Australia already had a hit in 2018 with the short film “Dundee: The Son Of A Legend Returns Home”. Behind the so-called third part of the legendary “Crocodile Dundee” films was a humorous advertising campaign in which stars such as Chris Hemsworth, Paul Hogan, Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe appeared.
Major film-related campaigns have a long tradition in Australia, as Tourism Australia’s latest public relations stunt proves. The new “Come and say G’day” campaign comes in the guise of a lavishly produced short film titled “Day” wear. G’day is the informal Australian greeting and also stands for the unique Australian hospitality, which the souvenir kangaroo Ruby and the toy unicorn Louie also experience during their road trip.
Of the not only does Ruby and Louie take them to some of the most beautiful and spectacular places in Australiasuch as the Sydney Opera House or the Great Barrier Reef, they also learn about Aboriginal culture at Uluru, free themselves from the freezer on a boat trip around Green Island and on a thrilling ride through the rapids of Nitmiluk National Park with a Cocodile Dundee hat in his hand. In the end, the two not only traveled half of Australia, but also discovered their friendship for each other.
You can watch the delightfully fast-paced short film in its entirety above – or of course also on www.youtube.com/australia or on www.australia.com. And if you still fancy a trip Down Under afterwards, you will find plenty of unique travel inspiration on the Tourism Australia website.
ROSE BYRNE – THE NEW FACE OF AUSTRALIA
Similar to “Dundee: The Son Of A Legend Returns Home”, many well-known filmmakers were at work on “G’day”.
Australian movie star Rose Byrne, who also appears at the end of the short and is Australia’s new brand ambassador, is behind the voice of Ruby in the original English version. The unicorn Louie is Canadian actor and comedian Will Arnett. Directed by none other than Michael Gracey, who made a worldwide impact in 2017 with the musical “The Greatest Showman” starring Hugh Jackman.
According to director Gracey, who is known for his music videos and commercials, G’day’s appeal lies in its short film format. The nine-minute film provides plenty of time to really get to know and love kangaroo Ruby and unicorn Louie: “It’s become a very little buddy movie,” says Gracey.
And Rose Byrne reveals which of the many places Ruby and Louie visit are their favorites: such as the spectacular gorges of Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park or the island mountain of the same name in Uluṟu-Kata-Tjuṯa National Park. “Here you feel the ancient, spiritual quality,” explains the 43-year-old actress. And that makes every trip to Australia a unique and unforgettable experience.
So what are you waiting for? Come and say G’day…