Captain Morgan Enlists Academy Award-Winning Director Tom Hooper for New Advertising Campaign

New campaign to uncover the storied history and mystique of the legendary privateer Captain Henry Morgan and his rum

News provided by

Apr 19, 2011, 03:45 ET

NORWALK, Conn., April 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Academy Award-winning director Tom Hooper joined Captain Morgan aboard a 17th Century replica of the Galleon Andalucia in an undisclosed tropical location last week to film a new campaign for the celebrated rum brand. Set in the mid-1600's, the campaign will – for the first time ever – feature the re-imagined history of legendary privateer and brand icon, Captain Henry Morgan.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110419/NY86029)

Hooper, who received the Academy Award for Achievement in Directing (Best Director) at the 2011 Oscars for The King's Speech in February, is world-renowned for his riveting period pieces – one of the many reasons Captain Morgan engaged him to lead the new campaign.

"Both the scope and direction of this campaign are unparalleled for Captain Morgan," said Tom Herbst, Brand Director, Captain Morgan USA. "For the first time, we're bringing to life the mystery and intrigue surrounding Henry Morgan – a real-life privateer – and we are ecstatic to have Tom play an integral role in revealing an exciting new side of the brand."

The first in a series, the 60-second feature film production entitled, "DIVE," will debut on broadcast television in late May, with some of the tales debuting May 14th on the CaptainMorganUSA Facebook page and YouTube channel. The campaign will feature a dedicated responsible drinking ad with additional spots rolling out throughout the summer.

About Tom Hooper

Born in London, Tom Hooper has been making films since the age of 13. In 2005, he directed the historical HBO/Channel 4 miniseries Elizabeth, which won three Golden Globes and nine Emmy Awards, and then in 2008, directed the HBO miniseries, John Adams, which swept the Golden Globes and won 13 Emmys, the most ever awarded to a program.

Tom Hooper's latest film, The King's Speech, starring Colin Firth as King George VI, recently won four Academy Awards including Best Director and Best Picture. The film is Hooper's second major theatrical feature and stormed the 2011 awards season, earning numerous Golden Globe and BAFTA Awards and garnering Hooper the Best Director honor at the DGA Awards.

About Diageo

Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Red Stripe, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.

Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com/ .

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere, responsibly.