Copyright © 1999 Nando Media Copyright © 1999 Associated Press
NEW YORK (May 15, 1999 2:24 p.m. EDT - Spike Lee is setting sail with a series of recruiting ads for the Navy. The filmmaker signed on to make six commercials for the oceangoing branch of the military.
Using hand-held cameras for a fresh look, Lee did documentary-style spots on Navy SEALS, sailors in a rock band, exotic travel opportunities and other service-related topics.
"Spike may attract a younger audience than our previous commercials did," said Lt. Cmdr. Karen Jeffries, adding that the Navy fell 7,000 recruits short of its goal in 1998. "Spike can give us a different edge."
The first commercial will debut June 4 in movie theaters showing the new "Star Wars" film before the spot airs on television. Lee, who has done commercials for Nike and Levis, has film credits including "Malcolm X" and "Do The Right Thing."
"I was surprised they picked him, but I think the Navy did the right thing," said former Lt. Cmdr. Allan Camaissa, who appeared in one of the new spots.