Air New Zealand’s newest safety video, released last week, highlights Antarctica and concentrates on climate change and its effects. The production reflects a collaboration with Antarctica New Zealand, an organization that supports climate and environmental research in the Ross Sea. Additional materials produced alongside the video showcase the scientists working on the continent and the research they conduct.
“Air New Zealand’s safety videos have a phenomenal worldwide following and have collectively attracted more than 110 million views online, as well as coverage across top international news outlets,” said Jodi Williams, general manager of global brand and content marketing at Air New Zealand. “We hope this video, together with the educational content we filmed, will raise awareness of the important research underway to better understand and prepare for a warming world.”
Peter Beggs, CEO of Antarctica New Zealand, added that the airline is addressing environmental issues rather than avoiding them. “Air New Zealand is working to minimize the environmental impact of its operations. Part of that effort is long-standing support for New Zealand’s scientific community in Antarctica and using this safety video to share that research with broader audiences,” he said.
The Antarctica safety video was shot on the frozen continent by director Kevin Denholm, who also directed Air New Zealand’s earlier feature safety film that showcased body-painted staff. Filming in such an extreme environment required careful planning and strict measures to reduce the production’s footprint.
“One of our non-negotiables was to take all possible steps to minimize the environmental impact of filming on this pristine location, so we limited the equipment we brought,” Denholm explained, describing the logistical and environmental challenges of working in Antarctica.
To further reduce impact, the usual full crew of roughly 40 people was scaled back to just six, including the on-screen talent. Staff from Scott Base provided essential logistical support and many team members assisted on camera as supporting talent—stepping beyond their standard roles to help complete the production.