The latest TV commercial from Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP) reflects the developer's belief in Building Homes With Heart. The ad has birds building a nest for their chicks despite the rain and wind, and closes with the sun shining and a flock of birds flying over Victoria Harbour. The birds symbolize Hong Kong people's perseverance in overcoming difficulties and their commitment to working hard for a better future. The late Roman Tam's classic hit The Wind and Rain is featured in the ad to match the visuals and add an encouraging note.

Hong Kong and SHKP overcome together

SHKP's Head of Corporate Communications May Lau said: "We are trying to offer a positive message with the new commercial, saying that Hong Kong people's perseverance can pick them up and get them flying again. The birds in the ad represent the people of Hong Kong, who remained strong and united despite setbacks like the financial turmoil and SARS. SHKP's roots are in Hong Kong - the place we proudly call home - and we are committed to making it better."

Home theme in three commercials

Ms Lau said that the latest ad is like two previous ones with its 'home' theme. Thinking of Home made in 2000 featured four homesick Hong Kongers and Roman Tam's Below the Lion Rock in an ad for the first time. The 2002 101 Reasons to Buy a Home spoke about young people's different aspirations for a home, with an alternative version of Below the Lion Rock for a new feel. The latest commercial takes a different tack by featuring birds, but has another Roman Tam classic The Wind and Rain. Ms Lau said: "Roman Tam is a powerful Hong Kong icon, and his songs arouse people's memories. His lyrics are particularly encouraging, and match our message well."

She continued: "Home in the ad isn't just a flat; it also means the Hong Kong we live in. SHKP and the people of Hong Kong have worked hard for this home as it says in the ad: 'All under one blue sky in the place we call home. Working together to make things better'. SHKP has full confidence in Hong Kong's future and we are sure that our city will shine even brighter."

Filmed in Hollywood

The birds in the ad are related to the kingfishers featured on the cover of SHKP's 2003/04 annual report. Kingfishers are very fussy about where they live. The birds had to be trained to perform, so the production team took them to an animal coach in Hollywood. It took months of training before the birds could do all they were supposed to. Filming birds is more difficult than filming babies. A short clip lasting one or two seconds on screen takes hours to shoot, and the whole commercial required over 8,000 feet of film. Still, SHKP's team of film professionals and animal trainers has produced a success.