Bear Grylls Fronts Canon’s RWC Film Series & Getty Photographer Experience

Imaging brand Canon has opened its Rugby World Cup sponsorship activation with an online video series fronted by adventurer and TV star Bear Grylls and a fan experience partnership with Getty Images.

The film see Grylls open up about his love of the sport and his favourite rugby moments as the brand leverages growing excitement around the tournament which kicks off

The online spot features Grylls visiting one of the Rugby World Cup stadium’s along with Getty Images’ rugby photographer Dave Rogers.

The pair discusses key rugby images and moments – including when Rogers captured Jonny Wilkinson’s famous 2003 World Cup winning drop goal against Australia.

This opening spot promotes the capabilities of the Canon PowerShot G3 X (a camera which combines the versatility of a 25x optical zoom lens with premium imaging performance) which is positioned as ‘the perfect device for fans to capture photos and movies of Rugby World Cup 2015 and their adventures’.

This launch film is the first episode in a wider Canon video series on action photography.

This set will see Grylls and Rogers offer tournament-related tips on capturing action shots.

‘Bear’s adventurous personality and ethos of hard work, dedication and team spirit embodies the survival of the fittest mantra that is rugby,’ outlines Canon Europe’s consumer imaging marketing director Nigel Taylor.

‘As an explorer and adventurer, Bear perfectly mirrors our desire to invite consumers to look deeper at the world and inspire people to capture the enriching and captivating stories that unfold all around, every day.’

The launch spot also kicks off Canon’s experiential consumer competition.

This competition uses an online entry mechanism based around social media applications using the #CanonRugbyWin hashtag for rugby fans and amateur photographers to be in with a chance of winning an experience shadowing a Getty Images photographer at a Rugby World Cup training session and also to win tickets to the RWC opening match England v Fiji at Twickenham.

Comment

It was only back in December 2014 that imaging solutions outfit Canon was announced as an official sponsor of the Rugby World Cup 2015.

Marking the first time that Canon has partnered with rugby’s showcase event.

Canon’s image-led campaign focus certainly fits in with its brand strengths and its stated strategy when it signed up as a championship sponsor.

‘We are thrilled to extend our long history of involvement in the world’s best sporting events by supporting the Rugby World Cup for the first time. Images play a vital role in bringing the emotions and action of global sports to fans that are not able to experience the events in person,’ explained Canon EMEA communication chief James Leipnik at the time the deal was signed.

‘Our participation presents us with exciting opportunities to support professional photographers and fans with our imaging expertise, as they capture and share world class rugby moments throughout the tournament.”

The agreement spans several roles for Canon at the tournament – including providing print and copying solutions for the organisers in order to further enhance the spectator experience.

A dedicated Canon Professional Services (CPS) team will also be on site sharing their imaging expertise and helping accredited photographers with advice, maintenance services, equipment loans through the tournament.

Links

Canon RWC Website:

http://www.canon-europe.com/get-inspired/come-and-see/showcase/bear-grylls-rugby-world-cup-2015/

Canon Rugby Win Website:

www.canon.co.uk/canonrugbywin

Canon Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/CanonUKLtd/videos/956668184377174/

Canon Europe YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/user/CanonEurope

Canon Europe Website:

http://www.canon-europe.com/

Getty Images Website: