Steve Buscemi's Telstra tantrums

The Australian telecom company has released a new campaign in which Mr Pink himself is thwarted by the advanced network security of Telstra.

Buscemi plays an evil intergalactic Zalunian emperor intent on taking over Australia through elaborate hi-tech scams. But, despite their best efforts, the Zalunians are constantly foiled by Telstra’s mighty network. 

Created by Bear Meets Eagle on Fire and +61, and directed by Randy Krallman through SMUGGLER, the three-spot campaign comprise a hero 90-second spot [above] and additional 15- and 30-second spots [below], which see Buscemi and a series of unusual – but also strangely cure – aliens try to scam the Australian people to no avail, with Buscemi's emperor becoming increasingly frustrated at Telstra's interference in his nefarious plans.

“Sounds weird to say, but making comedy work isn’t always fun," said said Micah Walker, Chief Creative Officer of Bear Meets Eagle. "This genuinely was. Massive thanks to Randy, Steve and all the folks who worked so hard to make something so smart, so silly."

“The security of a network, and all that happens on it, has serious implications, but doubling down on ‘serious’ too easily follows the tropes of the category," added Blake Crosbie, Managing Director of +61. "Sometimes making light of a topic is the best way to get people to pay attention to it.”