Background 
 
On the milestone anniversary, we needed to nod to the House’s legacy, while affirming its relevance into the future. The project also sought to undo the elitist connotations sometimes attached to this global icon, with the message that the Opera House – like art itself – belongs to everyone. With satirist Tim Minchin and director Kim Gehrig, we created Play It Safe: a clarion call for artistic bravery. Combining striking visuals of the House’s iconic exterior with the bold displays of creativity that take place inside, the film is a musical journey from nervous conformity to joyful riot. The film 
 

Cultural Context  

From its inception, the concept for the Sydney Opera House faced protests, political pressure, and outright criticism. While Australians would like to think we’re still as brave and open-minded a nation as we were back in 1973, like many countries around the world, our once defiant culture is being stifled by an increasingly conservative social and political climate. Australia’s cultural identity is a contradiction – we’re defined by a love of boldness, until we actually see it.  

We wanted to appeal to Australia’s best side by taking aim at its worst.   
And our lead artist and songwriter was key to delivering our message. 
Australian artist Tim Minchin is an internationally renowned Australian comedian, provocateur and songwriter. A passionate advocate of the arts and challenging the status quo, we knew Tim’s experience would give him a unique perspective on resisting conformity and creating provocative work that lives on in culture. 

Results  

Since its release, Play It Safe has made Australians laugh, cry, and burst with pride. 

It was covered widely, locally and internationally, landing 662 stories in top-tier publications across TV, radio, digital and print media.  

Play It Safe achieved a total campaign reach of 1.8 billion people globally. 

It appealed to existing members and subscribers, with 40% surveyed participants were ‘certain to visit’ after seeing the film.  

And more importantly, 73% of people not on their database said they “had a better opinion of Sydney Opera House’ after watching the film, and 49% said they were “certain or very likely to visit”  
 
And Tim Minchin now closes his shows with the song.