LOS ANGELES, July 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Air New Zealand teamed up with comedic actress Anna Faris, star of CBS' hit television show "Mom," and New Zealand actor and comedic legend, Rhys Darby, for its latest safety video, Safety in Hollywood.

In true Hollywood fashion, the airline world-premiered the safety video in Los Angeles, ahead of today's global launch. The red carpet premiere was attended by several notable Kiwi celebrities including Martin Henderson, Alan Dale and Michelle Ang.

The safety video was shot at the historic Warner Bros. Studios in Los Angeles, and explores several different film genres as Darby tries to convince Faris to play a role in Air New Zealand's new safety video with him.

"It's been fantastic to partner again with Warner Bros., which helped to produce the wildly popular "The Hobbit" safety video," said Jodi Williams, Air New Zealand's Head of Global Brand. "Anna and Rhys make a great comedic duo and really bring this safety video to life, while also entertaining customers and imparting key safety messages."

"Our inflight safety videos are now world-famous. Interest has been phenomenal, and we know people anticipate their release. Collectively, they've attracted more than 50 million online views and have been featured globally in news outlets like CNN, BBC, Time.com and The Daily Mail.  This latest video will again bring attention to New Zealand from around the globe and encourage visitors to travel to our wonderful country. It is also another great example of the diverse set of creative talent that our nation nurtures."

Faris says it's been exciting and an honor to follow in the footsteps of acting legends like Emmy Award and Grammy Award winner Betty White, the world-champion All Blacks rugby team, and the cast of "The Hobbit" to take Air New Zealand's acclaimed safety videos in a new creative direction.

"I really wanted to be part of this project because Air New Zealand has redefined safety videos with its fun and creative approach.  It's so easy to tune out when watching a traditional safety video, so it comes as such a delightful surprise when you get something that's really funny and engaging. And working with Rhys was an absolute treat." 

Darby says starring in the safety video was a great experience and quite special given he is now based in Hollywood.

"Air New Zealand's safety videos are a Kiwi staple and reflect the Kiwi sense of humor.  I think people will really enjoy watching this safety video as it takes them on a magical ride through the movie making world, while still bringing to life the key safety messages."

Safety in Hollywood was filmed at four different sets at Warner Bros. Studios, where some of Hollywood's most legendary movies have been filmed, including "Jurassic Park," "Casablanca," "War of the Worlds" and television series 'True Blood."  More than 20 extras were also involved, including Chester the Chihuahua, who has appeared in "Transformers" and "Grey's Anatomy."

Safety in Hollywood will be rolled out across the airline's fleet starting today and can be viewed online here and shared using #AirNZSafety across social media.

For more information about Air New Zealand, please visit at www.airnewzealand.com / www.airnewzealand.ca
Fan us on Facebook at Facebook.com./AirNewZealandUSA/Facebook.com / Facebook.com/AirNewZealandCanada
Follow us on Twitter at @AirNZUSA / @AirNZCAD

Issued by Air New Zealand Public Affairs ph +64 21 747 320

About Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand, which celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2015, operates on average 500 flights a day connecting customers to 22 destinations within New Zealand and to international ports across Asia, Europe, Australia, North America, South America, and the Pacific Islands. North American services include non-stop flights to New Zealand from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, Honolulu and Vancouver B.C., and Los Angeles non-stop flights to the Cook Islands and London.

About Star Alliance:

Air New Zealand is proud to be a member of Star Alliance. The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer worldwide reach, recognition and seamless service to the international traveller. Its acceptance by the market has been recognized by numerous awards, including the Air Transport World Market Leadership Award and Best Airline Alliance by both Business Traveller Magazine and Skytrax. The member airlines are: Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Avianca in Brazil, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, THAI and United. Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers more than 18,500 daily flights to 1,330 airports in 192 countries.

For more information about Air New Zealand visit www.airnewzealand.com and for more information about Star Alliance visit www.staralliance.com and/or follow Star Alliance on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, LinkedIn or Instagram.

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6El8XiODwE&feature
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160721/391913

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/air-new-zealand-debuts-newest-safety-video-300302226.html

SOURCE Air New Zealand