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darkangel
I'm doing a project for class. We're supposed to start our own imaginary businesses and make a business plan. Part of this is promotion...that is, we have to figure out how to promote our business and how much it will cost. I want to do two commercials and one newspaper ad. The NP ad is easy, but I've no idea what to do about the commercial.
Answer
The answer is: LOTS. It depends, of course, on wheter the ad is a local spot for a used car dealer or restaurant -or something shown nationally, for example an ad for coke. Amazing how many hours and dollars go in to that little 30 second ad. Here's a story:
Coke was doing an ad where I worked. My office was on the 3rd floor of an old train station that had been converted into a tourist and history site, complete with restored passenger platform and an actual steam train that took people on a scenic tour up and back down the mountain. The theme of the ad was universal recognition of Coke as a symbol of friendship and hospitality. This was expressed as a little story (vignette) showing a pretty but lonesome Asian girl stepping off a passenger car onto the dimly lit platform on a rainy night, looking fearfully for whomever was to meet her. Steam belched from the locomotive as she walked timidly past it, rain fell and spattered on the pavement, fog swirled around the ground. Then, a stranger appeared in the mist, with a bottle of Coke in hand, smiled and offered it to her. Not one word was spoken in this ad but it was obvious from the closeups of their faces that neither could speak each other's language -but BOTH knew about Coke. Smiles all around, fade to black, end of ad.
Night after night for two weeks or more, this scene was re-enacted, maybe 100's of times to get it right. A few seconds that were "just right" were taken from one session, and spliced with a few more seconds from another session, and son, until the entire ad was built up. I and other spectators stood in the background, watching the filming.
When producers want to set the perfect scene they will often travel to places that already have much of what they need, rather than construct everything on some Hollywood stage. All the little authenticating details are already there -so why spend the money to build it all up, then tear it down? And it so happens that Cumberland, MD is possessed of the tourist train and restored rail station -perfect! And, while this may be less expensive than making everything from scratch -it still costs a pretty penny.
The rain was supplied by attaching a hose to a fire hydrant and spraying water into the air so it would fall on the train platform. Actual rain is very hard to cature on film because the drops are usually too small -so mots movie rian scenes use the equivalent of a waterfall to simulate rain. So, there was equipment and a "rain man" at the valve. The fog was produced by a "fog generator" which looks sort of like a leaf blower. Just before filming, the fog technician would start his machine, then walk back and forth laying down a cloud of fog. It would last for just a minute or so, which meant that "action" had to start immediately after the fog was laid in.
Then, there were the lighting technicians, who had to adjust the various lights just right to highlight faces brightly yet also illuminate the background elements and bounce light off the falling rain. Two or three camera operators shot the scene simultaneously, and their views were displayed on video monitors arrayed before the director, and controlled through a large console. Then there were technicians and "go-fers" who moved cables around and otherwise made sure everything was where it was supposed to be.
And then, of course, there were the 2 actors.
There's more. In the parking lot behind the station the food and catering company operated from a large trailer which housed a complete commercial kitchen and served up everything from a steak dinner to a snack -all of it free for the people involved in the film. They usually opened about 4:30 PM, when crews arrived to begin setup. There were umbrella tables and paito chairs here and there around the big trailer.
All in all, I would guess there were about 50 or 60 people involved over a 2 week period to make the 30 second ad. And the ad was shown only duing the Olympics that year and at no other time (I was told). Maybe you saw it.
This gives you a glimpse of what's involved, but to get the actual costs -or maybe even go visit a filming site, why not contact some beverage companies (including beer manufacturers) and some auto companies. Find out what advertising agencies they use for their NATIONAL advertising; then contact the agencies, explain your mission and ask where they're filming. You might be surprised to learn there is something nearby.
Even though I have moved to a rural area of Virginia, when I drove back from town the other day, Lo and Behold, there was an ad agency shooting a picture of a big GM SUV pulling a fancy boat on a trailer. Why here? Because my neighbors own a huge mansion on their horse ranch, which made the perfect back drop for the picture of the SUV. So, I was stopped by the police for the few seconds it took to snap a few pictures. But, when I went back down the same road a few hours later, they were STILL at it.
