Just watched the new British Airways safety video which will be rolled out onto their aircraft on September 1st, 2017. This safety video was produced in collaboration with Comic Relief, who are a major charity based in the UK, with a vision of a just world, free from poverty.

Ten British celebrities are depicted auditioning for a coveted part in the new BA safety video in front of comedian Asim Chaudhry character Chabuddy G.

There are eight sketches advertising the safety features and procedures on the aircraft.

1. It starts with Chiwetel Ejiofor, who was nominated for an Academy award for his role in “12 Years a Slave“.
2. This is followed by Gordon Ramsay, the foul mouthed celebrity chef who orders passengers to put their bags away but discovers that Joanna Lumley was meant to have the role!
3. Thandie Newton asks passengers to look towards the cabin crew for directions to the emergency exits while Chaudry tries to chat her up 
4.  Sir Ian McKellen and Warwick Davis steal the video as they demonstrate the emergency oxygen masks 
5.  The Welsh comedian Rob Brydon does a hilarious demonstration of the life jackets which I found grabbed my attention for what can be such a routine process 
6. One of my favourite actors,  Jim Broadbent was clearly not trusted to say anything by Chabuddy G and gets to merely fold the seat-back tray table
7. Gillian Anderson focuses on seriously explaining the brace position 
8. Rowan Atkinson turns up as Mr. Bean trying to fill a Comic Relief donation envelope but spills the money across the cockpit and tries to recover it

This is the Director’s Cut which is a little shorter than the actual safety video.

Two questions:

1. Will people be more likely or less likely to remember the safety features of the plane?
2. Is the video too long?

Here is the behind the scenes video which is just as fun:

Since British Airways’ partnership with Comic Relief began in 2010 it has raised £16.5 million to help children around the world living incredibly tough lives. The airline aims to raise £20 million by 2020. For the impact of the donations, check out this video about Bruna, a girl from Brazil:

 

This video is funny, helpful and for a good cause. Feels like a win win win! Look forward to seeing this on a BA A380 after September!

 

Related Posts

• Emirates New Safety Video

• Qantas Brilliant New Safety Video unpacked – Aussies may need a hanky

• Oman’s new safety video Vs Qantas: Imitation the greatest form of flattery