29 October 2009
Robot Familys Human Surprise
While the anticipated 320,000 strong crowd of the 2009 Credit Union Christmas Pageant will be delighted with the debut of the Robot Family float, the technologically savvy creations are set to receive a surprise of their own in the form of a human being!
Creative Director and Event Manager of the Credit Union Christmas Pageant, Brian Gilbertson, said that the event wanted to showcase a new float that celebrated Christmas with a futuristic element. Thus, the idea of a Robot Family was born.
"After much discussion and examination of how robots might celebrate Christmas, it was agreed that they would receive presents like many of us. We considered just what type of present the robots would receive and the answer is obvious, why humans of course," said Brian Gilbertson.
In a role reversal, imagine everyones surprise on Pageant Day (14 November 2009) when the Robot Family appears with a giant present on their float, which is a box that opens with a real life human girl peering out.
"The present-opening mechanisation had to be simple and took three months to resolve so that the human character could open and close the present to reveal themselves. As the real girl appears, the little robot girl rocks back in surprise," said Brian Gilbertson.
The metal frames for the robots were especially heat moulded and the shapes that form the robot bodies were then attached to these frames..
The Robot Family was designed by Credit Union Christmas Pageant veteran artist, David Blight, who designed his first Pageant float in 1977. David also built the recently revealed Panda float.
Chair of the Credit Union Pageant Company, Peter Evers, said the credit unions loved the idea of a Robot Family and approved the design without hesitation.
"Once again, the iconic South Australian event demonstrates its ability to move with the times by introducing another innovative element that appeals to both the little and big kids at heart," said Peter Evers.
"To add to the magic and fun of the float the credit union staff involved with it have been lucky enough to be taught robot dance moves by friends of the event and celebrated dance group, Da Klinic."
The Robot Family float is the sixth and final new float to be launched this year as part of the 2009 Credit Union Christmas Pageant.
The Royal Family, Grandpas Christmas Workshop, Christmas in Toytown, Panda Float and Christmas Stocking floats have all recently been launched ahead of Credit Union Christmas Pageant Day.
The Credit Union Christmas Pageant is owned and managed by the South Australian Tourism Commission on behalf of the South Australian Government and sponsored by six leading credit unions in South Australia - Savings & Loans, Australian Central, Community CPS Australia, Police, Powerstate, and Satisfac.
For further information contact:
Michele D'Aloia on 0417 837 896 or michele.daloia@bigpond.com
Click here to download media release.
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