Here we go behind the scenes and speak to the creators to learn more about the care and craft which has gone into the making of the film

In a special new film, created through live-action puppetry and subtle 2D animation, BBC Children in Need’s beloved mascot Pudsey speaks out to deliver a simple but vital message: every child deserves an adult who will listen.

The 30 second film created by BBC Creative and Blinkink shows Pudsey in conversation with British child actor Dexter Sol Ansell. Here, the creators of Pudsey Finds His Voice share behind-the-scenes secrets on how they approached working with the beloved bear.

From BBC Creative, Steve Lownes & Aron Sidhu (Senior Creatives) explain: “We all grew up with Pudsey and we wanted to reflect the characteristics that we’ve come to love: kind, friendly and approachable. That’s why we went for a puppeteer approach, to make sure we captured all that textural warmth and fuzziness.”

Blinkink’s master puppeteers and filmmakers Jonny Sabbagh and Will Harper share more about the process of bringing Pudsey to life:

“The campaign is about children having someone to talk to, and the idea that they might have the same Pudsey teddy at home, felt like a nice way for them to feel close to the character, and give it a familiar, homely feel. We wanted the audience to feel as though Pudsey was an old friend, not a magical apparition.

“When he turns up, it’s like the child is having a heart to heart with a pal, able to wear their heart on their sleeve, and talk about their feelings. The message that every child deserves an adult who will listen was key, and hopefully the audience will take that away with them.

“Taking a couple of the teddies, we adapted them and made them puppeteerable, adding special internal controls into the arms, rods to his feet and ears, and space for a hand to operate his face and head. Rather than turn him into a flappy-mouthed puppet, we liked the idea of staying more true to his original teddy form, so we opted to augment his face with animated versions of his little mouth line, eye and eyebrow. We kept the animation simple and subtle so it didn’t become too distracting, but perfectly lip-synched to his vocal performance.

“Working with Dexter Sol Ansell, our child actor, was amazing. Although only 12, he is such a talent, and a consummate professional on set. His performances wowed everyone on set, with their realism and moving emotional notes. Pudsey was very impressed!”

Claire Hoyle, Interim Chief Executive at BBC Children in Need, explains the urgent need for this campaign: “Our research makes clear that far too many children and young people are carrying their worries alone, and that silence can have serious consequences for their mental health.

“We know the difference one trusted adult can make. When a child feels heard, it can change everything – helping them cope earlier and stopping problems from becoming more serious.

“Pudsey has stood alongside children for over 40 years, and now, for the first time ever, he’s finding his voice. Pudsey is finding his voice because too many children feel they can’t share what they’re going through, and too many adults aren’t sure how to start that conversation. This campaign is a call to adults. It’s on all of us to create the moments, ask the questions, and really listen – so children feel safe to open up.”

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