Big Issue's one-taker makes us think twice

Big Issue, the UK social enterprise magazine supporting people experiencing homelessness, has unveiled this honest and touching festive spot, titled The Issues We Face, directed by Dean G Moore through Great Guns.

Shot in a single take, the film whisks us across the bustling streets of Oxford Street, where the camera zooms in on three Big Issue vendors as they share their stories in real-time. Highlighting the everyday challenges they face, it encourages the public to “stop, talk and support” this Christmas. 

The sellers were selected after a long and carefully considered casting process, during which Moore met with many real vendors and listened to their experiences, which helped him write and develop scripts for the online films and a 30s TVC.  

Moore said: “The intent behind the project was twofold. Firstly, I wanted to capture real vendors at work, in real time, as they had an honest and frank conversation about the real and relatable circumstances that led to their homelessness - and how The Big Issue has helped them. 

 Secondly, to highlight how we - myself very much included - are often so caught up in our own busy worlds that we overlook those around us. That realisation was a big motivating factor behind making the film.”