Two friends go on epic quest to share a feed with a mate in KFC NZ’s latest campaign via Stanley St

KFC New Zealand has rolled out a fresh new brand campaign, “The Power of KFC,” with Stanley St and FilmThreeSixty, celebrating Kiwis’ love for adventure and the undeniable appeal of its iconic menu.

Directed by the acclaimed Justin McMillan, this cinematic journey follows two mates on an epic quest to deliver a KFC feast to their friend in the remote back-blocks of the South Island.

This flagship campaign, KFC’s first major brand campaign in over three years, taps into the deep-seated love Kiwis have for their favourite fried chicken. It combines the thrill of an adventure with the simple joy of sharing a feed with mates, resulting in a heartwarming story that showcases the lengths people will go to for the love of hot, crispy chicken.

The story kicks off with a cheeky KFC selfie in a group chat, prompting a young man, miles away from civilisation, to half-jokingly ask for his favourite Zinger burger. What follows is an epic quest as his two mates set out to surprise him.Their journey, filled with unexpected challenges and delightful encounters, showcases Kiwis’ readiness to help each other out – for the reward of some delicious KFC, of course.

The campaign is launching with a 60-second TV commercial, with a 30-second cutdown, airing on leading channels. Cinemas nationwide will feature the full-length 90-second film, while META and TikTok will buzz with interactive posts designed to drive engagement and shareability.

After months of work between Stanley St, FilmThreeSixty, and KFC, the campaign celebrates KFC’s place in New Zealand culture, showcasing the brand’s knack for bringing people together over their craveable menu. With the iconic tagline, “It’s Finger Lickin’ Good” back in action, this campaign proves the power of storytelling and the timeless appeal of KFC’s offerings.

Says Leanne Too, marketing director, KFC: “KFC has always been about bringing people together over great food, and this campaign captures that perfectly. We’re excited to see how this story of mateship and the iconic taste of KFC hits home with Kiwis. The creativity and energy from the team shine through in every frame.”

Says Anna Yates, executive creative director at Stanley St: “This campaign was a huge team effort. KFC is one of those brands with endless possibilities, and we don’t take that for granted. We’re thrilled to work with a client so committed to creating standout work. This project is definitely one of my all-time favourites.”

McMillan, known for his captivating storytelling and stunning visuals, brings a wealth of experience to the project, having worked across Australia, New Zealand, and the US. McMillan’s notable works include the award-winning documentary “Storm Surfers 3D” and the psychological thriller “Sweet River,” now a Netflix Original.

The “Power of KFC” campaign rolls out on 20 August 2024.

Client: KFC
Marketing Director KFC: Leanne Too
GM Marketing (Restaurant Brands): Clark Wilson
Senior Brand Manager KFC: Holly Knowles
Senior Brand Manager KFC: Sarah Clarke

Agency: Stanley St
Executive Creative Director: Anna Yates
Art Director: Stan Lee
Copywriter: Slade MacDonald
Head of Design: Nathan Chambers
Business Director: Karlie Lloyd
Senior Account Manager: Olivia Jackson
Managing Director: James McHoull

Production Company: FilmThreeSixty
Head of FilmThreeSixty: Sage Haggart
Director: Justin McMillan
Senior Producer: Renate Tauetau
DOP: Rob Marsh
Offline Editor: Martin Spencer
Colourist: Ben Marshall
Sound Design: Zed Williams

Media Agency: PHD
Creative Integration Lead: Amanda Palenski
Associate Business Director: Ella MacDonald
Associate Digital Director: Lily McCallum