The cat is out the bag, but has the bird flown free?
Freeview has struck an exclusive deal with Channel 4 as part of its next TV advertising campaign. Starting from the 10th February, drama will unfold during a 10 second teaser film – introducing ‘cat’ and ‘budgie’ to viewers watching Channel 4 and its digital channels E4, More4 and Film 4.
The film opens on a house cat, who can’t seem to take his beady eyes off a budgie, happily perched in her birdcage. The cat stalks his way across the sitting room, extends a paw and opens the cage door, leaving the viewer wondering how the bird’s fate ends. A message appears during the end frame giving details of when viewers should tune in to find out what happens next.
The full 60 second “Cat and Budgie” film will be unveiled on Friday 14th February during episode two of Peter Kay: Live & Back on Nights! on Channel 4 and will be simulcast across E4, More4 and Film 4.
Guy North, Marketing Communications Director, Freeview said: “Our ambition with this advert is to show people that entertainment is even better when it’s free and to drive discussion around the unpredictable nature of the relationship between our animal duo. The partnership with Channel 4 and complementary digital and social activity will provoke conversation.”
On Twitter, people will be encouraged to enter a competition to guess what happens next using the promoted hashtag #catandbudgie ahead of the screening on Channel 4.
Danny Peace, Agency Principal at Channel 4 said: “We’re delighted to be the exclusive launch partner for Freeview’s brand new ad campaign. The teaser spots are certain to keep the nation guessing until the full ad is revealed exclusively across the Channel 4 portfolio.”
The film was created by Leo Burnett and directed by Ne-O through Stink. Media buying agency MEC brokered the deal with Channel 4 Sales.