Air New Zealand teams up with All Blacks for out of this world Men in Black safety video via True

Air New Zealand has teamed up with the All Blacks and an all-star line-up of international rugby greats to tackle the airline’s latest on board safety video, Men in Black Safety Defenders created by True.

Inspired by the Columbia Pictures global film franchise Men in Black, Air New Zealand’s latest safety instalment features All Blacks’ Captain Richie McCaw and Dan Carter as Men in Black agents.

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Starring alongside the two long-serving All Blacks is coach Steve Hansen, team mates Kieran Read, Keven Mealamu, Sam Whitelock and Israel Dagg who gets to test his vocals alongside Kiwi musician Stan Walker.

American actor Rip Torn reprises his role as chief of the Men in Black with Wallabies great David Campese, former England captain Martin Johnson and former Argentinean captain Agustin Pichot making cameo appearances.

The video was produced by The Sweet Shop and was directed by Campbell Hooper. The video was created in collaboration with Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Content Licensing group, with additional support from Sony Pictures Imageworks and Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Archives & Collections.

Says Emmanuelle Borde, executive vice president, Sony Pictures Entertainment: “The creative concept and the parallels drawn between the All Blacks and the Men in Black are really clever. It’s been exciting to help Air New Zealand bring the Men in Black universe to life in this unique way.”

Air New Zealand head of global brand development Jodi Williams says the airline is crazy about rugby making the All Blacks the perfect partner for its latest safety offering.

Says Williams: “We recently extended our sponsorship of the All Blacks and New Zealand Rugby through until 2020 and thought what better way to celebrate than with a safety video.

“We’ve worked with the All Blacks on previous safety videos and thought it would be fun this time around to have them step into the shoes of the other highly trained Men in Black. The result is not only entertaining but makes people sit up and take notice of the key safety messages.”

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw says the players had a great time making the video.

Says McCaw: “We had a lot of laughs on set and were blown away by Israel’s hidden singing talent. If rugby doesn’t work out for him he clearly has a promising career as a back-up singer.”

Israel Dagg says growing up he was a huge fan of the Men in Black films.

Says Dagg: “I grew up listening to the iconic Men in Black movie soundtrack song. Hopefully I’ve done it some justice.”

Australian Wallabies great David Campese admitted his appearance in Men in Black Safety Defenders is likely to come at a cost.

Says Campese: “I’m expecting to get a right ribbing from my mates for appearing in a video promoting the All Blacks, Australia’s key opponents. They’ll never let me live it down.”

Former Argentina captain Agustin Pichot and Martin Johnson, former England captain shared his sentiment.

Says Pichot: “The All Blacks are staunch rivals of the Pumas making it especially fun to play the role of their nemesis in Air New Zealand’s new safety video.”

Says Johnson: “I’m a big fan of Air New Zealand so was excited to get the call up to appear in the airline’s latest inflight video. I’m sure English rugby fans will have a few words to say about my appearance alongside the All Blacks too.”

New Zealand Rugby chief executive officer Steve Tew says it’s a big year for the All Blacks and with plenty of travel on the cards the team was keen to be involved in delivering the airline’s safety briefing to fellow customers.

Says Tew: “Air New Zealand’s been a long-time supporter of the All Blacks and New Zealand Rugby and has played a crucial role in connecting the team to fans across the globe through inventive and colourful marketing efforts such as Men in Black Safety Defenders.”

Men in Black Safety Defenders will be progressively rolled out across Air New Zealand’s fleet from today.

Agency: True Auckland