Tilted 'Instruction Video for Dressing, Care and Characterisation of the Olympic Mascot Costumes', this video was produced by Conrad & Co. and Black Sheep Productions for SOCOG in 1997. It was designed to fulfill two key functions: demonstrating the correct methods for handling and wearing Olympic mascot costumes; and ensuring that actors understood the characteristics of the three Olympic mascots. 'Olly', 'Millie' and 'Syd' narrated the video, describing their personalities and demonstrating their unique poses and actions. The video contributes to the costumes themselves (2001/84/287-289), representing not only the idiosyncrasies of each mascot but also the responsibilities associated with wearing the costumes.

In 1998, SOCOG launched its family of three mascots for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. These characters - an echidna, kookaburra and platypus - would "inspire, entertain, inform and embrace people in a friendly, welcoming style that would encapsulate the spirit of Sydney" (Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Image Guidelines, SOCOG Image Department, 1998). They would also serve more practical functions of promoting and adorning merchandise, and appearing on banners, signage and other decorative material for the Games. Each mascot would also be patron to several Olympic sports.

Sydney graphic designer, Matthew Hatton, developed the suite of three mascots in 1997 as part of an official competition. His intention was to create characters that would represent the earth, air and water, and would encapsulate the spirits of Sydney, the Olympic Games and the new millennium. The resulting characters, 'Syd', 'Olly' and 'Millie', became integral to the visual theme of the Sydney 2000 Games.

Syd, a platypus, was a dynamic athlete who embodied the Australian character and represented the environment. He was patron of environmental programmes, including Green Games 2000, a major environmental initiative for Sydney 2000. Olly, a kookaburra, was custodian of the Olympic rings and symbolised the ethos and history of the Olympic Games. He was a representative for current affaires and general information. Millie, an echidna, was mastermind of new technologies and represented hope and optimism for the new millennium. She was an advocate of the internet and education. Together, these three figures served both highly profitable icons for Sydney 2000.

The Sydney 2000 Image Department monitored and approved the creative use of the Olympic mascots on official merchandising. Its 1998 publication, the 'Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Image Guidelines', specified the correct size, colour, pose and background for each mascot, and included brief character profiles, personalised footprints and signatures.

Sydney graphic designer, Matthew Hatton, designed the Sydney 2000 Olympic mascots, Ollie, Millie and Syd, in 1998.

Made by Conrad & Co. and Black Sheep Productions on behalf of SOCOG, 1997.

Used by SOCOG to instruct on the use and characterisation of Sydney 2000 Olympic mascot uniforms.

Made for and owned by the Olympic Coordination Authority/Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games, and donated to the Powerhouse Museum after use in the Games.

Video and case, 'Instruction video for dressing, care and characterisation of the Olympic mascot costumes', Olympic Games, Sydney, 2000, plastic/ video tape/ cardboard, produced by Conrad & Co. and Black Sheep Productions on behalf of SOCOG, 1997.

Video with case. Black plastic video. The video is titled 'Instructional Video for Dressing, Care &/ Characterisation of Olympic Mascot Costumes'. The video case is made form black plastic and is rectangular in shape. The case opens at one side. A paper title page inserts into a clear plastic cover on the video case. The title of the video is written across the insert.

Made: 1997

2001/84/290

1997