Academy Award-winning director Ang Lee appeared singing in a 30-second spot for the college in support of his alma mater, the University of Illinois.
Lee was among a group of celebrity alumni, which also included film critic Roger Ebert, commentator Robert Novak, opera singer Erie Mills, professional football player Howard Griffith and astronaut Scott Altman.
The commercial features the group singing the school song “Victory, Illinois” and is an attempt to promote the college in a humorous way rather than use the standard collegiate shots of the campus and professors teaching classes.
Robin Kaler, who helped film the spot, told The Associated Press that Lee sang his heart out, but needed a little more direction.
“It was so fun to tell him, ‘No, I’m sorry, that wasn’t good enough. You’ll have to do it again’,” said Kaler.
