Steve Buscemi Stars as Alien in New Telstra Campaign

SYDNEY, Australia — The new sci-fi visual campaign released by Bear Meets Eagle on Fire features actor Steve Buscemi as an alien overlord wreaking havoc on Australia. Directed by Randy Krallman, the campaign highlights the use of practical effects combined with visual effects to create a unique aesthetic.

Dubbed ‘scamageddon’, the film centers on Buscemi’s character attempting to unleash chaos, only to be repeatedly thwarted by Telstra’s security network. The retro-futuristic design, reminiscent of 1980s sci-fi films, aims to combine humor with a compelling storyline. According to Micah Walker, the agency’s CCO, the production was influenced by iconic filmmakers like Stanley Kubrick and the aesthetics of classic sci-fi media.

“For us, the thing that was really important was an elevated standard of craft,” Walker stated. “We wanted the villain noise to kind of be a step behind Telstra.” This blend of serious and humorous elements aims to engage the audience while imparting the clear message of Telstra’s security capabilities.

Director Randy Krallman emphasized the comedic aspects of the character, stating, “The writing was just so funny. The alien was very funny.” The portrayal of Buscemi’s character is described as ambitious yet inept, adding a humorous twist to the narrative.

VFX supervisor Stefan Coory highlighted the creative technology behind the production, noting that major portions of the set were crafted with CGI to enhance the visual experience. The production designer, Jiri Matura, mentioned, “Anything you bring in, you have to design and create.” This meticulous approach aimed at building a convincing sci-fi world drew in various elements, making the campaign visually stunning.

The collaboration between different creative professionals is reflected in the humor and depth of the final piece. “So many of my favorite parts [of the shoot] were [Steve] just taking our lines and running with them,” Krallman said. The campaign is a blend of creativity and technology, promising to capture the audience’s imagination while delivering its core message.