HM Coastguard

a bit of background

We’ve produced several cinematic films for the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) and HM Coastguard.

The iconic Dial 999 for the Coastguard public information campaign film was first broadcast in 1968, featuring the animated characters ‘Joe and Petunia’. To mark its 50th anniversary, we were commissioned to produce a 40-second campaign film to highlight the vital life-saving message that is just as important now as it was back then. The brief was to incorporate the original Joe and Petunia footage, yet also feature its modern-day teams and equipment in action.

In contrast, we were also commissioned to produce a public information film aimed at promoting MCA’s brand new S92 search and rescue helicopter. Both films required a different approach.

the approach

Using the original Joe and Petunia footage was a challenge in itself due to the standard definition 4:3 ratio format… not quite in keeping with today’s standards. We devised a solution whereby footage of the much-loved animated characters would fit in with the newly shot 4K footage. We opted for an action sequence with a modern day narrative, with the 1968 animation composited on elements of the real-life environment.

For the S92 promotional film, the helicopter was the star of the show. We utilised a second helicopter to film the S92 from the air, resulting in some stunning aerial shots, backed up by a second film crew on the ground. Working with MCA we created a sea rescue scenario. Careful and precise planning was crucial as we only had access to the S92 and crew for a limited time, not to mention limited daylight hours, and of course the possibility of a real-life emergency that would call the crew away at short notice.

HM Coastguard – Joe & Petunia 50 year anniversary film from OneTwo on Vimeo.