Trigger launches NZ ‘Chariots of Fire’ trailer

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Ponsonby-based agency Trigger Marketing & Publicity has launched a poster and trailer campaign to advertise Transmission Films’ upcoming Richie McCaw movie, Chasing Great, shot by Augusto, and opening nationwide on Thursday 1 September.

Past Trigger projects include Taika Waititi’s Boy (the first NZ film to reach $9 million at the NZ box office), Cliff Curtis/James Rolleston’s The Dark Horse, NZ rock band, and NZ rock band Devilskin’s album and national tour

“This emotive and explosive trailer for Chasing Great gives New Zealanders their very first look into this highly anticipated film,” says Trigger’s Kylie Leggoe. “Chasing Great takes audiences into the mind of a champion – with unprecedented access to Richie McCaw, exclusive family archives and never before seen footage.”

Lorde ‘a perfect fit’
The trailer soundtrack is from another high-achieving New Zealander, Lorde. “Lorde’s cover of Everybody Wants To Rule The World was a perfect fit,” Leggoe said.

The blurb says Chasing Great is “an insightful portrayal that weaves Richie McCaw’s life story into his final season as an All Black, revealing the determination and mental toughness of an international sporting legend who still sees himself as an ‘ordinary guy’ from small-town New Zealand.”

Richie McCaw said: “I was always quite keen to make sure I kept some of the private stuff private, not for any reason other than I just felt that was the right thing to do. But I got to the end and one of the reasons for doing this is, I took a lot out of the opportunities I got and this is a chance to try and inspire perhaps some young kids or show that you don’t have to be given some super human talent or anything to fulfil your dreams … it’s not something magic, it’s a bit of dedication, hard work – those sort of things that, allow you to fulfil those dreams.”

Michelle Walshe & Justin Pemberton
The film was directed by Michelle Walshe and Justin Pemberton. “This is a film for New Zealanders young and old,” Walshe says. “It will really connect with anyone interested in what it takes for an ordinary person to achieve phenomenal accomplishments.”

Pemberton said: “Ultimately, what grabs me are stories about people who are extraordinarily driven, and the sporting arena is rich with inspiring passionate people – and it’s the intriguing character study that really excites me.”

Michelle Walshe also shoots TVCs – often with a sports theme. See her global Adidas spot here, and her local ASB Classic tennis spot here.

Pemberton is a professional documentary maker.

Film Commission on board
Transmission GM Michael Eldred said: “The filmmakers have skilfully managed to go behind the scenes and capture the essence of what it takes to become a champion. It is a privilege to be releasing this truly inspiring film to audiences across New Zealand and Australia.”

NZ Film Commission ceo Dave Gibson said: “We have no doubt there is an audience waiting to see Richie McCaw on the big screen. The trailer captures how cinematic and captivating the film is, with its beautifully shot scenes and big-screen grandiosity.”

The Chasing Great World Premiere screening will be hosted on Tuesday 30 August at The Civic Theatre, Auckland. Richie McCaw will attend this red-carpet event.

Chasing Great is rated G (provisional rating). Chasing Great is produced by Augusto, in association with Southern Light Films, with investment from the NZ Film Commission, Woodward Trust and the NZ Government’s Screen Production Grant with financing from Kiwibank.

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