Five years on from her first BONDS campaign, actress, model and brand ambassador Rachael Taylor is back in front (and behind) the camera. With years of on-set experience, Rachael has created a visual and animated a viral birthday video for Bonds, commemorating a few of our much-loved classics. Rachael is no stranger to filmmaking, having produced a number of short films for Bonds, including the ‘Love Story’ short-film series. We got chatting to the Crisis and Grey’s Anatomy star about working with BONDS, starring in an action-packed superhero series, and her go-to ensemble for weekends spent lazing at home.

Watch the #BONDS100 video directed by Rachael Taylor by clicking the link below!

--Q&A--

What was your inspiration behind the direction of the #BONDS100 video?

The #BONDS100 video had to be fun and have a sense of humour. What I like about Bonds is that they don't take their advertising too seriously, so even though its one hundred years, something sentimental didn't feel right. I think Aussies like something that takes the mickey a bit. In the case of shooting this, I was working around the photographers flashes and only had the girls on and off, so I just thought, lets have a party in the corner. So we did.

You started modelling in 2010 and directing short films for BONDS in 2011, what’s been your most memorable moment with the brand?

When I was a figurative partridge in a pear tree for one of their Christmas commercials. It was a recreation of the ’12 Days of Christmas’ and I was in my underpants in a tree, eating pears. It was a beautiful, inspiring commercial. Honestly, it’s gorgeously made. We had a bit of a laugh making that one.

What’s your go-to BONDS piece?

I really like their white T-shirts. I’m quite picky on the T-shirt front, but the BONDS classic T-shirt is a favourite of mine. I also like their classic white and black Cottontails.

What are you doing when you’re feeling the comfiest?

Probably eating or watching television or reading a book or something very boring, like sleeping!

You’ll be starring in the upcoming Netflix Marvel series A.K.A. Jessica Jones, how do you think this role compares to others you’ve played?

She’s probably closer to me than any other character I’ve played, which is kind of weird. I can’t tell you anything because I’ll be shot viciously by the top-secret Marvel folks if I do! I feel quite similar to this character, which is actually kind of challenging. I often play characters that are quite different to me.

What’s your favourite thing to do when you’re back in Australia?

I hesitate to answer in a boring way, but it’d have to be seeing the people I love. Also, getting in the water and eating a good breakfast. I still think Australians make the best breakfasts in the world. New York has some pretty good spots, but I think the produce in Australia is better than anything we have in New York.

Do you prefer being in front of the camera or behind it?

I’m an actor first but I don't know. Things might be shifting slowly. I do like sharing my on screen experiences from behind the camera, it's something that I am going to continue to craft. It's nice to see something through start to finish.

What are some of the crazy antics that went down on-set?

We brought large party confetti bangers on set which caused a huge ruckus. I was walking around in a party hat. Also we ate cake. That’s kind of unexpected at an underwear shoot I guess.

Can you tell us anything about the video song selection?

I kind of wanted to subvert the idea of sexy girls in underwear. I wanted something folksy because I felt that was unexpected. I was google-stalking "ironic birthday music" and I found this tiny little band - who were gracious enough to let us use the track for free because they liked the fun and silly nature of the video.

What would the uncensored version include?

Nothing was off the record – we only wanted to shoot and include the genuine spontaneous moments. The girls were super rad and every single Bonds ambassador that was in my video had the ability to laugh at themselves.

What do you feel you bring to the brand?

I think we just align somehow. I've done three video projects for Bonds, all have been different, but they all hinge on a sense of humor and down to earth-ness, which I think is a quality of the brand. Bonds is unpretentious, they wink back at themselves, they're warm and real. Real is cool. The ambassadors in the video are sexy because they don't take themselves too seriously. That's why I think Bonds is sexy too.

What’s your earliest memory of Bonds? 

Well I would always be wearing the Chesty under my school uniform in winter time, but honestly Pat's commercials about not wanting to get back in his underpants anymore? They were gold. And I totally relate.