The Story of 'Footprints,' the Brilliantly Stealthy Navy Seals Ad Nobody Saw Coming

Cindy Gallop picks her three favorite ad campaigns

Driving relevance means driving growth. Join global brands and industry thought leaders at Brandweek, Sept. 11–14 in Miami, for actionable takeaways to better your marketing. 50% off passes ends April 10.

On Dec. 14, 2005, Campbell Ewald and director Stu Maschwitz arrived at Will Rogers State Beach, just up the Pacific Coast Highway from Santa Monica, and spent 10 hours shooting a 30-second spot that would become known as one of great military recruitment ads of all time.

It was for the Navy Seals. The agency’s idea was simple: Communicate the legendary stealthy nature of the Seals by showing a beach scene at night, with footprints mysteriously appearing in the sand after a wave, and then disappearing with the following wave.

The

AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Subscribe today!

To Read the Full Story Become an Adweek+ Subscriber

View Subscription Options

Already a member? Sign in