Contact - They Shoot Commercials, don't they?

This Contact episode goes behind the scenes on a big budget commercial from the early days of the Kiwi film renaissance: a 1982 Crunchie bar ad which owes so much to Star Wars, the film crew even call their villain Darth. After 12 hour days working inside the Waitomo Caves, a move to Ninety Mile Beach sees the weather playing havoc with sets and schedules. Seeking fresh faces, commercials king Geoff Dixon (Crumpy and Scotty) cast his lead actors in Australia. Television adverts were even made to announce the arrival of the ad — which plays over the closing credits.

Walk up here very boldly, okay. Bold as you can, as if you own the bloody world.

– Director Geoff Dixon gives instructions to actor Ian Barber, who plays the villain

Key Cast & Crew

Geoff Dixon

Director of Crunchie commercial

Murray Newey

First Assistant Director on Crunchie commercial

George Andrews

Writer, Narrator

Ian Barber

As: Villain

Monte Video

Composer of Crunchie commercial

Melanie Rodriga (née Read)

Editor