British Airways Launches New Safety Video: “A British Original Period Drama”
The new onboard video pays homage to classic British TV and film
by Samir Kadri
July 30, 2024

Photo: Courtesy of British Airways
British Airways has unveiled its latest onboard safety video, titled “A British Original Period Drama,” blending classic British literature, TV, and film with essential safety instructions. This unique video aims to capture the attention of passengers while celebrating British culture and humor.
Running for about five and a half minutes, the video features over 40 British Airways staff members who humorously interrupt various period drama characters to deliver safety tips. The video’s cast includes aristocrats, servants, and other historical figures, all of whom display a comical fascination with the modern safety instructions presented by the airline’s crew.
First Officer Helen Lau, who appears as herself in the video, shared her thoughts: “As a First Officer, my job means I am in the flight deck during the safety briefing, so to know that I will be appearing on the video in the cabins feels very surreal. I love the closing line, which says stay safe, look after one another, and never change, which featured in the previous video, and I hope it is carried on to the next. It’s such a touching and uniting phrase.”
Memorable Moments
One standout scene involves oxygen masks descending in front of bewildered maids, who then learn how to properly fit them. In another humorous segment, a Georgian socialite is baffled by a laptop’s screen content, only to be informed by a flight attendant that all electronics must be turned off and stowed for takeoff and landing.

Photo: Courtesy of British Airways
The video also features a nod to the Scottish cult classic “Braveheart.” A Scotsman on horseback dramatically explains the importance of the safety card, exclaiming, “This is the Brace position!” in a theatrical manner.
Behind the Scenes
Directed by Sharon Maguire, known for her work on “Bridget Jones’s Diary” and “Bridget Jones’s Baby,” the video showcases her talent for conveying dry British humor to an international audience. The costumes, designed by Oscar-winning designer Jenny Beavan, add authenticity and charm, drawing on her extensive experience from films like “Mad Max: Fury Road,” “The King’s Speech,” and “Cruella.”
“We put together a dream team of industry legends, from Jenny Beavan to Kave Quinn and Erik Wilson to Jack Ravenscroft,” said Maguire. “We definitely wouldn’t have pulled it off without them. They just loved the idea created by the talented and lovely creative teams at Uncommon and British Airways.”

Photo: First Class, Airbus A380. Courtesy of British Airways / Nick Morrish
Calum Laming, Chief Customer Officer at British Airways, adds, “We know that these videos deliver vital safety information, and it is so important that we do everything we can to keep our customers engaged throughout. When it came to selecting a genre, we wanted something that would enable us to do this, while resonating with global audiences, so a period drama with a little bit of humor seemed like the perfect fit.
“We have created something truly original and entertaining that celebrates what makes Britain – and British Airways – unique while communicating the importance of safety on board. I am also incredibly proud that more than 40 colleagues star in the film as we have always said it is our people who make us who we are.”
A Grand Setting
The film was shot at several grand British country estates, including Hatfield House in Hertfordshire and Englefield House Estate in Berkshire, adding to the video’s authentic period drama feel. The new safety video is available on long-haul British Airways flights via inflight entertainment screens. On short-haul flights, cabin crew will continue to perform manual safety demonstrations.
The new safety video by the British flag carrier is a creative and entertaining approach to delivering essential safety information. By blending humor, culture, and historical charm, the airline has crafted a video that not only engages passengers but also celebrates the unique spirit of Britain and British Airways.