A new KIA film is a showcase of what post production company Reel Factory and New Zealand bring to the Asian market. Shot in just two days across multiple locations, the film highlights the Kiwi “can-do” spirit. New Zealand is well known for great long form work, however this showcases the gap in the market for an overdue return to Asia productions.
Stephen Douglas, Founder of production representation company m25, says: ‘having lived and worked in the New Zealand production industry for many years, this latest ‘KIA’ spot from m25 partners, Reel Factory (Auckland) really showcases the crews, production, post and talent and locations as a one stop destination, which was always a big factor in attracting work from Asia.”
Building on the momentum of the award-winning Kia EV6 campaign, Reel Factory has once again teamed up with KIA’s Auckland agency Work Communications to unveil Kia’s flagship electric SUV, the EV9, via a heartwarming new TV campaign. Shot across the stunning landscapes of New Zealand, the 45-second spot follows a father-daughter duo on a road trip, highlighting the EV9’s unique features and its role in bringing people closer together.
The EV9 campaign was shot during the picturesque New Zealand summer, taking full advantage of the country’s diverse locations – ranging from cityscapes to countryside and coastal areas – all within a two-day shoot. The concept behind the campaign was to showcase the unique features of Kia’s 7-seater EV9, while telling an emotional, relatable story of connection. The car’s ability to power appliances like lights for camping, along with its sustainably sourced interior materials, were highlighted to reinforce Kia’s commitment to cutting-edge innovation, design, and sustainability.
Dan Watkins, Executive Producer, Reel Factory, said: “Shooting in New Zealand gave us the ability to capture such a wide range of landscapes in a short timeframe—urban, rural, and coastal settings, all just a few hours apart. This really speaks to the beauty and versatility of the country as a filming location, especially for a vehicle like the EV9, which is all about exploration and innovation.”
Reel Factory brought their in-house technical expertise to the table, utilizing custom-built tracking cars, multiple cinema-grade cameras, vehicle rigging, low loaders, and a state-of-the-art cinema drone system to capture dynamic and visually stunning footage. Everything was shot on the latest Red 8k camera systems, ensuring that the visuals are as high-tech as the vehicle they showcase.
Greg MacDonald, sales and marketing general manager at Kia NZ, says: “The EV9 sets a new bar for electric vehicles not only in New Zealand, but globally. It was also amazing to work with such a talented team of locals to put this ad campaign together”
Watkins added: “Working on the EV9 campaign was an absolute pleasure, especially with the cutting-edge technology that Kia continues to bring to the table. We were able to push the limits of our production capabilities, using custom-built rigs and the latest camera systems to capture the EV9’s story in a way that’s both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.”
“By combining the natural beauty of New Zealand with advanced filmmaking technology, Reel Factory and Work Communications have created a campaign that is set to make a lasting impression – both on screen and for the EV9’s presence in the global market,” said Douglas.
Credits
Production: Reel Factory
Executive Producer: Dan Watkins
Director: Jonny Zeller
Producer: Pippa Keiller
DOP: Chris Watkins
VFX: Leon Senf
Advertiser: Kia New Zealand
General Manager Sales & Marketing: Greg MacDonald Creative & Media Agency: Work Communications
Managing Director: Gaylene Anderson
Creative: Ben Chandler
Creative: Steve Charlton
Account Director: Marisa Kirkbride
Media Colourist: Marc McCarthy
Sound: Radiate
Senior Sound Engineer: David Liversidge
