The new-look channel FOUR launches next weekend and the public were treated to an early taste of what’s to come with an installation of a giant 40-foot duck in the Auckland Harbour today.
The installation was designed by world renowned Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman, famous for integrating intriguing and interactive, oversized installations into public spaces all over the world. This is the first time an installation of this kind has been to Australasia.
Mr Hofman says he has a strong wish to amaze and make life a little more fun – which captures perfectly what FOUR is all about.
“We wanted to do something that ‘feels like FOUR’ that is – something that would surprise, delight and entertain people, just like the channel. The idents starring the giant duck will screen on FOUR from launch on February 6,” says director of marketing and communications, Roger Beaumont.
“In the meantime you can see him up close in the Auckland Harbour.”
Before coming to New Zealand, versions of the duck have appeared in several cities in Europe, including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Nürnberg as well as Osaka and Sao Paulo to name a few.
The New Zealand version of the duck was constructed locally in Whangarei.
At over 12 metres high and 14 metres wide, the duck is hard to miss. With over 800 square metres of fabric, it’s a bold statement, and the first of its kind in New Zealand.
The new look FOUR is all about entertainment.
"To celebrate the launch of a brand new channel we have created a series of on-air idents which encompass the values of the brand. The duck is part of this," says Mr Beaumont.
The FOUR launch campaign will roll out with a mixture of activity including online, print, cinema, digital, radio and on air.
The new look FOUR targets 18-49 year-olds (previously 15-39) and has wide ranging appeal with its broad line-up of programming.
As the home of pure entertainment, FOUR has a host of key new shows that push the boundaries and offers viewers a fun and consistently fresh line-up.
FOUR launches at 6pm next Sunday February 6.
Visit http://www.four.co.nz/bigrubberducky/ to see more about the duck.
3 News