.

Director Josh Whiteman on set with Redkite staff.