Channel 4 is proud of the range and diversity of shows and presenters and in hallmark 4Creative for Channel 4 fashion (read: off-the-wall) it is promoting its assets using the complaints made against them – each given a humorous and quirky twist.
The 90-second spot, Complaints Welcome, gently mocks complaints by being defiant against them. The spot highlights Channel 4’s wide range, edgy content and its aim of challenging the way viewers think about the world.
“When there isn’t someone complaining about one of our shows we should be worried,” stated Ian Katz, Channel 4’s director of programmes.
To that end, it begins with two men kissing. Hollyoaks actor, Kieron Richardson, and his husband kiss in front of a banquet-like table, defying the complaint, “I’m not homophobic but do we have to have gay-kissing at dinner time?”
Artist and presenter, Grayson Perry, appears as his female alter-ego, Claire, voicing the complaint, “It wouldn’t be so bad if he tried to make himself look like a normal woman.” The Great British Bake Off judge, Prue Leith, voices the complaint, “Tell Prue not to talk with her mouth full. So uncouth,” – with her mouth full of cake.
Presenter, Sandi Toksvig, voices the complaint, “She looks like Tom Cruise,” wearing Top Gun leather jacket and riding a motorbike.
The film finally recommends that viewers wishing to make a complaint contact ComplaintsWelcome@Channel4.co.uk.