Westpac and MediaCom Beyond Advertising produce Air Rescue

Westpac has taken its longstanding partnership with the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service to a new level, commissioning an observational documentary TV series on the service aiming to draw national attention to this iconic Australian community service.

Air Rescue, a collaboration between Westpac, MediaCom Beyond Advertising (MBA) and Fredbird Productions, captures the dramatic rescues performed by the service, which this year celebrates its 40th year of partnership with Westpac.

Air Rescue follows the brave, life-saving work of the pilots, air crewmen and intensive care paramedics of the Service, who come to the rescue of everyday Australians in crisis, whether they’re fishermen in trouble on the rocks, injured farmers, flood victims, or holidaymakers in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The Air Rescue series, made up of six 30 minute episodes, will air at 8pm on Channel Seven beginning this evening (Monday, 4 November 2013).

Viewers are taken behind-the-scenes to witness the intense and dramatic world of a rescue helicopter crewmember and the bringing to life their remarkable rescue stories. Air Rescue captures the vast range of emotions felt by the crew, from the humour and mateship shared by crew at the base, to snapping into action and showcasing their skills under pressure just minutes later, to the emotions and candid moments shared between crew member and patient.

In addition to the TV series, MBA has worked in partnership with the series’ production company, Fredbird, to produce 15 webisodes, which allow viewers to emotionally connect with the crew, patients and history of the Service on a more personal level.

The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service is the longest serving civil search and rescue helicopter in Australia reaching 84% of the population during its peak time in summer.

Westpac has supported the Service since its inception in Sydney in 1973. Over the past 40 years, no-one has ever paid to be rescued by the Service with partner support ensuring it remains a free community service. There are now 15 helicopters and 12 bases in the national fleet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eD2k3fqQjRE

Credits: Australian Financial Services, Westpac group head of mass marketing services Lisa Ronson, Head of Mass Media and Agency Management Geoff Ikin, head of sponsorship and events Patrick Cunningham. MediaCom Beyond Advertising ECD Gemma Hunter, EP Alistair Ferrier account managerRosie Plunton, account director Katy Lozancic, Art Director Shelby Craig. Production – Fredbird Entertainment EP Craig Graham, series producer Sophie Johnston, production manager George Lykouras. Directors of Photography Ash Dunn, Frank Flick Production Partners Titles Method Studios, Soundscape and Music Score Sonar Sound, Post Production Two Dogs Post Voice Over Martin Sacks. Channel Seven EP Dan Meenen, Westpac’s PR Agency Map and Page.

Advertise with us

Please login with linkedin to comment