Shooting our 1st TV commercial

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JbNormandog

JbNormandog

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Joined
Apr 8, 2004
Posts
3,751
Location
NJ
Hi all,

We are gearing up to shoot our first tv spot and was wondering if any of you that have done this might have some script or other suggestions.

I keep feeling like I'm overlooking something.

The production company says they handle everything but I would rather be too prepared rather than doing a hail mary play.

OK hit me with it.....
 
It's easier to see what you like and dont like after they put together the first commercial. dont be afraid to make them do changes when they show you the clip they put together.

i've never really totally loved any commercial put together for me. but i also had the smaller budget to work with, so i couldnt get as *jazzy* as i would have liked.
I have always wanted to have a catchy song like from Devo's
"Now whip it
Into shape
Shape it up
Get straight
Go forward
Move ahead
Try to detect it
It’s not too late
To whip it
Whip it good

but put FRAME it where all the Whips are
and switch some of the other wording, but i havent gotten that far yet
 
JB,
I've done a lot of production in the past both as a director and a client. When you are the client, since this is a creative, collaborative effort, the most important thing is that you and the Producer/director have a good groove together. If you don't click with them right away, run away and find a new one. There are plenty out there.

Second, what usually drives the production staff crazy about clients is that they want to spend as little money as possible but make changes all day long. If you want to operate that way (which I don't encourage), be prepared to open your wallet. If its a fixed bid contract, ask how much time you get to make changes.

Finally, make sure you know, up front, what stuff costs and exactly what you'll get. Be on time and expect the same from them.
 
When they are shooting a commercial, make sure that they have a monitor connected to the camera so you can see what they are shooting. Look for price tags, products that are not facing the camera, glare on pictures, ect. You better have a goal for what you want to accomplish in your commercial, flying by the seat of your pants will show to the viewers.

Once you send a message in your commercial make sure it is consistant in all of your advertising.

My ugly mug sells a **** of alot more framing than the very good looking blonde that we had as a spokesperson, I would say that sex does not sell.
 
The most successful TV commercials I ever did over quite a few years were the ones where, to use Tim's words, "my ugly mug" was featured with the narrative quite simply inviting the viewer to bring in their work and showing a few examples of finished pieces and a customer at the design counter. The outside of the store was shown at the beginning and end with our logo and "since 1911".

I still have people say they see me on TV all the time and I haven't run any TV ads for almost three years. I ran them consistently throughout the year with 4 or five different 30 and 60 second
spots with a little more penetration during the pre-holiday season.

People want to put a face and personality with a business. It becomes much more memorable.

The best response was on local affiliate stations. Cable was cheap, but you get what you pay for.

The only downside is, since I was recognized everywhere, I had to behave myself. ;)

Dave Makielski
 
I spent 40 plus years in radio and television. When it comes to advertising, the old saying is so true. People remember the Very Good and the Very Bad. Tim and Dave - what does that tell you about the response you got?
 
Tells me that I am very good


Yes that is true, they always remember the good and the bad, the average always will be forgotten.

Dave is correct, people want to know who the owner is and put a face with your store, make sure you are in the commercial unless you just do not feel comfortable talking on camera, if you do not look comfortable then your commercial will go down as one of those "bad" ones that people remember.
 
I think people are getting tired of seeing sexy commercials. Jaded, burned out, or just annoyed, it just doesn't work as well as it used to. Be straightforward and look as trustworthy as you can.

Really, as much as some people may like to look at bikini babes, I don't think they would trust them with their wedding photos.
 
I was thinking of hiring 2 celebrities. I'd have Paris Hilton cleaning the glass on a large frame with soapy water and William Shatner superimposed over one side doing a Shatnerized rendition of She's Got Legs by ZZ Top, singing She's Got Frames of course.
 
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