Sunday, March 23, 2008
Deltalina: Watch Katherine Lee in Delta's New Flight Safety Video
You might actually pay attention to the in-flight safety video the next time you fly Delta Air Lines if Deltalina has her way. Deltalina, or Katherine Lee, has become a YouTube phenomenon after starring in the normally yawn-inducing video.
The 33-year-old flight attendant gets her nickname from a combination of "Delta" and Angelina Jolie, who fans say she resembles. The attention-capturing video features special effects, an unusual soundtrack, and "finger wags" for a more modern feel.
On the soundtrack behind the mandatory Federal Aviation Administration safety instructions — such as how to buckle a seat belt, how to wear an oxygen mask and when to put away a cell phone — the new video is backed by a smooth jazz drumbeat and ethereal electronic tones. In one spot, the viewer suddenly sees a digital sparkle on the smile of a shaven-headed male flight attendant who is demonstrating how to properly wear a life vest.
There's also the finger wag. Halfway through the 4-1/2 minute video, Lee unexpectedly and playfully wags a long finger at the camera while instructing that "Smoking ... is not allowed, on any Delta flight."
The audition process to star in the video was tough. From 82 initial flight attendants, only 10 were selected to be in the video, and one chosen for the lead role.
You can watch Deltalina in action below: