'Red Wires' is the magazine's first advert in eight years and appeared in cinemas across major UK cities from Friday and premiered on television during the Channel 4 News on Sunday.

Featuring wire-walker Florent Blondeau, the spot shows him walking through the city of Budapest on a series of red interlinking high wires - each representing the thoughts and ideas inspired by reading The Economist.  His high wire walk takes him further and higher above the city.

The spot was filmed on location in Budapest with most of the remarkable high wire walking scenes shot in camera. The Mill's Lead 2D explains, "Several shots involved the tight rope being suspended between rigging which was later removed in post.  We also composited several shots of the high wire walker and crowd scenes, whilst our 3D team created, replaced and added additional high wires in CG." Finally, a technical grade was applied by Colourist Adam Scott, giving the spot its rich and cinematic feel.