Sitcom actors get in on Air NZ's safety message

APNZ

21 Jun, 2012 05:30 PM2 mins to read

Early next month, Air New Zealand is launching a new hand-sketched in-flight safety video fronted by Emmy-nominated American actor Ed O'Neill - of hit TV show <I>Modern Family</I> - and New Zealand-born actress Melanie Lynskey of <I>Two and a Half Men</I>. The new video features 'cameo appearances' from a range of well known personalities, including world leaders like United States President Barack Obama, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and French President Francois Hollande. Other well-known faces include All Black Captain Richie McCaw, Olympians Mahe Drysdale and Valerie Adams, television star Paul Henry and rapper Snoop Dogg. The new safety video will be progressively rolled out on all international and domestic jet flights from early July.

Air New Zealand is promising passengers some celebrity spotting - of the animated kind.

Kiwi actress Melanie Lynskey and Married with Children actor Ed O'Neill voice the airline's latest pre-flight video, featuring sketch drawings of the pair.

Others to make animated appearances include US President Barack Obama, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, broadcaster Paul Henry, rapper Snoop Dogg and Chinese TV personality Kevin Tsai.

The video has drawn international attention, even featuring in OK magazine. "Bored by snoozy pre-flight safety videos? Fly Air New Zealand - they got Ed O'Neill and Kiwi Two and a Half Men actress Melanie Lynskey to record fun versions!" it said.

The airline is known for its attention-grabbing safety videos, which have previously featured body-painted airline staff, All Blacks and fitness guru Richard Simmons leading a lycra-clad crew, attracting millions of views online.

The latest safety video will be on all flights from early next month, and can be previewed on YouTube.

Since her role in Peter Jackson's Heavenly Creatures, Lynskey has starred with Charlie Sheen in Two and a Half Men and in the film Up in the Air.

Air NZ marketing chief Mike Tod said the video conveyed safety messages "in an engaging, informative way that also makes people smile". It also recognised world events and well-known personalities.