Popular duo mark 30th anniversary by starring in retailer’s winter sale campaign.
Aardman has partnered with DFS to create a multi-channel campaign with Wallace & Gromit.
The cinema and TV spots – which are in the traditional time-honoured method of stop motion animation – also feature the voice of Academy Award nominee, Helena Bonham Carter as Lady Tottington.
This is the first time Nick Park – who was Aardman’s creative director on this campaign – has worked with Helena since she voiced the same character in the Academy Award-winning Wallace & Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit in 2005.
The spots begin with Wallace trying to win Lady Tottington’s affection by inventing the ultimate sofa for her, complete with a built-in foot massager. But, as with most of Wallace’s contraptions, things don’t go to plan.
Luckily, Gromit saves the day by enlisting the DFS craftspeople to make a sofa for Lady Tottington. The sofa featured is part of DFS’ Joules collection, which also partnered with Wallace & Gromit as part of the duo’s 30th year celebrations.
‘The Grand Sofa Caper’ campaign broke on December 14 in cinemas nationwide, and December 21 on all major TV channels, running until February 24. It also features press, digital, Out-of-Home, radio, social and email elements.
“We have built a successful relationship with Aardman and the new collaboration with Wallace & Gromit, is the next logical next step for our partnership,” explained Nick Ashworth, marketing director at DFS. “As brands, we share similar values and have the same commitment to quality craftsmanship.
“Wallace & Gromit are the perfect fit for our core target segments and allow us to show how we can bring comfort and quality to families this Christmas.”
The campaign was created by krow and directed by Aardman’s Madalena Osinska.
Nick Park added: “Wallace & Gromit’s world goes together so well with DFS, there’s a cosiness and warmth, but also an attention to detail and ‘handmade’ feel.”
Want to read more news like this? Simply sign up to our daily digest by clicking here. You can also follow @LicensingSource on Twitter.
