PRESS RELEASE: Wednesday, 15 September, 2010
Freeview Launches New Series Of Television Commercials
Freeview, the free-to-air digital broadcasting platform, has launched a series of new commercials directed by acclaimed
Kiwi film maker Toa Fraser designed to highlight its role as the future of free to air digital television and radio in
New Zealand.
Primarily targeting older viewers, empty nesters throughout the country and adults with young families who are still
watching analogue television, the 30 and 15 second advertisements feature a new character called Steve, the ideal sales
person to teach the country about all the benfits Freeeview provides. Shot on location with a retail environment, the
advertisements also feature the clever use of a video diary to convey the brand’s message.
“We wanted to further educate Kiwis about crystal clear pictures, new channels, popular content and world-class digital
technology for free, basically all the great things that come with Freeview. The work that Toa has done for us, coupled
with the creative input of our agency TBWA\TEQUILA\, has ensured we’ve done exactly that,” says Sam Irvine, Freeview
General Manager.
The Freeview campaign is the first advertising project that playwright turned director Fraser has ever been involved in.
He received international acclaim for his film No.2, which won the coveted Audience Award at the Sundance Festival, and
then went on to direct Dean Spanley, which last year won seven Qantas Film and Television Awards.
“He was the perfect choice for us and we’re flattered he’s chosen to work with Freeview. All his film work is
characterised by a uniquely Kiwi tone and voice, and we wanted to replicate some of that with the four commercials he
has shot,” adds Sam Irvine.
Andy Blood, Executive Creative Director at TBWA\TEQUILA\, adds: “We’re thrilled with the result, which is a suite of
beautifully shot, comical TVC’s that showcase Freeview’s ability to provide great TV and radio, both mainstream, popular
content and niche channels, all via a free-to-air model”.
The last batch of enabled household figures (30th June, 2010) confirmed that Freeview can now be enjoyed by viewers in
more than a quarter of New Zealand homes (i.e. a total of 419,945 Kiwi households or 26.1% of homes are now Freeview
enabled).
ENDS
Campaign Credits:
For Freeview:
Sam Irvine, General Manager
Rebecca Corbett, Marketing Manager
Sarah Yee, Marketing Assistant
For TBWA\TEQUILA\:
Shereen O’Donnell
Morag Stuart / Teresa Wong, Account Directors
Hugh Plowright, Account Executive
Andy Blood, Executive Creative Director
Gary Smith, Writer, Art Director
Marg Slater, Producer
More information regarding the current Freeview service and future plans can be found on Freeview’s website: www.freeviewnz.tv.