Date: 25th March 2001

Madonna Lands $1.5 Million Deal For BMW


MADONNA will star in a BMW advertising campaign - under the direction of husband GUY RITCHIE.

The MATERIAL GIRL singer will play herself in one of a series of mini movies for the car company - and gets a choice of a new vehicle from the company's range for her day's work.

Guy meanwhile, will earn $150,000 (£100,000) to direct his wife and British actor CLIVE OWEN in the 10-minute short film. In the advert, to be broadcast first on the internet next month (APR01), a flustered Madonna rushes from a five-star hotel pursued by a paparazzi pack. She jumps into a waiting cab, driven by TV detective Owen who asks where she wants to go, to which she replies, "Take me wherever." He responds, "Madam, I'm going to give you the ride of your life."

Ritchie is one of a host of top directors, including ANG LEE and DAVID FINCHER, hired by BMW to create unique adverts for the company. It is estimated that each 10-minute segment will cost $2.1 million (£1.4 million). The bill for Madonna's team of make-up artists alone amounts to $75,000 (£50,000). (NQ/WNSSU/KW)

Source: WENN