Behind the Scenes of the Iconic Tata Sky+ HD TVC

Featuring Andy from LondonParkour & Charles Perrière from Yamakasi

In 2013, Tata Sky, India's leading satellite television service, launched a record-breaking TV commercial that set new benchmarks in Indian advertising. The ad, promoting the Tata Sky+ HD set-top box, was a trailblazer not just because of its engaging storyline but also due to its 3 minutes and 30 seconds runtime, making it the longest commercial ever aired in the history of Indian television.

The Plot: A High-Octane Prison Break Story

The commercial's captivating storyline revolves around a daring escape plan set in an Indian prison. During a high-stakes India-Pakistan cricket match, a group of foreign convicts attempts to break free. But there’s a twist—Tata Sky+ HD becomes an unexpected hero by intercepting the escape plan, showcasing the set-top box’s superior digital recording capabilities in a clever and imaginative way.

The advertisement combines suspense, action, and humor, effectively demonstrating Tata Sky’s technological edge while keeping viewers at the edge of their seats.

Filming the Commercial: A Global Collaboration

The commercial was shot in a real prison in Hungary, adding an authentic, gritty feel to its intense sequences. To capture the raw energy of a prison break, the production team enlisted Andy from LondonParkour and Charles Perrière, a founding member of the iconic French parkour group Yamakasi.

Andy’s Role in the TVC

Andy, a parkour expert from LondonParkour, was integral to bringing the thrilling escape scenes to life. His agility and parkour skills were crucial in making the action sequences feel dynamic and realistic. His contributions helped elevate the commercial to a level rarely seen in Indian TV ads.

The Yamakasi Connection: Charles Perrière

Alongside Andy was Charles Perrière, one of the original members of Yamakasi—the group that popularized parkour in France during the late 1990s. Charles's involvement added a layer of credibility to the stunts, blending parkour's fluidity with the commercial's fast-paced narrative.

The Creative Team Behind the Magic

This ambitious project was made possible by a collaboration of top-tier talent:

• Agency: Ogilvy
• Client: Tata Sky
• Production House: Curious
• Director: Vivek Kakkad
• Associate Director: Aarati Kakkad
• Line Production House: PPM (Budapest)
• Cinematographer: Maciek Sobieraj

The ad was meticulously crafted under the vision of Vivek Kakkad, with the support of Aarati Kakkad as the associate director. The line production in Budapest was managed by PPM, ensuring seamless execution on location. Maciek Sobieraj, the cinematographer, brilliantly captured the intense, high-speed sequences that made the commercial so visually captivating.

The Legacy of the Tata Sky+ HD TVC

The commercial became an instant hit, not only for its innovative concept and execution but also for how it showcased the state-of-the-art features of Tata Sky+ HD. By blending exhilarating parkour stunts, a suspenseful storyline, and the excitement of cricket, the ad managed to strike a chord with Indian audiences.

For parkour enthusiasts, it was a treat to see legends like Andy and Charles Perrière in action, demonstrating the art form's versatility and thrill.

Fun Fact: A Record-Breaking TV Ad

• The Tata Sky+ HD ad holds the record for being the longest TV commercial in Indian advertising history, with a runtime of 3 minutes and 30 seconds.

Credits

• Starring: Andy (LondonParkour), Charles Perrière (Yamakasi)
• Location: Filmed in a real prison in Hungary
• Concept: A high-octane prison escape during an India-Pakistan cricket match, showcasing Tata Sky's digital recording capabilities.

This commercial remains an iconic piece of Indian advertising, celebrated for its creativity, collaboration, and the incredible talent behind it.