Navy's famous Spirit Spot Mid raises crowdfunding for another epic video

You remember Rylan Tuohy. Or maybe you've never heard his name, but you're one of the 8.5 million people who saw the Navy Spirit ad he directed, “Naptown Funk.” Or you say things like, “The Army doesn't care,” straight from his “We Give a Ship” video.

We promise. You know this guy:

And now Tuohy (who also happens to be one of WATM's favorite guys) is back with the ultimate goal: to crowdfund enough money to make a 2024 Spirit Spot — potentially by Navy fans, for Navy fans. WATM caught up with the Spirit Spot star to find out what he's doing, why, and how he plans to make it happen. Tuohy explained, “The Army-Navy football game is about the rivalry, but also the camaraderie. Spirit Spots are unique to the military academies, and since the advent of YouTube, they've been created to rally support and foster a sense of community. I think pride is just as important as the game. If I can help foster that spirit with a hilarious and hopefully viral video, then I'm in.”

Tuohy hopes to raise $50,000 to create another epic spirit spot. During his time at USNA, he shot his videos with no budget, but he also had no expenses. Tuohy will not profit from the money raised; rather, it will go entirely to the production team, talent and equipment.

Here's everything you need to know about the Spirit Spot campaign:

What is a Spirit Spot?

A spirit spot is a short, humorous online video created to generate support and enthusiasm for the Navy and the U.S. Naval Academy. Spirit spots are unique to the military academies and represent the friendly rivalry and camaraderie between U.S. service branches.

What is our goal?

The goal of this Kickstarter campaign is to raise $50,000 to fund the production of a hilarious and viral spirit spot video that will be released online before the 2024 Army vs. Navy football game! You can watch the video, laugh at it, and share it with your family and friends.

The project idea is secret, but…

Here's what I can tell you about how great it will be:

The project is all about the Navy – it will be a source of pride!
The Spirit spot will be memorable – if you liked “We Give A Ship” and “Helm Yeah” then you’ll love this.
From young to old, the video is suitable for all audiences.
The script is written and top secret until its release!

And don't just take my word for it, here's what a few Navy icons and supporters had to say about the top-secret spirit spot idea (they got a sneak peek at the script):

“Every project that [Rylan Tuohy] begins, I know it will be fantastic.”

Vice Admiral Ted Carter, USN (retired) | President, The Ohio State University

“It’s quite fun, especially when you can see the person you mentioned [the script]… That would be really, really fun.”

CDR Nicole Schwegman, USN (retired) | Television writer, former Pentagon press secretary

“Every single alumni I know should be very, very entertained and satisfied with this product – and I expect they will be.”

CDR John Schofield, USN (retired) | Director of Communications, USNA Alumni Association and former USNA Press Secretary

“This will go down in history as one of the greatest spirit spots of all time.”

Karl Smith | USNA dad and blogger, MyKidTheMid.com

“It has to start.”

LCDR Andrea Howard | Nuclear submarine officer and Marshall Scholar

“How can you not support something like [this].”

Ausa Faria | USNA Mom and Social Media Director, North Texas Parents Club

We need to raise $50,000…

That's why we came up with Kickstarter, where fans can back projects and get rewards. We offer tons of gifts and involvement in the project in return for your support. The rewards are summarized below!

With $50,000, we can create a video that will go down in history as the best Spirit commercial ever (and maybe even crash the internet).

Every dollar raised goes directly to the production of the amazing Spirit spot. Specifically, you support a minimal production team, actors (many of them veterans), professional cinema equipment and rental, location reservation and costs, post-production and editorial services, and two days of filming.

Rylan Tuohy will not make a profit from any money raised. He will spend every penny you donate making this video great and proving to the film community that Navy-supported grassroots projects CAN WORK.

