Etihad Airways Achieves the Impossible with Epic Skydiving Orchestra Stunt
Dubai, UAE – Hanzo Films collaborated with Impact BBDO to create a stunning new campaign for Etihad Airways. The campaign, celebrating the movie Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, became an instant viral hit. It has gained worldwide attention and is now the most-watched Etihad campaign since the airline began. The project highlights Hanzo Films’ skill in creating powerful and successful ad films for major global brands.
A Real Stunt for a Blockbuster Movie
This was no ordinary TV commercial. In a move that perfectly matched the action of the Mission: Impossible series, Hanzo Films produced a video featuring a skydiving orchestra. The ad shows musicians playing the famous movie theme song while falling from 13,000 feet. Amazingly, this complex stunt was filmed for real & designed by Hollywood action choreographer- Joe Jennings. The production used no CGI or visual effects (VFX), making the final ad film even more incredible.
This major film production was a team effort. It brought together Etihad Airways, Paramount Pictures, and the creative agency Impact BBDO Dubai. With offices in Dubai, Singapore, and Mumbai, Hanzo Films was the ideal choice to manage this challenging and ambitious project.
The Making of a Skydiving Orchestra
Filming a commercial mid-air brought unique challenges. Our film production team had to find musicians who could also skydive, along with a specialist skydiving cameraman to capture stunning shots. Safety and perfect timing were crucial. The musicians trained for weeks, and custom gear was built to secure their instruments during the jump. This level of planning reflects the high standards Hanzo Films brings to every commercial and digital campaign.”
A Viral Success Story
The campaign, led by director Henri Bassel with Directors of Photography Adam Feurmaan and Joe Jennings, quickly became a viral success online. It shows how a great idea, combined with expert film production, can create amazing results. This project is another major success for Hanzo Films, adding to its work for famous brands like Emirates, Cadbury, and IKEA.The partnership also highlighted the UAE as a major filming destination. A key sequence of the Mission: Impossible movie was filmed at Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Midfield Terminal, bringing the collaboration full circle in Hanzo Films’ home ground.
Watch the Full Film and Learn More
You can watch Etihad Airways – Mission Impossible 7 ad film for the Etihad Airways client on the Hanzo Films work page. For more details on the campaign, you can check out the featured piece by LBB.