Coach Bo Ryan (PHOTO: Wisconsin Department of Tourism)
The new tourism ad for summer 2015 premieres just in time for the Big Ten Tournament.
The star of the latest ad for Wisconsin fun is UW Badgers Basketball Coach Bo Ryan. “It’s shows a clearly stressed out Coach Ryan finding fun in Wisconsin in ways that you would never expect,” explained Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett.
Klett said the ‘Camp Wisconsin’ ad is already getting a lot of buzz, saying it shows how much people around the country like and respect the championship coach, who is also known for his charitable contributions. The agency was “lucky” to get him, Klett said.
AUDIO: Secretary Klett sings the praises of Coach Bo Ryan, saying he transcends Wisconsin and sports. (:33)
The commercial reunites “Airplane!” writers and directors David Zucker, Jerry Zucker, and Jim Abrahams (ZAZ). “Watching them work with Coach Bo Ryan, who is a huge fan of theirs, and sitting around collaborating was really, for me, one of the career highs of my life.” She said the time spent with the crew “was filled with laughter and zaniness and fun.”
Klett said her department got a “family discount” from the Wisconsin natives, which saves taxpayers a lot of money. She said her department could never afford their “real rate.” By the time the entire production was finished, Klett said, “Their real rate would probably cost us our entire marketing budget.”
Also, Coach Ryan donated his time. And yes, he really is zip-lining. But as for the water skiing, Klett said you’ll have to decide for yourself.
A big name like Ryan could have gotten $100,000 to $500,000 for his time and talent, Klett said, so the agency made a $10,000 contribution to Coaches versus Cancer, for which Ryan has helped raise $1.5 million.
The spot was just released on social media. It can be seen at TravelWisconsin.com or Travel Wisconsin’s youtube page (or below, on this page). It will run in Chicago, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Milwaukee and Madison. Klett said they eventually post some outtakes to their site, too.
Wisconsin Tourism generates $17.5 billion annually in economic impact to the Badger State, more than 185,000 jobs, and $2.3 billion in tax revenue.
AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (:70)