Divorce impacts 50,000 Australians each year and it’s ranked as the second most stressful life event after the death of a spouse. It takes 2.8 years on average to finalise a relationship breakup and 2 in 3 people don’t know where to start when it comes to separating from their partner. Nearly 50% of people put off looking into financial matters when they were separating. Despite the alarming statistics, all major banks had shied away from the dark subject of divorce. So with the release of “Ari”, Westpac immediately started a powerful new conversation about finance.

When speaking to an audience that is going through a separation, you have to get it right - the cast have to feel real and hold some pain, but they also need light and warmth, to remind us of how precious and special our family are - that our love and bond is all that matters. We had to cast Ari first, as this was the most difficult task. We advertised and had 100’s of self tapes come in, which was shortlisted to about 10. Then I workshopped these kids and found our Ari… what a special kid, with a light and sensitivity unmatched. Then we searched for the parents, looking to match this magical energy. I love this cast so much.