Mortein turns billions of flies into billions of ads in new ‘Flyhunt’ campaign via Havas Host

In an innovative move Havas Host and Reckitt in partnership with Havas Red have transformed billions of pesky flies into flying ads for Mortein. Introducing the “Louie The Flyhunt” campaign, where Australians are invited to participate in a unique experience that combines traditional manhunt tropes with cutting-edge technology.

Set against the backdrop of the opening of Australia’s fly season, Mortein’s campaign features the notorious Australian icon, Louie the Fly, as the target in a thrilling fly hunt. Wanted posters featuring Louie, now Australia’s most wanted, have been distributed across the nation. The key visual for the campaign, crafted by a specialist FBI sketch artist, heightens the excitement as Australians are challenged to be the first to eliminate Louie the Fly.

Havas Host has developed an interactive app to facilitate the “Louie The Flyhunt” experience. The app guides participants to scan flies which they have killed, and if Louie is successfully killed, a substantial bounty of $10,000 awaits the skilled fly hunter.

The campaign features an innovative use of Reckitt’s wider media. A news-style ticker tape featuring Louie the Fly’s mugshot will be seamlessly integrated into other Reckitt brand VOD ads for added reach and engagement. Short 6s social videos will show an animated Louie playfully goading users with phrases like “you couldn’t find a bread loaf in a bakery.” Traditional manhunt tactics will further come to life with the deployment of fly posters across Sydney.

Influencer-led activity takes centre stage with the appointment of chief fly hunter, Luke Falzon, a social media sensation, renowned outback expert and seasoned fisherman. Falzon will create content on how to catch Louie, putting Mortein at the centre of the story calling for people to join the nationwide hunt.

Says Justin Ruben, executive creative director at Havas Host: “The ‘Louie The Flyhunt’ campaign is a fusion of creativity and innovation. We’ve turned annoying flies into our own media, by blending traditional elements with modern technology such as putting a ticker tape across existing Reckitt ads, promoting the hunt. This campaign was designed to give Aussies the chance to finally kill Louie for themselves, all they need is a can of Mortein.”

Says Ilaria Lucheschi, category marketing manager at Reckitt: “Innovation has always been part of Mortein’s DNA, and the ‘Louie The Flyhunt’ campaign is another testament to our commitment to pushing boundaries.

“When Havas Host approached us with this culturally impactful idea, we saw a great opportunity to leverage a distinctive brand asset to engage our audiences in what is typically a low engagement category. Placing our beloved Louie the Fly at the heart of the campaign makes him more relevant than ever, even to younger audiences.”

The campaign will run for three weeks from 04/12/23 across radio, social, VOD and OOH.

Visit Louietheflyhunt.com

Mortein Australia:
Montoro, Sudhyvanne, CX Manager
Florence Paoli, Marketing Director
Ilaria Lucheschi, Category Marketing Manager

Creative Agency: Havas Host

PR Agency: Havas Red

Media Agency: Zenith

Digital Production agency: T&DA