Australia’s new short film invites the world to Come and Say G’day
Tourism Australia has created a live-action short film with CGI animated characters. The short film, G’day,has debuted online and is part of a new global tourism campaign inviting travellers to Come and Say G’day by booking an Australian adventure of their own.
Directed by Australian director Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), G’day the short film shows the unlikely adventure of a plush souvenir kangaroo named Ruby, voiced by Australian actor Rose Byrne, and a toy unicorn, Louie, voiced by actor Will Arnett.
The short film follows Ruby and Louie as they ‘break out’ of a gift shop on the Great Barrier Reef and take an adventure around Australia, visiting iconic sites including Sydney Harbour, Melbourne’s laneways and stunning natural landscapes like Uluṟu and Nitmiluk Gorge. Along the way, they connect with Australia’s Indigenous cultures, and learn the true meaning of the unmistakably Aussie greeting, “G’day!”.
Rose Byrne in her new role as Tourism Australia’s Global Ambassador and the voice of Ruby, said, “Having the opportunity to voice Ruby was such an honour – she’s a representative for what it means to be an Aussie – she is warm, welcoming, but also endlessly curious and seeing Australia for the first time. I’m so excited to be able to help welcome travellers to our beautiful country.”
Speaking about his involvement in the short film, Director Michael Gracey said, “When I first read the script for G’day, I thought it was the most brilliant concept; a kangaroo souvenir, who has never been outside her box – let alone outside the store – faced with her one opportunity to see Australia, with the help of a little unicorn. It’s an uplifting adventure story of two buddies, against the stunning backdrop of Australia’s landscapes.”
“The thing I’ve enjoyed the most is the incredibly talented people – from the musicians to the animation, to the character designs, to the talent, and the shoot. It’s been such an adventure putting it all together, and I am really proud of it.”
Actor Will Arnett, who is known around the world for his voice over work said, “Having been to Australia a few times, the main takeaway is that I adore everything about Australia and Australians; the welcoming characters you meet who instantly become your mate, the opportunity for adventure in one of the most visually stunning places in the world – I think the film does a brilliant job of showcasing all of this, and I’m really happy to have played a part in inspiring the world to see it for themselves.”
King Stingray said, “Working on our version of ‘Down Under’ was a fun exercise for us, particularly having conversations with a legend like Colin Hay about the lyrics. Recording the track in Yolŋu Matha was an opportunity for us to give something special from our Country, to welcome all nations to come to Australia, explore and share knowledge.
Where we’re from, it’s ancient, it’s timeless land: you can feel the energy and the power of the place, from the beaches along the coastline to the colours of the ocean and the trees.
We hope other people feel the joy and passion we do when listening to our version of ‘Down Under.’ It’s a song about home; and while we’re singing it about ‘our’ home in Australia, that human feeling of ‘home’ can still be globally understood.”
Yvonne Hobden, Head of Marketing at Flight Centre UK says the new campaign is likely to resonate well with British travellers.
“The ‘Come and Say G’Day’ message brings back that overwhelmingly friendly message we feel as Brits about Australia, whilst the creative execution captures the imagination of both young and old to build back the desire for one of Flight Centre customers’ most favourite holiday destinations, whilst also showcasing the breadth and beauty of Australia. It is already one of our top selling destinations and we believe this campaign will spike demand within our target audience,” Ms Hobden said.
Tourism Australia Managing Director, Phillipa Harrison, said “Come and Say G’day is unashamedly and unmistakably Australian. After a challenging time around the world, our uplifting and joyful campaign will stand out in what is a highly competitive international tourism market.”
Australia’s Indigenous cultures and peoples are at the heart of the story in G’day, and their warmth can be felt throughout. The musical score, written by Australian composers Jonathan Dreyfus and Amy Andersen, features legendary Indigenous Australian musicians including William Barton, Frank Yamma, the Marliya Gondwana Indigenous Girls Choir and Iwiri Choir. Notably, viewers will note a fresh new cover of the classic Aussie song Down Under, which was produced in collaboration with Men At Work’s Colin Hay for the campaign and film.
Ms Harrison, concluded “Another hero of the campaign is the remake of the Australian classic song Down Under by up-and-coming Australian band King Stingray, who sing in both English and Yolŋu Matha, an Indigenous language from northeast Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory.”