Cunard has unveiled a brand new animated timelime, giving viewers an insight into some of the most iconic moments in the shipping line’s illustrious 175-year history.
Launched today on Cunard’s website (www.cunard.co.uk), the animation moves seamlessly through the decades, taking the viewer on a journey through some of the company’s most significant moments. It comes as Cunard’s three Queens prepare to depart Southampton on their world voyages, with Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria meeting in Sydney in a spectacular Royal Rendezvous on March 12, as part of the 175 year anniversary events happening around the world during 2015.
The brand new animated timeline can be viewed on Cunard official YouTube channel: http://youtu.be/BUwpEBPn5_0 or on Cunard’s website at www.cunard.co.uk/cruise-types/anniversary-cruises-2015/
The timeline begins in 1840 with Sir Samuel Cunard as Britannia makes its maiden transatlantic voyage to Halifax, Nova Scotia. As this unique journey continues, the viewer is drawn through history, taking in Cunard’s participation in WWI, the very first World Voyage in 1922 on Laconia, and the glamour and glitz of the 1950s. The fascinating animation takes Cunard’s story right through to the present as the cruise line prepares to celebrate its big anniversary year.
Simon Attwater, Group Creative Director at DigitasLBi, the global marketing and technology agency who, along with the award winning animation company NOMINT, worked with Cunard to create the detailed animation was excited by the unusual brief.
“As a history geek, the chance to look back at Cunard’s illustrious 175 year history was a dream of a brief. Rifling through the annals was a delight and turned up wonderfully individual and quirky facts. We’ve woven them into a two and a half minute story that celebrates what it is that makes Cunard unique. Most brands don’t have the luxury of an illustrious story that has literally changed history. Consequently many attempt to make one up. However, Cunard is different. After spending considerable time with the Cunard historian, Michael Gallagher we were blown away by the rich heritage of the company,” Mr Attwater said.
The task of squeezing 175 years into a two and half minute short animation was no small feat, providing creative challenges along the way. Christopher McKee and Richard Morgan, creative team at DigitasLBi continues:
“Our biggest challenge was realising our ambitious ideas, trying to animate 175 years proved tough as each decade looked so different. I think we’re most proud of the complex New York scene because it says so much about Cunard as a brand. Also the WWI scene which, as viewers will see, communicates an important historical moment in a very respectful manner.”
Celebrating 175 years of history, the gripping animation is sure to hold many surprises for those unfamiliar with Cunard’s rich history, including the loss of 20 ships from the fleet when they were deployed during WWI from 1914-1918. As well as being called upon at time of crisis, the animation also details how Cunard played its part in the world of fashion and glamour as many of the world’s most iconic movie stars graced the Promenade Deck of Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth in the 1950s. Fred Perry, Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor to mention just a few, were regular guests as they made their way across the Atlantic.
Angus Struthers, Cunard’s Marketing Director said, “For those unfamiliar with Cunard, it’s difficult to comprehend how much of a role the company has played in shaping the world of ocean travel as we know it today. This year is our 175th anniversary and we are proud to be able to showcase everything we have achieved in this time. We have so much planned for 2015, including events across the globe which we hope as many people as possible will join us for and take their place in our history books too.”
Cunard will also be launching a brand new social media campaign today which showcases the type of images that would have been taken over the generations on board our ships if modern technology, like the Smartphone ‘selfie’ phenomenon, were around 175 years ago. Those interested in following can find Cunard on Twitter at @CunardLine or follow the cruise line on Facebook www.facebook.com/cunard
For more details on Cunard visit www.cunard.com, phone 132 441 or see a licensed travel agent.
SOURCE Cunard