Air New Zealand lodged itself firmly into the glow of the upcoming Rugby World Cup by launching a new safety video featuring the All Blacks depicted in a Men in Black setting.
The five-minute clip shows chief protagonist Richie McCaw and his sidekick Dan Carter walking into the Men in Black building for a meeting with Agent Zed (played by actor Rip Torn), who instructs them to keep Air New Zealand passengers safe.
What ensues is a safety rap performed by Stan Walker with some reasonably impressive supporting vocals by Israel Dagg. And rugby fans will also enjoy cameo appearances from former rugby players Martin Johnson, David Campese and Agustin Pichot.
This is the second safety video that has been dedicated to the All Blacks, with an earlier, slightly more conventional, video being released in 2011.
The latest clip follows on from the surfing themed safety video, which featured shark-punching pro surfer Mick Fanning alongside a range of other surfing celebrities.
In this instance, All Blacks footwear sponsor Adidas also appears to have lent its support to the safety video, with its sneakers featuring prominently throughout the video (Frank the pug also compliments the shoes of Carter and McCaw). StopPress understands that this was not a product placement deal and that the All Blacks were obligated to wear official sponsor gear during the shoot.
As with the previous safety videos, this one was again developed by creative agency True and this time shot Campbell Hooper from the Sweet Shop.
Credits:
Agency: True Auckland
Executive Creative Director: Craig Pethybridge
Deputy Creative Director: Dom Antelme
Senior Art Director: Ian Sweeney
Group Account Director: Helen Prangley
Agency Producer: Jozsef Fityus
Production Company: The Sweet Shop
Director: Campbell Hooper
Producer: Andy Mauger
Executive Producer: Fiona King
DOP: Andrew Stroud
Production Designer: Rick Kofoed
Editor: Damien Shatford
Post Production & VFX: Beryl
Music: c/o Sony
Audio Mix: Liquid