A good question and a good project. I'd love to read it when you're finished.
The answer is: LOTS. It depends, of course, on wheter the ad is a local spot for a used car dealer or restaurant -or something shown nationally, for example an ad for coke. Amazing how many hours and dollars go in to that little 30 second ad. Here's a story:
Coke was doing an ad where I worked. My office was on the 3rd floor of an old train station that had been converted into a tourist and history site, complete with restored passenger platform and an actual steam train that took people on a scenic tour up and back down the mountain. The theme of the ad was universal recognition of Coke as a symbol of friendship and hospitality. This was expressed as a little story (vignette) showing a pretty but lonesome Asian girl stepping off a passenger car onto the dimly lit platform on a rainy night, looking fearfully for whomever was to meet her. Steam belched from the locomotive as she walked timidly past it, rain fell and spattered on the pavement, fog swirled around the ground. Then, a stranger appeared in the mist, with a bottle of Coke in hand, smiled and offered it to her. Not one word was spoken in this ad but it was obvious from the closeups of their faces that neither could speak each other's language -but BOTH knew about Coke. Smiles all around, fade to black, end of ad.
Night after night for two weeks or more, this scene was re-enacted, maybe 100's of times to get it right. A few seconds that were "just right" were taken from one session, and spliced with a few more seconds from another session, and son, until the entire ad was built up. I and other spectators stood in the background, watching the filming.
When producers want to set the perfect scene they will often travel to places that already have much of what they need, rather than construct everything on some Hollywood stage. All the little authenticating details are already there -so why spend the money to build it all up, then tear it down? And it so happens that Cumberland, MD is possessed of the tourist train and restored rail station -perfect! And, while this may be less expensive than making everything from scratch -it still costs a pretty penny.
The rain was supplied by attaching a hose to a fire hydrant and spraying water into the air so it would fall on the train platform. Actual rain is very hard to cature on film because the drops are usually too small -so mots movie rian scenes use the equivalent of a waterfall to simulate rain. So, there was equipment and a "rain man" at the valve. The fog was produced by a "fog generator" which looks sort of like a leaf blower. Just before filming, the fog technician would start his machine, then walk back and forth laying down a cloud of fog. It would last for just a minute or so, which meant that "action" had to start immediately after the fog was laid in.
Then, there were the lighting technicians, who had to adjust the various lights just right to highlight faces brightly yet also illuminate the background elements and bounce light off the falling rain. Two or three camera operators shot the scene simultaneously, and their views were displayed on video monitors arrayed before the director, and controlled through a large console. Then there were technicians and "go-fers" who moved cables around and otherwise made sure everything was where it was supposed to be.
And then, of course, there were the 2 actors.
There's more. In the parking lot behind the station the food and catering company operated from a large trailer which housed a complete commercial kitchen and served up everything from a steak dinner to a snack -all of it free for the people involved in the film. They usually opened about 4:30 PM, when crews arrived to begin setup. There were umbrella tables and paito chairs here and there around the big trailer.
All in all, I would guess there were about 50 or 60 people involved over a 2 week period to make the 30 second ad. And the ad was shown only duing the Olympics that year and at no other time (I was told). Maybe you saw it.
This gives you a glimpse of what's involved, but to get the actual costs -or maybe even go visit a filming site, why not contact some beverage companies (including beer manufacturers) and some auto companies. Find out what advertising agencies they use for their NATIONAL advertising; then contact the agencies, explain your mission and ask where they're filming. You might be surprised to learn there is something nearby.
Even though I have moved to a rural area of Virginia, when I drove back from town the other day, Lo and Behold, there was an ad agency shooting a picture of a big GM SUV pulling a fancy boat on a trailer. Why here? Because my neighbors own a huge mansion on their horse ranch, which made the perfect back drop for the picture of the SUV. So, I was stopped by the police for the few seconds it took to snap a few pictures. But, when I went back down the same road a few hours later, they were STILL at it.
A good question and a good project. I'd love to read it when you're finished.
Who has some more original ideas other than wine and cheese?
