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Clip description
In this television advertisement, seen here in its entirety, Trapper Tom (Barry Crocker) is hunting Argentine ants in a forest. He comes across a reward sign posted on a tree and explains how children can obtain a ‘licence to hunt Argentine ants’ from their local council. Two children pick up their licence, ant-hunting tube and badge from a council office. Trapper Tom promises a ten dollar reward to the first children to spot an Argentine ant nest in their neighbourhood.
Curator’s notes
This entertaining advertisement is cleverly designed to target a young audience. It presents a serious initiative (one which assists in the identification of an agricultural pest) in a fun way through Barry Crocker’s entertaining performance as Trapper Tom, complete with exaggerated actions and pantomime facial gestures, silly pith helmet, safari suit and magnifying glass. His dialogue is carefully scripted to convey basic information about the initiative – how to obtain an ant-hunting kit, the need to ask parents for permission – but also convincingly present it as a fun after-school activity through Trapper Tom’s clowning. The character addresses the camera as if he is speaking directly to the young audience, which ensures the necessary information is conveyed clearly and effectively.
