Zucker returns to Wis. to shoot second tourism ad

MILWAUKEE -- For the second time, Hollywood movie director and Shorewood native, David Zucker is taking time away from the big screen to showcase the state of Wisconsin in a new summer tourism ad.

Actor Robert Hays, who’s known for his role in Zucker’s 1980 movie “Airplane” will star in the next “Travel Wisconsin” commercial. 

“He's an actor who I worked with during the ‘80s who's still both alive and not in prison,” joked Zucker.

This tourism spot marks the first time in 32 years the two are back together.

“I just called him up and said, ‘You wanna fly to Wisconsin and do this thing?’” Zucker said.

“Told me that he shot a commercial.  Asked me if I wanted do it and I said 'yeah,'” Hays said.

The big announcement was made at the Pfister Hotel Monday, June 25th. Gov. Scott Walker and state tourism officials joined Zucker and Hays for the announcement.

“We've seen great results.  The amount invested in dollars in advertising -- we see a 6-to-1 return,” Gov. Walker said.

The $250,000 commercial will be shot in the North Woods, near Eagle River this week.  The shoot will last a day-and-a-half.  It’ll highlight fishing, and of course, it's not a Zucker production without a little comedy.

“Bob will be a fisherman on a lake. He's going to get in some trouble casting a line, and one thing will lead to another,” Zucker said.

Zucker’s first travel commercial was filmed last December with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra to promote winter tourism. 

“The response we got was unbelievable.  We heard from people around the world,” State Tourism Director Stephanie Klett said.

With some star power in this second commercial, they're hoping to attract more than the 95 million visitors who came to Wisconsin last year.

“It's really nice and I enjoy it.  The times that I've been here, I really enjoyed myself,” Hays said.

Production starts Tuesday, June 26th in the Eagle River area with the ad to air on TV next summer.

Zucker plans to shoot another “Travel Wisconsin” commercial in the future, celebrating fall in Wisconsin. That is planned for after Zucker is done shooting his next film, "Scary Movie 5."

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