No rubba, no hubba hubba ad wins global award

The No Rubba, No Hubba Hubba advertisement for the Health Ministry's youth sexual health campaign has scored an international award.

The advertisement beat more than 600 entries from 15 countries at the Asia Image Apollo Awards 2005 in Singapore.

It won the category for Best 2D Animation For A TV Commercial Over US$15,000.

The ad was made by Wellington production company Cobalt VFX and animators Karactaz Ltd.

Producer Ray Ruawhare said he believed it was the unusual style and technique of the commercial, which combined both 2D and 3D techniques, which attracted the eye of the judges.

The Ministry of Health Sexual Health Campaign manager Sally Hughes was delighted the commercial, which ran from November to February, had found success with a wider audience.

"We know the Hubba message has worked for young people and it's great to know the animation specialists agree."

The pro-condom ad, which was slammed by new political party Destiny New Zealand for "promoting sex" to youth, was embraced by doctors, educators and teens.

- NZPA