Spike Lee Directs New MSNBC Ads

MSNBC debuted new “Lean Forward” ads today featuring the network’s four primetime hosts: Chris Matthews, Lawrence O’Donnell, Rachel Maddow and Ed Schultz.

But there’s something different about the ads this time around. They’re directed by Spike Lee, and Oscar-nominated Matthew Libatique, who worked on “Black Swan,” served as the director of photography.

According to a press release, the ads were “all shot completely unscripted” and will appear on television, msnbc.com, and in movie theaters across the country this summer. Separate print ads will run in “major publications.”

“These ads are unlike anything else,” MSNBC president Phil Griffin said. “They are mini-documentaries that express the passion of our primetime hosts. You’re able to truly learn what drives them and why their audience tunes in to watch their shows.”

Check out the new ad campaign here.

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