Etihad Airways & M&C Saatchi Sydney's New Global Campaign Stars Screen Icon Nicole Kidman

Etihad Airways has launched its new global brand campaign with the worldwide premiere of a new television commercial (TVC) in Abu Dhabi, attended by Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman, representatives of the global media and hundreds of specially invited guests.
 
Nicole Kidman is both star and narrator of the captivating feature, which will be shown on global TV stations and social media in both 60 and 30 second formats, with still versions of the campaign appearing in print, digital and on outdoor channels.

 
The TVC was shot onboard Etihad Airways’ new flagship Airbus A380 and in locations around the world, including various landmarks in Abu Dhabi. The TVC also features a digitally created scene of Kidman in the interior of the soon to be opened Louvre Abu Dhabi, celebrated architect Jean Nouvel’s futuristic and awe-inspiring showcase of modern architecture, influenced by the light and geometric patterns of the Emirate.
 
The Foster & Partners Vieux Port Pavilion in Marseilles was chosen to reflect the airline’s focus on design, while the Villa Méditerranée, also in Marseilles, a centre of culture and promotion of international dialogue and friendship, symbolises Etihad Airways’ role as a global ambassador. The 17th century baroque hall of the historic Strahov Library in Prague represents knowledge, learning, and the desire to innovate and lead.
 
Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways chief commercial officer said: “Etihad Airways is constantly pushing boundaries, taking inspiration from the world to provide a superlative in-flight experience for our guests. We are rewriting the rule book and reimagining flying by breaking away from convention and leading the way in innovation, design, style and hospitality. This new campaign has succeeded brilliantly in bringing our unique brand and service ethos to life on film, in print and on digital channels."
 
“Nicole Kidman, as a globally respected artist, was the perfect voice and face for our story, and embodies worldly sophistication, intelligence, originality, and elegance - values which form the foundations of the Etihad brand,” he said.
 
The opening scene shows Kidman flicking through the pages of an inspirational novel at the Strahov library, with subsequent sequences showing the actress enjoying the cabins and service offerings onboard Etihad Airways’ new A380.

These include relaxing in The Lobby, enjoying watching TV in the spacious First Apartment and finally falling back into the double bed in the bedroom of the three-room The Residence by Etihad™ - the only such private living space in commercial aviation. The closing line, “Because their goal isn’t to improve on what has been done before – but to totally reimagine it”, concludes the TVC with air-to-air footage of the new A380 in evening light, resplendent in the airline’s new ‘Facets of Abu Dhabi’ livery.
 
The concept for the new campaign was created by M&C Saatchi Sydney, part of Etihad Airways’ global creative agency, M&C Saatchi.
 
Tom McFarlane, founding creative director at M&C Saatchi Australia, adds: “On the completion of a campaign I’m often asked what inspired me. The answers are many and varied, but in this case the inspiration came directly from the product itself. Who could not be inspired by the sheer elegance, style, and dare I say it, reimagining of this remarkable aircraft? Hopefully, all of which we have captured perfectly in this campaign.”
 
The Etihad Airways brand story has been interpreted and visually translated by husband and wife directorial team Anthony Atanasio and Valerie Martinez, who have created some of the most visually daring commercials of the last six years, crafting clever and mesmerising films for major global brands.
 
According to Atanasio, “This film represents a wonderful opportunity to create an incredible mood of beauty and poignancy, to make viewers ‘feel’ the ideas, the connections, the materials, the creativity, the freshness and excitement and also the tangible, personal benefits of how Etihad Airways has reimagined flying."
 
“We want to deliver an elevated sense of beauty, artistry, and enlightenment, giving viewers with the sense that Etihad Airways has raised the bar not only in airline travel, but in the larger realm of human endeavour,” he said.
 
The TVC was produced by Trent Simpson through London-based production company Thomas and Thomas. The director of photography was British cinematographer Daniel Landin, who has shot numerous short films and music videos, including for the Rolling Stones, David Bowie and Madonna amongst others, as well as TV and cinema commercials for leading global premium brands.
 
The accompanying soundtrack was specially commissioned by the airline and composed by Ramesh Sathiah, creative director and composer at Sydney-based audio design company Song Zu.

Sathiah’s simple, cinematic score, peppered with Arabic musical elements, forms the perfect accompaniment to the imagery. The soundtrack was conducted by Roger Benedict of the Sydney Scoring Orchestra, a group drawn from the elite musicians of the Sydney Symphony, Australian Chamber, and Australian Opera Orchestras.
 
The new TVC will go to air in Australia on 15 March. Print ads and out-of-home advertising will commence on the same date. More content can be viewed on the Etihad Airways website.