Goodbye Pork Pie, Hello New Original

Media Alert

New Zealand, 1 July 2014

Goodbye Pork Pie, Hello New Original

One of New Zealand’s favourite movies, Goodbye Pork Pie, has made a comeback today with MINI New Zealand releasing its remake of the film’s iconic Lake Hawea chase scene.

The scene, which features a number of ‘new originals’ including a new Director, new cast and the all new MINI Hatch in place of the original 1978 model, has been created to celebrate the launch of the new model released to the New Zealand market in April.

MINI Marketing Manager Simonne Mearns says the remade scene is the perfect ‘launch vehicle’ for the new MINI Hatch.

“The latest MINI is full of a number of new features – enough to warrant us making a big scene about it. Which is exactly what we did.”

“Goodbye Pork Pie was the perfect fit for MINI. There is definitely a little ‘Blondini’ inherent in the brand; we like to test the boundaries and push the limits, and a cheeky attitude is part of MINI’s ethos.”

“In addition, like the Blondini Gang, we are always up for the challenge - which in this case was remaking one of the tougher, but more iconic scenes from what is one of New Zealand’s most-loved movies. We are stoked with the result and hope Kiwis will enjoy it,” she says.

This is a feeling that shared by remake director Matt Murphy who thinks “that most New Zealanders will be intrigued by the remade scene. The image of the new volcanic orange MINI being chased by a replica police car somehow translates to the original movie really easily. At the same time, it is also new.”

In responding to what he believes his father might think of the remade scene, Murphy says, “My father knows of the project. You’ll have to ask him what he thinks, but I’d say he’s chuffed that the Pork Pie story still generates a significant following.”

The remade scene will be available for the public to view online from Tuesday 1 July at goodbyeporkpie2014.co.nz.

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Notes to editors

Background

In production since April, the scene was designed as a tribute to Goodbye Pork Pie and a way in which to bring MINI, the little street demon raring to have some fun, to life and in way that would resonate with Kiwis.

After having secured a modern-day director (Matt Murphy) and the new MINI Hatch to star in the remake, all that was left for MINI to do was find one daring & brave kiwi to join in on the ride.

Through a series of challenges via a dedicated website and in-mall activations, MINI went about a dedicated recruitment process – daring Kiwis to be a little adventurous and apply their sense of humour by completing a number of Blondini challenges.

There was a huge response to this component, with more than 2,000 people getting in on the act in the hope of winning the chance to sit in the passenger seat of the MINI during the mid-May shoot.

In the end, it was 23 year old freelance film maker Vincent Blake Chilton whose audition tape captured the eye of director Matt Murphy – securing him the coveted spot.

Joining Senior BMW Driving Instructor Mike Eady (who played ‘Gerry’) in the MINI Hatch, Vincent spent a day on set enjoying the thrill as the new MINI’s go-kart handling was put to the test, outdriving & outclassing the pursuing ‘cop’ - Australia's premier Stunt Coordinator Harry Dakanalis – around Lake Hawea.

About the new MINI Hatch

The all new MINI Hatch went on sale in New Zealand in April 2014 and features a new generation of more powerful and fuel efficient engines, a stylish new interior cockpit design that raises the bar to unprecedented standards, the introduction of latest technologies including variable driving modes and options such as head-up display and LED headlights. Priced from $36,200 (six-speed manual driveaway), it is available for purchase from MINI dealerships throughout the country.

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