Harry and Stephen are back! In a new TV campaign for Hastings Direct, created by RAPP and produced by Blinkink.
The new campaign, directed by Jonny & Will at Blinkink, comprises five TV ads. They evolve the relationship between brand characters Harry Hastings and Stephen Seagull, who are brought to life by the voices of Martin Jarvis and James Buckley.
The characters appear in a series of lighthearted seaside vignettes, talking about Hastings’ car and home insurance products and the benefits they provide to customers. This year’s campaign brings added warmth to Harry’s character, which was previously more serious.
The ads support Hastings’ renewed digital focus and drive people directly to its website. They were written and art directed by Daryn Lawrence and Simon Kavanagh at RAPP.
Nicola Charles, digital and marketing director, Hastings Direct, said: “Our new campaign really brings our insurance products to life through our charming characters Harry and Stephen. We really want people to engage with our products and understand the benefits and savings they get from our policies and these ads do this beautifully. ”
“Hastings is one of the fastest growing insurance brands in the UK and these ads really convey all that’s great about its products. The way we have evolved the characters helps customers relate to insurance products because they act out scenes that we’re all familiar with. We’re really excited to be working with Hastings Direct on its journey of growth,” John Perkins, RAPP’s managing director, said.
The first ad, ‘seafood stall’ breaks on 2nd March, with the others rolling out nationwide through the year. Media was bought and planned by RAPP Media This is RAPP’s first major campaign for Hastings Direct since winning both the media and creative accounts in two separate pitches through Agency Insight last year.