Antarctica to star in Air New Zealand safety video

Air New Zealand is set to use its new safety video to highlight the fundamental importance of Antarctica in understanding global climate change.

Due to launch in March, the video and associated content profiling the work of scientists on the frozen continent, builds on Air New Zealand’s partnership with Antarctica New Zealand, which has supported climate and environmental research in the Ross Sea area since 2012.

Jodi Williams, the airline’s general manager, Global Brand and Content Marketing, said the video is a glimpse into a part of the world few experience, but which has the greatest potential impact on the planet’s future.

“Air New Zealand’s safety videos have a phenomenal worldwide following, and have collectively attracted more than 110 million views online, as well as coverage across the world’s top news outlets,” she explained.

“We hope this video, together with the educational content we’ve filmed, will draw attention to the important research underway to better understand and prepare for a warming world.”

Filming the video in Antarctica

Peter Beggs, Antarctica New Zealand’s chief executive officer, said the airline was a natural partner, and had impressed him by confronting its sustainability challenges head-on.

“Rather than shying away from issues, Air New Zealand is working to minimise the impact of its operations,” he said. “Part of this includes its long-running support of the New Zealand scientific community in Antarctica, and using this safety video to share our research with new audiences.”

Director Kevin Denholm, who helmed Air New Zealand’s first feature safety video, the Bare Essentials of Safety in 2009, featuring body-painted Air New Zealand staff, and The Bear Essentials of Safety starring British adventurer Bear Grylls in 2013, says filming on the ice had its challenges.

“One of our non-negotiables was to take all possible steps to minimise the environmental impact of filming on our stunning location, and we were careful to only take the minimum of equipment with us,” he explained.

“Where usually a crew of around 40 would be involved, we restricted our team to just six people, including celebrity talent. The amazing staff from Scott Base provided the logistical support we needed to pull this off, and many of them stepped outside their comfort zone into roles as supporting talent.”

The Antarctica themed safety video will be rolled out across the airline’s fleet from March.

Click here to view the making of the video.