# Michael Bay Directs Action-Packed Secret Service Recruitment Ad for Super Bowl LIX
Michael Bay, renowned for his explosive action filmmaking, dramatic slow-motion sequences, and, naturally, abundant pyrotechnics, has embarked on an unexpected venture: directing a recruitment advertisement for the Secret Service. This commercial, which debuted during Super Bowl LIX, aimed to entice new candidates to the agency by highlighting the seriousness and critical nature of safeguarding the nation’s leaders.
## A Blockbuster-Inspired Recruitment Appeal
The Secret Service advertisement, which is said to have cost $2 million, unfolds like a Hollywood action film trailer. It showcases a compilation of pivotal moments in presidential security, merging archival footage with contemporary clips of agents surveying crowds while donning their iconic black sunglasses. The ad even features intense scenes from historic assassination attempts, including the JFK motorcade incident and the near-assassination of Ronald Reagan.
With rapid editing, an exhilarating musical score, and an urgent vibe, the commercial intends to make the role of a Secret Service agent appear as exciting as a summer box office hit. Considering Bay’s impressive portfolio with flicks like *Armageddon* and the *Transformers* series, it’s understandable why the agency turned to him to develop a visually striking and energy-filled recruitment film.
## The Secret Service’s Responsibilities and Obstacles
The United States Secret Service was initially established in 1865 to tackle counterfeiting, but its duties expanded to encompass presidential protection following the assassination of President William McKinley in 1901. Since then, the agency has been tasked with the security of every U.S. president, continuously evolving to address emerging threats.
Nonetheless, the Secret Service has encountered substantial challenges in recent times. Issues such as employee burnout, dwindling morale, and difficulties in recruitment have beset the agency. Recent security oversights, including threats against President Trump, have further fueled worries regarding the adequacy of the agency’s protective efforts.
## A Daring Effort to Draw in New Candidates
Broadcasting the recruitment ad during the Super Bowl—a premier advertising opportunity with vast viewership—was a calculated strategy. By featuring the ad alongside major film previews and a Kendrick Lamar halftime performance, the Secret Service maximized its visibility.
In the accompanying video description, the agency underscored the commitment and skill necessary for the role:
> “This historic occasion required the collaborative efforts of hundreds of Secret Service Special Agents, Uniformed Division Officers, and mission support teams, working with state and local partners to guarantee the utmost level of safety and security before, during, and after the event.”
The message is unequivocal: the work is demanding, the risks are substantial, but for those possessing the ambition, it can be among the most fulfilling careers one can pursue.
## Will Hollywood Glamour Solve the Secret Service’s Recruitment Challenges?
The Secret Service’s choice to recruit Michael Bay to create their recruitment advertisement is both daring and unconventional. While the agency has typically upheld a discreet presence, this initiative indicates a transition towards a more assertive recruitment approach.
By representing the role as an adrenaline-fueled, high-stakes endeavor, the agency aims to captivate a new wave of applicants who are enticed by the thrill and honor of safeguarding the country’s leaders. Whether this cinematic approach will yield actual recruitment success in the real world is yet to be determined, but it is clear that Michael Bay excels at making anything appear exhilarating—even a position within the Secret Service.
