When the impact of COVID-19 became apparent across New Zealand, the fictional town of Doodle was as affected as any other part of the country so its residents – the puppet Custard and his gang of loveable heroes – began to sing a song to help empower kids through an unsettling time.
A Little Care, featuring Custard and the team from much-loved children’s show Custard’s World, created by David Sutherland (as seen on HEIHEI and TVNZ OnDemand), highlights the importance of washing your hands, kindness and looking after each other.
The single, music video and television episode were brought safely to life under Alert Level 3 and 4 by Whoa! Performing Arts Trust (WPAT) and Whoa! Studios, with the support of Screen Auckland, a division of Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED).
Jasmine Millet, Screen Auckland Manager at ATEED says the region’s economic development agency was delighted to support the project.
“Whoa! Studios’ video is a great example of the world-class creative talent in Auckland, and the innovation many in our creative industry showed in delivering great work under remote working conditions,” says Jasmine Millet.
Candace Borchert, WPAT CEO and Producer of A Little Care says the project was a response to the very real and significant stress families might experience as a result of COVID-19.
“Although kids are very resilient, they still feel the stress of those around them. The whole team here really wanted to create something that would help kids feel a little more in control of their situation. We want kids to know they can make a difference by caring for themselves and others,” explains Candance Borchert.
A Little Care was written by Rajneel Singh and Annamarie Connors, directed by Rajneel Singh, with music by Nick Garett and lyrics by Candace Borchert and Nick Garett.
It encourages good handwashing technique through its catchy tune and chorus, which at more than 20 seconds long and with accompanying hand actions, will help children understand how washing their hands can keep them and their communities safe.
The Whoa! Studios team hopes children will love A Little Care and that parents, caregivers and educators will share the fun song and video widely, so together, people can wash their hands and wash away the worries.