Rebel Wilson Channels Cast Away In Global Campaign For Tourism Fiji Via Saatchi & Saatchi NZ

Tourism Fiji has unveiled its new global campaign via Saatchi & Saatchi NZ, announcing Fiji is officially “Open for Happiness”.

The campaign goes live as the island nations’ borders are now reopened for quarantine-free travel for fully-vaccinated visitors from Australia, the UK, US and New Zealand amongst others.

Bringing the concept of “Open for Happiness” to life, the spot features Aussie actor Rebel Wilson escaping the hustle and bustle of Hollywood life to glamorously wash up on Fiji’s pristine shores. Welcomed with a friendly Bula (Fijian for hello), she then embarks on an adventure to experience all that the idyllic islands have to offer.

Directed by LA based Fredrik Bond, the film is the evolution of the existing Fiji communication platform, “Where Happiness Finds You” and features Fijian locals throughout. Following a private gig with Rebel Wilson, Top Fijian vocalist and musician, Kuki, appears with a guitar in hand on a passing boat in one scene.

Shot over two days in early November 2021, the campaign displays stunning shots of the Fijian water, beaches, mountains and the six star Vomo Island Resort.

Bringing the concept of “Open for Happiness” to life, Rebel Wilson features in Tourism Fiji’s campaign that sees the actress escape the hustle and bustle of Hollywood life to glamorously wash up on Fiji’s pristine shores. Welcomed with a friendly Bula (Fijian for hello), she then embarks on an adventure to experience all that the idyllic islands have to offer.

The perfect destination if you’re looking for a romantic getaway, an adventure-packed escape, or you just want to lie on the beach and drink from a coconut, you’ll find it in Fiji – and Fiji can’t wait to have you back.

Growing up in Australia, Wilson has very fond memories of visiting Fiji as a child, so was delighted to return as an adult to shoot the “Open for Happiness” campaign.

The actor said: “When someone asks you whether you want to visit Fiji – there is really only one answer isn’t there? It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world.

“I had the best time filming this campaign, there really is nothing like the white sand and clear waters of Fiji. It is truly breathtaking.

“But even more than the landscape, I love Fiji the most for its people. Everyone greets you with a smile and a ‘bula’, the warmth and hospitality of everyone I met is something I will always remember.  Fiji truly is open for happiness.”

Steve Cochran, CCO, Saatchi & Saatchi said: “The last couple of years have been extraordinary and have given everyone reason to reflect on what’s truly important to them. As we emerge from a time of lockdowns, Fiji certainly offers the world something special for those who are looking to put some fun back into their life, but in a meaningful way.

“Fiji’s platform of ‘Where Happiness Finds You’ was perfectly set for the mindset of travellers right now. We thought Rebel was ideal for bringing this story to life with her Australasian connection to the Pacific, having her own personal transformation journey and of course she’s a damn funny and talented actor.”

Tourism Fiji CEO, Brent Hill added:  “We’re so proud to launch this campaign, featuring the brilliant Rebel Wilson! What a pleasure it was working with someone so talented, and who truly embraced everything Fiji is about – from our natural beauty, to our people and our local musicians, producers and talent. Fiji is truly Open for Happiness, and this was such a special campaign for us to make, in Fiji. We are thrilled to once again finally be able to welcome our visitors back from around the globe to the shores of Fiji – it has been a long time coming.

“Safety has of course been paramount as we have been planning Fiji’s re-opening, so we have a number of systems in place that aim to protect both visitors and our community. Welcome home to Fiji!”

To ensure your safety and the safety of the Fijian community, a negative PCR test is required by visitors within 72 hours of departure, alongside a mandatory Rapid COVID-19 test at your Care Fiji Commitment (CFC) resort 48 hours after your arrival in our islands. When booking your holiday, look for the CFC logo.

CREDITS:

Client:                                                           Tourism Fiji

CEO:                                                             Brent Hill

CMO:                                                            Emma Campbell

Brand Manager:                                           Sera Cawanibuka

Consumer Marketing Officer:                    Anaseini Bakaniceva

Creative Agency:                                        Saatchi & Saatchi NZ

CEO:                                                             Mark Cochrane

CCO:                                                            Steve Cochran

Senior Creative:                                           Cece Chu

Senior Creative:                                           Ryan Price

Executive Producer:                                   Jane Mill

Head of Planning:                                       David McIndoe

Head of Account Management:                 Susie Darling

Senior Business Manager:                         Chase Sullivan

Global Media Agency:                                Starcom

Media – Group Business Director:            Paul Hamilton

Global PR Agency:                                     MSL New Zealand

Managing Director                                      Isobel Kerr-Newell

PR Lead                                                       Beccy Churchill

Production Company:                                 Flying Fish

Director:                                                       Fredrik Bond

Producer:                                                     James Moore

Executive Producer:                                   Samantha Attenborough

DOP:                                                            Crille Forsberg FSF

Editor:                                                           Patric Ryan (Marshall Street Editors)

Post Production:                                         MandyVFX

Grade:                                                         Matic Prusnik

VFX:                                                             Anita Ward

Service Company:                                      USA crew: MJZ LA

MJZ Producer:                                           Alicia Richards

MJZ Executive Producer:                           Kate Leahy

MJZ Production Manager:                         Yvonne Ortiz

Fiji Line Producer:                                       Nic Leggett