When I began acting this year, every now and then I see friends in the industry sharing their commercials, billboard campaign and infomercial . I’ve seen them on my Facebook timeline, Twitter, youtube and other countless websites — always captioned “OMG! My first!”. Never in my life had I thought that one day I would actually find myself in a film studio, shooting a commercial for Government. I’m not saying I never wanted to try it, it’s just… That kind of thought never really crossed my mind. Yet, some time ago I got the amazing opportunity to see for myself what shooting an infomercial looks like. And today I’d like to share my experience with you.
The Preparation
I had to wake up by 4am because I was asked to be at the studio by 6am.
So here I am excited and packed with at least 3 kinds of long sleeves polo and 2 pairs of slacks.
The Location
I came in very early. About an hour prior to the call time. So I was able to witness how the production people designed the set up. They were all professionals. They were able to build the bank studio in no time. They gave me Jollibee Breakfast Meal with coffee as breakfast.
The Shoot
The bank sequence was done by lunchtime, but before we headed to the next venue, the PhlPost General Manager paid a visit to check the shoot. We were relieved that he told me and Hannah that we are exactly what the PhilPost campaign is looking for. For whatever reasons those may be, i t'd like to think that those were positive remarks. Aheem!
Off to the 2nd Location
Making an infomercial requires much more time, more acting and more people than I had imagined. There were probably more than 15 staff members — the director, assistants, choreographers, scenographers, make-up artists powdering our noses every 3 minutes, special effects people (notice the white wall and how it transformed in the actual video, people taking care of the food… They were all really lovely though. Kind, helpful, supportive… The list of superlatives is really long.
and, IT'S A WRAP
It was my very first experience of this sort and I can say with confidence that I wouldn’t mind doing it again one day!
Presenting my very first government campaign as PhlPost Postal ID Brand Ambassador
As what Robin Sharma said "If you're friends aren't laughing at your dreams, then your dreams aren't big enough"
Don't be afraid to dream big.
Until then,
Bibo