Bundaberg Rum unveils three new 'Forever Classic' ads with the Bundy Bear via Leo Australia

Bundaberg Rum is continuing its rollout of its new ‘Forever Classic’ brand platform featuring the Bundy Bear with three new TVCs following a successful return at the 2024 NRL Grand Final.

The three 30-second TVCs, developed with creative agency partner Leo Australia, mark the latest instalment in the campaign, all about making good times with mates timeless, through classic stitch-ups, classic moments, classic products and serves.

Impressively recognised by almost 70% of Aussies over 18*, Bundy Bear’s return to our screens sees him and his group of mates engaged in a game of one-upmanship via several classic stitch-ups. ”Scam Artist”, “Roar” and “Rug”, all bring to life Bundy Bear’s cheeky, larrikin nature, showing how a Bundy is best enjoyed amongst mates.

All TVCs have been directed by Mr Inbetween’s Nash Edgerton, featuring the fully animatronic 7-foot bear created by Academy-award-winning costume and prosthetics house, ‘Odd Studio’.

"As we head into footy season, we know there’s no better drink to have in hand than an ice-cold Bundy," Hayden Abercrombie, marketing manager – Rum at Diageo Australia, said.

"We’re thrilled with this next stage of ‘Forever Classic’, cementing the Bundy Bear at the front of Aussie hearts and minds as we gear up for many more timeless moments."

Tim Woolford and Tommy Cehak, executive creative directors at Leo Australia, said: “Bringing the iconic Bundy Bear back to our screens after such a long hibernation has made for a hell of a good time. Stitching up your mates, and drinking rum, does it get any better than that?”

A national OOH campaign will appear in market over the coming months, exploring the theme of classic stitch-ups, as well as targeted contextual billboards in Bundy Heartland centres across NSW and QLD. 

Campaign Credits

Diageo | Bundaberg Marketing Manager – Hayden Abercrombie Senior Brand Manager - Emma Ryan Assistant Brand Manager - Laura Rey Rodriguez Marketing & Innovation – Mark Mcleod PR & Culture Lead - Joanna Walsh

Creative Agency – Leo Australia General Manager - James Walker Smith Chief Creative Officer - Andy Fergusson Chief Strategy Officer - Catherine King Executive Creative Director - Tommy Cehak Executive Creative Director - Tim Woolford Copywriter - Bill Scheggia Copywriter – Kevin Ma Art Director - Lewis Catalano Senior Designer – Johnson Diep Senior Designer – Tiffany Wilson Group Account Director - Tyson Mahon Senior Business Director - Thomas Smyth Senior Integrated Producer - Libby Spark National Director of Production - Michael Demosthenous

Media - Hearts & Science Chief Strategy Officer - Kim Dolengowski Group Business Director - Katie Hailes Business Director - Declan Peach

Bundy Production Credits

Production Company: Collider  Managing Partner & Executive Producer: Rachael Ford-Davies Director: Nash Edgerton Executive Producer: Tom Slater Producer: Serena Paull Production Manager: Celia Tulevski 1st AD: Adam Wareham Director of Photography: Crighton Bone Production Designer: Mike Price Animatronics: Odd Studios Wardrobe Stylist: Sophie Fletcher Casting Director: McGregor Casting - Stevie Ray Post Production: Arc Edit Post Producer: Olivia Reddy Editor: Drew Thompson ASE Colourist: Fergus Rotherham Online: Richard Lambert Editor: Drew Thompson ASE Producer: Olivia Reddy Colourist: Fergus Rotherham Online: Richard Lambert Sound Designer: Damian Waldell (MassiveMusic) Sound Producer: Alexa Tonkin (MassiveMusic)

Photography Studio: Sam I Am Photographer – Toby Burrows Executive Producer – Rich Cole Senior Producer – Melanie Reardon Drink Stylist – Jess Johnson

 Bundy Bear created by Odd Studio Design & supervision: Damian Martin Workshop supervisor: Adam Johansen 3D Sculptor: Colin Ware Lead fabrication: Phoebe Thompson Fabrication: Kim Morris Key animatronics: Greg McKee Key animatronics: Matt Ward Animatronics: Phil Young Lead Fur artist: Katyani Tumahai Fur artist: Amy Vaughan Fur artist: Kala Harrison Fur artist: Emily James Foam runner: Steve Katz Mould shop: Luke Brown Mould shop: Nathan Larsson

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