It was approximately eight thirty in the morning, clear skies, a perfect day for shooting a commercial in Angel Stadium in California. Unfortunately, we will have to wait until next week. Today, our D.P. out of Orange County and the director are checking out the location. This is more of a pre-scout than the actual scout. I wanted to see the shape of the field, changing rooms, parking for crew, the do and the do not's with shooting on a location.
Since we were shooting at a professional baseball stadium, one would presume one would see a baseball field, with flush green grass, a pitcher's mound and well groomed fouls lines, etc. But instead, the field was prepared for a football game, with goal posts on each side. Umm, okay. I thought. Now, I have to fix this. We eventually found out that the goal posts would be removed by the time we arrived, but the football field layout would remain.
Since I was the writer and the director, I was able to make the changes on the spot. No pitcher's mound? No problem, I'll change the scene to home plate. I will shoot it so that we don't recognize the football field and the stadium's sponsor's corporate logos. This would be a challenge since the stadium is covered with their sponsor's logos.
An hour later, I was able to visualize the shots I needed. I knew where the sun would be at a certain time, so that our visual effects shots would work, as well as where the shadows and sunlight would be for the rest of the shoot.
When you are limited on funds, you have to use every possible, creative, natural element and cost effectiveness there is. We were not importing lights, generators, cranes, etc. Just bounce and shiny boards. The fact we were in December and rain could be a factor, did cross my mind. If that occurred, then we would move to the stands. But, I'll take my chances. After all, what choice did I have?
Oh, a couple of days ago, the question was asked from an associate, "Why don't you shoot the commercial in January instead of December, you're so close to the holiday season?" The answer; "Well that's simple, Angel Stadium is not avail in January and do you think I would receive the willingness from so many professionals for no pay in January, when everyone is up to their neck with their December Christmas bills?" No more questions were asked.
Back to the production office, the editor calls and begins to ask a series of questions, none of which I had the answers for. What format of delivery? Will this be QuickTime files? Do you have the resolution, and delivery time, what about hard drives versus online? Compressed versus not? "I will get back to you on all of those," I replied.
Okay, the costume designer was booked. She was a referral from another costumer that I had worked with. A meeting was set for her to come in the office. First, I still needed to book our female spokesperson. Back on the phone, a prominent casting director in the industry that casts major films came on board to help. So, the word was out. These are a few things that go on behind the scenes in a Hollywood production. This is just a taste of what goes on. http://www.whatistheflipside.com
Author
Louis C. Simon
I am Louis. C Simon, the author behind "Making A Television Commercial". As an industry veteran, it gives me great pleasure to provide you with insights into what goes on behind the scenes in Hollywood. From development through post production. The difficulties, the team, the glamor and sometimes...the not so glamor. All in a day's work. That's a wrap! See you next time.
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