It’s a fact—we're all going to die. And most of us don’t like to think about it, let alone plan ahead for our own funerals.  

Now the UK funeral company Co-op Funeralcare is out with a new campaign aimed at “normalizing” conversations about death and planning ahead for the fateful day when we breath our last. 

The company teamed up with Channel 4, Dentsu media agency Carat, creative shop Lucky Generals and production house Interstellar to launch a humorous  branded entertainment series called Celebrity Send-Off. 

The first 10-minute episode features rock band Happy Mondays and Celebrity Gogglebox stars Shaun Ryder and Bez Berry with Berry planning Ryder’s funeral. 

It’s pretty apparent from the start of the spot that while the longtime friends know each other well, there’s a bit of a disconnect as to Ryder’s preferences compared with what Berry is telling a funeral home rep what those preferences are.  

Ryder tells viewers he’d like a simple burial where loved ones can visit from time to time. As for casket choice, he replies, “you could put me in an empty crisps package—cuz I’m dead.” 

But Berry believes otherwise, planning a funeral procession fit for a king with Ryder in the “Rolls Royce” of caskets. That’s to be followed by a cremation with the ashes blasted off into space. (Ryder it turns out is a UFO enthusiast).   

Ultimately, Ryder appreciates the effort his friend puts into planning his funeral and makes a point at the end of the film about the importance of making arrangements ahead of time.  

The campaign is based on the insight that while about two-thirds of people have thought about their funeral arrangements, only 7% feel comfortable talking about it.