The drama in Home and Away is about to spill out of the main storyline and into the ad break, as Specsavers brings its trademark “Should’ve gone to Specsavers” humour to Summer Bay.
Viewers can expect 15-second mini-soaps filmed on location, each starting like a tense Home and Away moment before revealing a sight-related slip-up which start airing from tonight.
It’s the first time the long-running Aussie drama has let a brand play inside its own world — and things might be about to get blurry in the Bay.
From Seven:
Stone the flamin’ crows! ‘Should’ve gone to Specsavers’ goes to Summer Bay – Specsavers announces new integrated partnership with the Seven Network’s Home and Away
Specsavers today announces a partnership with Australia’s number one television drama series, Home and Away. Starting on 11 August, viewers of the Seven Network drama will be treated to “Should’ve gone to Specsavers” moments exclusive to Home and Away.
Developed by 7RED Engine, the campaign features mini dramas using iconic locations from the show, played out by characters that bring together the drama of Home and Away with the comedic twist of Specsavers to highlight the importance of regular sight tests.
The partnership consists of six 15-second TVCs, each built around relatable mix-ups that stem from sight issues. They begin with the characters involved in what appear to be tense and dramatic scenes, but then unexpected twists reveal harmless scenarios, with just visual mishaps to blame for any confusion.
Whether it’s a surfer showing off his new tattoo with a typo, a dad mistaking his baby for another baby in the Pier Diner or a mistaken proposal on the iconic Summer Bay beach, Specsavers’ trademark comedic timing and delivery are unmistakable.
“Home and Away gives us a great platform to reach the right audience but as with all our ‘Should’ve’ campaigns it’s relatable and has that core serious message at the heart of it.”
“We all know that mistakes are easily made if your eyesight is failing, and so these executions are a good reminder to Australians of all ages to look after their eye health,” said Specsavers Head of Marketing, Awareness & Consideration, Anri McHugh.
“Specsavers is a brand which has consistently proved the longevity and success of TV advertising, and the creativity of the new sponsorship builds on both Home and Away and Specsavers’ enduring appeal.”
“I hope Home and Away viewers enjoy watching the series of TVCs as much as our team enjoyed making them with the 7REDEngine team,” he continued.
Seven’s National Television Sales Director, Katie Finney, said:
“Home and Away has long been a ratings powerhouse for Seven, captivating Australian audiences for decades and growing its total TV audience by 10 per cent year-on-year.”
“This new partnership with Specsavers connects the brand with Australia’s most loved drama, highlighting the importance of regular eye checks while adding a dose of light-hearted, comedic drama to our ad breaks.”
Head of 7RED Engine Creative, Ben Fletcher, said:
“Bringing together two iconic brands – Home and Away and Specsavers – has given us the opportunity to create a first for the series and something truly memorable for our audience.”
“It’s been a pleasure collaborating with Specsavers, who not only recognised the creative potential, but championed it from the start.”
Home and Away’s audience is a key demographic for Specsavers and the sponsorship, negotiated and bought by WPP media brand EssenceMediacom, is a new and fully integrated way for the brand to reach prime-time Australian TV viewers.
Remona Salem from EssenceMediaCom said:
“This new sponsorship is a fantastic partnership between one of Australia’s number one local television dramas and one of the most recognisable TV advertisers.”
“Specsavers is a brand that has consistently proven the longevity and success of TV advertising, and the creativity of this new sponsorship builds on both Home and Away and Specsavers’ enduring appeal with Australian audiences. We’re delighted to bring this iconic partnership together.”
“Airing from August 11, six 15-second TVCs will be rotated weekly across the show, naturally aligning with upcoming storylines and themes.”
“We’ll have a national presence across the Seven Network, appearing on metro and regional linear TV broadcasts, and will feature on streaming of Home and Away on 7plus.”
“This will be further supported by comprehensive digital and social plans.”
