Motherhood and Beyond

Okay, so it is not the theaters.  But, coming in August you will see my face on a commercial.  That’s right.  Me.  Asked to do a commercial for Foothills Bank & Trust in Maryville.  I was part of the focus group that met together some months ago to talk about the marketing and to give fresh ideas.  It was fun to do.  Then about 2 weeks ago, I received a call from the bank and they wanted me to do a commercial for them.  I told them only if I could have my make up airbrushed and a professional hairstylist.  Maybe through in a wardrobe person…I am pregnant and the clothing is limited!  I received a good laugh with a big answer of “No, not in the budget.”  Now I am thinking, “Oh great.  Another low budget local commercial.”  I always hate those.  Some of them I don’t like so much, that I will not shop there.  Anyway back to the commercial…

This past Tuesday I met the head guy and the production crew at this old cottage style house in Maryville.  This house should be on “If Walls Could Talk” on HGTV.  Cool house.  After doing a few still photos while the crew set up, I was then prepped on what to do.  This was the testimonial part.  Basically I had to talk about why I like the bank and what it provides for me.  I have to say, I don’t think this will turn into your low budget local commercial.  I was impressed with the crew.  Those people know what they are doing.  This was not a one man camera crew.  There were several there doing the lights, boom, and whatever else is involved.  After that “wrap”, Scott said we had enough for three commercials.  WHAT?  THREE?!  I thought I was doing one.  Not so, my friend.  On to the next part…Lifesyle segment.  Here is where I was blown away…You want me to eat this dessert which has whip cream on top in front of a camera?!!!!  Yes, I am sure it was all over my face.  How do you do that gracefully?  You don’t!  I will have to say, the cake, strawberries, bananas, raspberries, blueberries AND whip cream was very good!  Although I avoided a the raspberries…I am not a fan.  Apparantly they noticed that because they joked about it.

Day 2:  Yes this went on for 2 days…Interaction at the bank with an employee.  Again impressed with the crew.  They are on top of things.  This was not so bad.  I had to act like I was talking to Beth about bank stuff when in fact we were talking about babies.  They told me not to look AT her but over her shoulder.  Hard to do when you are having a conversation.  I asked Scott what the still photos were for.  He said for the newspaper.  I will have to draw the line if I see it on billboard.  I may wreck! 

I told Craig that if I see this commercial for the first time while I am at the hospital about to give birth, I may go into labor quickly! 

So if you see it, good.  If you don’t, even better!  It was fun, though.