HOME AND AWAY'S RAY MEAGHER STARS AS A MALL COP ON A MISSION IN OPTUS' LATEST CAMPAIGN

To promote the launch of its new Optus Prepaid Epic plans, Optus has recruited well-known Australian actor Ray Meagher, transforming his curmudgeonly Home and Away character Alf Stewart into Ray Coptus, a local mall cop who takes it upon himself to make sure everyday Aussies are getting the best deal on their prepaid mobile plans.

Inspired by popular Hollywood film Paul Blart: Mall Cop, a comedy about a security guard who takes his job very seriously, the humorous online video features Ray, who is miffed that sometimes Australians pay more for things than they should. Ray has Australia’s back and is on a mission to spread the word about the new Optus Prepaid Epic Data plan. In the video, he randomly accosts members of the public to compel them to switch to Optus Prepaid.

Optus Managing Director of Marketing and Product Ben White said, “Optus’ Epic Prepaid plans are designed for thrifty Aussies seeking generous data allowances, unlimited calls and text, additional data to stream content from Netflix, Stan or ABC iview, and no lock in contract – all at a great price.

“We think Ray Coptus and his matter-of-fact manner best delivers this message and speaks directly to customers who need these plans the most.”

The documentary-style video was created by Emotive, Optus’ creative content agency, and filmed at the Manly Corso, a busy pedestrian mall north of Sydney, where Ray surprised unwitting shoppers while the cameras captured their genuine reactions.

With his comedic timing and satirical nature flowing from on-screen to off, the real-life Ray quipped he decided to work with Optus mainly because his schedule allowed it.

“When Optus approached me, I said ‘yes’ because I had nothing else on, to be honest,” Ray joked. “The people were nice and by and large it’s been a very pleasant experience.”

In a happy coincidence, Ray said he’s a big fan of Optus and has been a customer of the telecommunications company for 24 years.

“I’m a creature of habit. When I knew nothing about phones, Optus helped me purchase a Nokia back in 1994 and they’ve always helped me when I’ve needed it,” Ray said.

See Ray Coptus, Mall Cop in action here.

Go to Optus.com.au to find out more about Optus’ new Epic Data and Epic Value prepaid plans.

Media contact:
Optus Corporate Affairs
(02) 8082 7850
media@optus.com.au