The rewards for supporting this project

“Fan” ($25) | Get a limited edition beverage can koozie featuring the unique Spirit Spot slogan!
“Production Assistant” ($40) | Receive a limited edition, uniquely branded Challenge Coin to show others that you supported this campaign.
“Crew” ($50) | Get your limited edition t-shirt with the unique Spirit Spot slogan!
“Groupie” ($50) | Get a custom Spirit Spot movie poster as part of this project!
“Author” ($75) | Own your own printed copy of the Spirit Spot script, signed by Rylan Tuohy.
“Virtual Backstage Pass” ($100) | Get access to behind-the-scenes updates from Rylan Tuohy throughout the production of the Spirit spot.
“Publicist” ($150) | Have your name (the first letter of your first and last name) added to the “Supporters” section of the video description on YouTube (e.g. Rylan T.), where others can always see that you supported this project.
“Wardrobe & Props” ($200) | Get all the cool limited edition swag for a discounted price. You get the t-shirt, cup holder, signed printed script, and a Spirit Spot movie poster!
“Agent” ($250) | Have your name or company name added as credit on the video as “Special Thanks!”
“Producer” ($500) | State your name or company on the video as “producer” These are larger and appear earlier than the credits of the lower levels.
“Studio” ($750) | Have your name or company credited as a producer in the video, plus receive a personalized thank you video from Rylan Tuohy on set!
“VIP” ($1,000) | Join the production team on set and watch the Spirit spot being filmed! Valid for one person. Filming will take place on October 6-7, 2024 and October 13-14, 2024 in San Diego, California. Travel expenses not included.
'Background Extra' ($5,000) | Be named as a “producer”, receive the limited edition and appear as an extra in the background on the screen! To be eligible for this reward, you must be available and located in (or willing to travel to) San Diego, California on October 6-7, 2024 and October 13-14, 2024. Travel is not included. Actor must be at least 18 years old.
“Co-Executive Producer” ($7,500) | Your name or company/organization will be clearly listed as “Co-Executive Producer.” Additionally, you will receive limited edition swag and will be invited to be on set during production along with a guest.
“Celebrity” ($10,000) | Be in the spotlight! You'll be cast in a speaking role on camera and be part of the final video! You'll also be prominently credited as a “co-executive producer,” receive the swag, and be on set with two other guests. Filming will take place on October 6-7, 2024 and October 13-14, 2024 in San Diego, California. Travel is not included. Actor must be at least 18 years old.

Add-ons

By supporting the project and choosing the reward, you have the opportunity to select an add-on, which is an additional reward that you can add before paying. Here are the add-ons for the rewards:

Spirit Spot Script – Digital Copy ($25) | You will receive a digital copy (.pdf) of the Spirit Spot Script via email!
Limited Edition Koozie ($25) | Get the limited edition koozie with unique branding.
Limited Edition Challenge Coin ($40) | Own your own uniquely branded Challenge Coin.
Limited Edition T-Shirt ($50) | Show your pride and wear your limited edition t-shirt with unique branding.
Spirit Spot Movie Poster ($50) | Get a custom designed Spirit Spot movie poster (size 11″ x 14″).
Signed Spirit Spot Script ($75) | Read how to create a Spirit Spot, own your script, and have it signed by Rylan Tuohy.
Personalized Video from Set ($250) | Whether you want it for yourself, your loved one, your ensign, your friend, or your rival in the Army, get a personalized video from Rylan Tuohy on set.

But there is more …

If we raise $50,000 we will make this video, BUT our ambitious goal is $100,000. This will allow us to hire more staff to handle the complex production of this great idea, build more realistic and authentic Navy sets and backgrounds, have a dedicated behind the scenes video and photography team and…

We have a certain A-list celebrity in mind.

If we go over budget, our goal is to bring in a specific A-list celebrity to make a guest appearance. This opportunity is only viable if we go over our campaign budget. While our stretch goal of $100,000 sounds like a lot, an average 30-second TV commercial can cost around $1,000,000 or more.

Navy's famous Spirit Spot Mid raises crowdfunding for another epic video