Inspiration meets innovation at Brandweek, the ultimate marketing experience. Join industry luminaries, rising talent and strategic experts in Phoenix, Arizona this September 23–26 to assess challenges, develop solutions and create new pathways for growth. Register early to save.
Wisconsin is doubling down on its Airplane! advertising strategy.
In recent years, the state has hired the classic comedy's directors, Badger state natives David and Jerry Zucker, to direct a handful of tourism ads, including one featuring Airplane! actor Robert Hays getting beat up by everything (including a large bass).
Unveiled this week, Travel Wisconsin's latest spot from Milwaukee agency Laughlin Constable is the first to explicitly reference the 1980 film. Set in a cockpit, it reunites Hays with his Airplane! co-star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar—and was directed by the Zuckers and Airplane!'s third director, Jim Abrahams.
Abdul-Jabbar, a former NBA star who began his career with the Milwaukee Bucks, is making a nice little advertising career out of his Airplane! credit—he also just appeared in Delta's super 1980s flight-safety video.
WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.
Subscribe today!
To Read the Full Story Become an Adweek+ Subscriber
Already a member? Sign in