Whizz Kidz - The Real Difference

Gusto Film, the creative production powerhouse led by Tom Staniford, has teamed up with the innovative Manifest Agency to produce a compelling and moving commercial for Whizz Kidz, the UK’s leading charity dedicated to young wheelchair users. 

This inspiring collaboration aims to shine a spotlight on the essential work Whizz Kidz does in providing mobility equipment, support, and life skills to young people with disabilities. 

Directed by Gusto Film’s award-winning team, the one minute film beautifully captures the spirit and determination of the young individuals supported by Whizz Kidz. Starring eleven year old Jasper Thornton-Jones from Surrey, the commercial aims to raise awareness of the charity's impact by illustrating the challenges young wheelchair users face and the transformative freedom, confidence, and independence that come with receiving lightweight, agile wheelchairs from Whizz Kidz. For Thornton-Jones, the right wheelchair means he can keep up with his brother Elliot on his scooter while walking to school with their parents and the family dog, allowing him to live a more independent and fulfilling life. 

“We are incredibly proud to have worked with Manifest Agency on this important campaign for Whizz Kidz,” said Tom Staniford, EP and founder of Gusto Film. “Crafting this film’s tone in a way that touches new audiences without diminishing the resilience these amazing young people already have is an immensely delicate and complex task. We’re so pleased with the result and hope it inspires people to support this brilliant charity.” Manifest Agency’s creative vision and strategic approach were instrumental in bringing this project to life. Their expertise in crafting impactful narratives perfectly aligned with Gusto Film’s dedication to high-quality production, resulting in a commercial that is both emotionally engaging and visually striking.

“Gusto Films worked as a seamless extension of our team.” said Daisy Phillips, CD at Manifest Agency. “Their collaboration and commitment to bring the best work to life was unwavering. Sharing the story of a whizz kid is a privilege and Gusto Films took this seriously, approaching the work with sensitivity at all times. We are so excited to see it out in the world, raising the profile of this wonderful charity and the real difference they make to young peoples lives.”

Blake Claridge, the director, added, “When I first got the brief for this, I knew there was an opportunity to make something special. As a father of two, many of the scenes I brought to the piece were inspired by the everyday idiosyncrasies of getting to school, which are challenging with or without a wheelchair. This is where the real concept of this piece came to light, making it a relatable struggle for every parent.” 

The Whizz Kidz commercial has been launched across multiple platforms, including television, online, and social media, reaching a broad audience and encouraging viewers to support the charity’s mission. By highlighting the personal stories of young wheelchair users and the profound difference Whizz Kidz makes in their lives, the commercial aims to inspire action and contributions from the public.