Ad of the Day: Star-studded BBC StoryWorks spots aim to boost tourism in the US
Featuring Mary Steenburgen, Yaya DaCosta and Jordana Spiro, ‘USA Through Film’ beckons global citizens to visit America.
In an effort to draw more tourists to the United States, BBC StoryWorks, the branded content studio of BBC Studios, and Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization, have today launched the latest installment of their ‘USA Through Film’ campaign, introduced in 2016.
Starring Jane Krakowski, Common, Mary Steenburgen, Yaya DaCosta and other renowned actors and personalities, the initiative is set to inspire individuals from around the world to explore the diverse landscapes and vibrant culture of the United States. It comprises seven captivating videos.
The campaign officially launches today with the release of three captivating videos. The first is fronted by actor and singer Mary Steenburgen, who celebrates the natural landscape of her hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas. In the second spot, meanwhile, actor-model Yaya DaCosta enthuses about the glamorous history and culture of New York City.
The third clip follows actor-director Jordana Spiro as she sings the praises of New Orleans, Louisiana, from the city’s historic French Quarter to its musical significance.
“We are excited to partner with Brand USA to leverage our storytelling capabilities and brand reach to create a compelling content series that sparks curiosity and ignites the desire to explore the incredible diversity that the United States offers,” said Tim Wastney, senior vice-president of sales and commercial content for North America and Latin America at BBC Studios. “Travel is not just about visiting new places; it’s about discovering the stories that make those places come alive and we look forward to bringing audiences closer to the hidden gems and iconic locales that make this country special.”
The series’ four other films are slated to roll out through November. They will spotlight Baltimore, Maryland with actor Aidan Gillen, Washington, DC with cinematographer Bradford Young, Chicago, Illinois with Grammy and Academy Award winning artist and activist Common, and Los Angeles, California with Tony Award and Critics’ Choice Award winner Jane Krakowski.
“At Brand USA, the story is just as important as the storyteller and we are excited to be working with an incredible selection of iconic US voices ... to bring to life the best of the USA, from legendary cities to lesser-known destinations,” added Staci Mellman, senior vice-president of integrated marketing at Brand USA.
The series will be distributed globally, excluding the UK and United States, on BBC News and available on GoUSA TV, via the USA Through Film content hub on bbc.com and across social media channels.