Freeview NZ launches new series of spots via TBWA\Whybin\Tequila, Auckland

Freeview NZ,the free-to-air digital broadcasting platform, has launched a series ofnew commercials via TBWA\Whybin\Tequila, Auckland and directed byacclaimed Kiwi film maker Toa Fraser designed to highlight its role asthe future of free to air digital television and radio in New Zealand.

VIEW THE ‘FREE’ SPOT

VIEW THE ‘CLARITY’ SPOT

Primarily targeting older viewers, empty nesters throughout the countryand adults with young families who are still watching analoguetelevision, the 30 and 15 second advertisements feature a new charactercalled Steve, the ideal sales person to teach the country about all thebenfits Freeeview provides. Shot on location with a retail environment,the commercials also feature the clever use of a video diary toconvey the brand’s message.

“We wanted to further educate Kiwisabout crystal clear pictures, new channels, popular content andworld-class digital technology for free, basically all the great thingsthat come with Freeview. The work that Toa has done for us, coupledwith the creative input of our agency, has ensured we’vedone exactly that,” says Sam Irvine, Freeview general manager.

TheFreeview campaign is the first advertising project that playwrightturned director Fraser has ever been involved in. He receivedinternational acclaim for his film No.2, which won the coveted AudienceAward at the Sundance Festival, and then went on to direct DeanSpanley, which last year won seven Qantas Film and Television Awards.

“Hewas the perfect choice for us and we’re flattered he’s chosen to workwith Freeview. All his film work is characterised by a uniquely Kiwitone and voice, and we wanted to replicate some of that with the fourcommercials he has shot,” adds Sam Irvine.

Andy Blood, executive creative director at TBWA\Whybin\Tequila, adds: “We’re thrilled with theresult, which is a suite of beautifully shot, comical TVC’s thatshowcase Freeview’s ability to provide great TV and radio, bothmainstream, popular content and niche channels, all via a free-to-airmodel”.

The last batch of enabled household figures (30thJune, 2010) confirmed that Freeview can now be enjoyed by viewers inmore than a quarter of New Zealand homes (i.e. a total of 419,945 Kiwihouseholds or 26.1% of homes are now  Freeview  enabled).

Agency: TBWA\Whybin\Tequila, Auckland

Production Company: Film Construction

www.freeviewnz.tv