“Doing the right thing today will make a better tomorrow”: the powerful message audiences are left with at the end of Sky Zero’s brand new animated film ‘The Day The Moon Came Down To Earth’.

Sky  is hoping to inspire audiences to make planet-saving choices as well as putting its own carbon emissions commitment to the fore in the first major campaign for its new Sky Zero brand.

Sky Zero is the umbrella brand for all the activity Sky undertakes to help reduce the effects of climate change, from its own corporate commitments, its partnerships with WWF and COP26, as well as the programming it makes to raise awareness of environmental issues.

The first major campaign, created by Engine Creative, comprises a 60-second animated film. Sky Zero hopes to make its mark and inspire audiences to take action around climate change. The film is said to be inspired by the Overview Effect – a term to describe the profound experience astronauts have when they see the earth from space for the first time. As the animated video shows audiences images of a beautiful planet Earth from the perspective of the Moon visiting for the very first time. The film showcases stunning landscapes and wildlife but goes on to show the effects of climate change via forest fires and melting ice. However, audiences are left hopeful with the striking message ‘doing the right thing today will make a better tomorrow’ as people can be seen planting trees.

Jodie Alliss, Head of Environment Campaigns at Sky Zero, explained: “The Moon has watched over Earth since before time began. We thought there was no better character to visit our home and remind us of the wonder it holds. But also, to highlight the uncomfortable truth that climate change is having a devastating impact on the things we love. Fortunately, we still have the opportunity to save it and, here at Sky, we want to inspire people to join us on our net zero carbon journey”.

The idea behind the film is to remind audiences how truly magnificent the Earth is from this fresh perspective and thereby renew enthusiasm for making small changes that will contribute to slowing the earth’s temperature rise. At the same time the film raises awareness of Sky’s own pledge to achieve net-zero carbon by 2030.

“The rage and despair at the effects of climate change are understandable, but they are not enough. To effect positive change, we instead chose the motivation of hope.” explained Leon Jaume, Executive Creative Director at Engine Creative ”We wanted to remind ourselves we live somewhere wonderful that can still be saved. And to see ourselves through fresh eyes. So, we turned to our long-term neighbour, the Moon, and imagined how she might respond to seeing Earth up close for the very first time.”

Putting ESG into action

In the production of the ad, Sky Zero also maintained its environmental commitment. As a founding member of AdGreen, the initiative aiming to reduce the impact of the advertising sector, Sky ensured the film was created in full 3D/CG animation using low emission tech and carbon off-setting so as to be a fully net zero carbon production.

The film breaks on linear TV on 10th September in the UK, Italy, Germany, Ireland and Austria with activity also appearing on OOH, in print and on social media and coincides with Sky’s recent announcement that it has partnered with Tottenham Hotspur to host the world’s first net zero carbon football game at an elite level, #gamezero.

To truly combat climate change, pledges from businesses are essential to ensure that consumers feel supported and that meaningful change is coming from all areas. Through positive reinforcement and messages of togetherness, brands like Sky Zero lead the way toward a more sustainable future as being open about climate promises allows audiences to make sustainable choices and hold businesses accountable.