Keno introduces Aussies to Ken the Kraken in newly launched campaign via Clemenger Brisbane

Meet Ken the Kraken, the new face of Keno 

Keno and Clemenger Brisbane have teamed up with Oscar-winning ODD Studio, best known for their work on the Alien movie franchise, to unleash a very different kind of creature – Ken the Keno Kraken.

Clemenger managing partner, Cristian Staal said Ken is the face, and tentacles, of the new campaign: ‘It all comes together with Keno’: “Keno is that game that makes a good time great, and Ken’s that fun friend with 8 legs who brings everyone together for a social game.”

Unlike the fearsome creature of legend, Staal points out that Ken isn’t your average Kraken: “He’s less mythical monster, more social creature. He’s all about hanging out with his mates and prefers to devour a good schnitty over a sailor.”

Keno’s head of brand marketing, Scott Colvin, said the objective was to gain attention for the brand, particularly in-venue, following a fall in saliency and familiarity.

Says Colvin: “Ken’s a memorable and distinctive character. He allows us to disrupt and show Keno as a social game that’s all part of a fun night out.”

The campaign is headlined by a series of spots produced by Two Little Indians and Cutting Edge. It features Ken and his mates picking numbers, watching footy, and playing while they wait for food. It’s no surprise Ken’s not a fan of calamari.

Ken’s tentacles are now popping up in venues across the nation, as well as out-of-home, online and catch-up TV.

Client: Tabcorp
General Manager Marketing: Andrew Shepherd
Head of Brand Marketing: Scott Colvin
Brand & Campaign Manager: Caitlyn Loriente
Marketing Coordinator: Brandon Hanson

Agency: Clemenger Brisbane
Managing Partners: Christine Gannon, Marianne O’Brien, Cristian Staal   
Associate Creative Director: Christie Luxton
Creatives: Shaun Conroy, Terry Whidborne, Chris Connolly
Strategy Director: Erin Core
Group Account Director: Christine Gannon
Account Manager: Brooke Howatson
Head of TV and Content: Robyn Dodd
Animatronic Puppet: ODD STUDIO
Puppet Designer, Sculptor, Supervisor & Head Puppeteer: Adam Johansen
Puppet Lead Art Finisher, Co Supervisor, Foam Runner & Puppeteer: Damian Martin
Animatronic Designer & Puppeteer: Josh Head
Senior Artist: Colin Ware
Senior Artist: Kala Harrison
Head of Mould Dept: Gavin Kyle

Production Company: Two Little Indians
Director: Jonas McQuiggin
DOP: Brad Francis 
Producer: James Greville
Post-Production: Cutting Edge
Offline Editor: Kerry Farrell
Online/VFX Tim Schultz
VFX: Ross Macpherson
Executive Producer: Trelise Blade
Senior Sound Designer: Mike Lange
Content Director: Mike Hilburger
Stills Photographer: Erik Williamson
Retouching: Derek Leong