New ads spotlight Milwaukee's grit, grandeur — and Bucks MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo
Mary SpicuzzaGrit. Grandeur. Giannis.
With just days to go before the Democratic National Convention is set to begin, Milwaukee is ready for the spotlight.
The mostly virtual convention won't highlight Milwaukee the way many had initially hoped, but VISIT Milwaukee is stepping in with a pair of videos to celebrate the city and its people and places.
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One, titled "Powered by the People," begins with footage of the skyline and the Milwaukee Art Museum before shifting to images of residents.
"The people of Milwaukee are something," Milwaukee poet laureate Dasha Kelly Hamilton says. "Making something new, something special. Making change."
Footage includes Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, first dunking during a game and then marching with teammates to protest racial injustice.
"Yes, this is Milwaukee. Where alleyways turn to art galleries, and MVPs are more valuable off the court," Kelly Hamilton says. "A place powered by the people."
Another, called "Unique Unites," features local musicians SistaStrings, along with a variety of images — from craft beer and frozen custard to Milwaukee's racing sausages and MVP Antetokounmpo to a massive Bloody Mary and festivals.
Both videos were created by Milwaukee-based marketing agency Hanson Dodge.
"Now more than ever, it is important to showcase what makes Milwaukee unique through a powerful, positive message that encourages viewers from all over the world to take a closer look at Milwaukee, and come experience it for themselves," Peggy Williams-Smith, president & CEO of VISIT Milwaukee, said in a statement. "While Milwaukee has experiences the nation craves right now — stunning natural assets alongside five-star hospitality — it's our people who will leave a lasting impression. These commercials honor them."
VISIT Milwaukee plans to share the videos during the convention to attendees, virtual delegates, caucus members, and others. The group has also produced 30 short videos, narrated by 30 community members, in an effort to create a virtual tour of the city, which can be viewed at visitmilwaukee.org/exploremke.
"Working on these films was a shared labor of love, not just because this is our home, but because of all of the local people and artists who contributed to the end product," Joe Ciccarelli of Hanson Dodge said in a statement. "Milwaukeeans are proud people. Hopefully, we've made something they can all be proud of."
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Contact Mary Spicuzza at (414) 224-2324 or mary.spicuzza@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @MSpicuzzaMJS.