AUK Creates  ‘Panto Farm’ Mockumentary for Local Charity

AgencyUK has launched an online Christmas film for Send a Cow, a Bath-based charity dedicated improving the lives of African families.

‘#PantoFarm’ was shot as a spoof documentary concerning a rural cattle farmer who breeds pantomime cows for panto season. Assisted by his ‘principal boy’ Beth – sorry, Bob – he fattens up his herd on Brussels sprouts, takes them to the milking shed to learn how to milk applause, before auctioning them to theatre directors for magic beans.

The 80 second film invites viewers to ‘turn panto season into planting season in Africa’ by visiting sendacowgifts.org and gifting practical items – like seeds and tools – to help African families become self-sufficient. Between now and 31 December, all donations to Send a Cow will be matched £1 for £1 by the UK Government.

The spoof features actor Marc Danbury who has also appeared in Casualty, The Bill and the film, Johnny English.

‘It was a real team effort,’ explains AgencyUK Creative Director Zane Radcliffe. ‘To maximize budget, the agency and client teams had to literally muck in. Our Client Services director acted as producer. I stepped in to direct. AUK and Send a Cow personnel performed convincingly as the front and back ends of the cows. And we shot next door to the home of the agency owners.’

The team was ably assisted on camera and sound by Wow Video Productions.

Send a Cow’s Christmas catalogue is available in print and online. For more information go to www.sendacow.org or call 01225 874222