Q. Hubby & I are going out to dinner with 2 other couples tonight. We are all meeting at my house. I want to serve something before we go out other than 'wine and cheese' but, something that doesn't require a lot of cooking and prep. time. Any ideas?
Answer
10 MINUTE PREP>>>>NO COOKING>>>NO CHILLING>>>
This may SOUND or look like it's a lot of work,-IT'S NOT!
Saw this on Rachel Ray a while back and used the idea myself for a pre-outing get together.....was a big hit!
Once you get all the stuff, it only took me 10 minutes at the most to assemble it all on the tray. When placing on the tray, there's no order....it doesn't have to look "placed"...just throw it on and make it look fun! You dont' have to go with these specific items, go with what you like or heck, things you may already have!
Take a large wooden tray or cutting board to use as your serving platter. (or if you have some other large flat tray)
*Get some nice pepperoni &/or summer sausage and cut into angled slices and place in a "cascading" row(s)....
*do the same with some good gourmet cheese of your choice (not the standard Kraft blocks!)...alternate w/rows of meat
*Get a large bell pepper (any color) cut off the top about 1/4 way down, hollow out and fill with some really good dip (bought or homemade you can even just used ranch dressing!), place on tray and surround with cut veggies
*take either pretzel rods or bread sticks(the crunchy kind) and stand them up in a large brandy snifter or some other cute display and set on the tray amongst the beef, cheese, veggies
*IF you have any other cute little glasses (wine, martini, small glass cocktail bowls) you can fill them with assortments of nuts, &/or gourmet stuffed olives from olive bars found in most grocery stores now by Delallo, and just place them randomly among the tray-or to the side if no more room
As far as drinks.....I had a mini bar set up in which they could make their own either: martinis, vodka tonics, or 7 and 7. I also had some beer on hand for the less fussy drinkers...lol.
My guests were QUITE impressed and said they really liked how comfortable it made them feel....it wasn't "stuffy"
Not counting the mini-bar...I only spent about $20-$25 on enought for 10 people...and actually had some left. Hope that this helps or maybe gives you some ideas!
10 MINUTE PREP>>>>NO COOKING>>>NO CHILLING>>>
This may SOUND or look like it's a lot of work,-IT'S NOT!
Saw this on Rachel Ray a while back and used the idea myself for a pre-outing get together.....was a big hit!
Once you get all the stuff, it only took me 10 minutes at the most to assemble it all on the tray. When placing on the tray, there's no order....it doesn't have to look "placed"...just throw it on and make it look fun! You dont' have to go with these specific items, go with what you like or heck, things you may already have!
Take a large wooden tray or cutting board to use as your serving platter. (or if you have some other large flat tray)
*Get some nice pepperoni &/or summer sausage and cut into angled slices and place in a "cascading" row(s)....
*do the same with some good gourmet cheese of your choice (not the standard Kraft blocks!)...alternate w/rows of meat
*Get a large bell pepper (any color) cut off the top about 1/4 way down, hollow out and fill with some really good dip (bought or homemade you can even just used ranch dressing!), place on tray and surround with cut veggies
*take either pretzel rods or bread sticks(the crunchy kind) and stand them up in a large brandy snifter or some other cute display and set on the tray amongst the beef, cheese, veggies
*IF you have any other cute little glasses (wine, martini, small glass cocktail bowls) you can fill them with assortments of nuts, &/or gourmet stuffed olives from olive bars found in most grocery stores now by Delallo, and just place them randomly among the tray-or to the side if no more room
As far as drinks.....I had a mini bar set up in which they could make their own either: martinis, vodka tonics, or 7 and 7. I also had some beer on hand for the less fussy drinkers...lol.
My guests were QUITE impressed and said they really liked how comfortable it made them feel....it wasn't "stuffy"
Not counting the mini-bar...I only spent about $20-$25 on enought for 10 people...and actually had some left. Hope that this helps or maybe gives you some ideas!
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Title Post: How much does it cost to make and produce a commercial?
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Rating: 93% based on 9658 ratings. 4 user reviews.
Author: Unknown
Thanks For Coming To My Blog
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