Making BMW TV: Part 7, The Long Road Home

It's Tuesday. I'm back home. The trip took a lot out of me but I wanted recap the last day of the BMW shoot. Sunday we shot two commercials in an epic 16+ hour day. We were at the South Bay dealership all day long, both inside the lobby and outside in the service center. Both spots are for BMW Ultimate service ($0/4 years/50,000 miles!).

It was a very long day -- not just because of the hours but unlike Thursday and Friday it was all about acting. And a lot of comedy acting at that. The talent really worked hard to pull off subtle, nuanced, dry comedy in scenes that lasted a matter of seconds. I have a new appreciation for acting.

The other spot didn't require overt comedy or nearly as much acting, but instead was a very simply, silent, visual story. This meant it needed all the more attention to detail to make sure everything played out in the most powerful way possible. We started the day with the final shot from this spot and it was absolutely fantastic. The agency had originally thought of this as two different shots, but the director came up with a sweet camera move that combined both shots. I think it will turn out pretty rad.

We should see rough cuts this week. I may be back down in LA later this week to check in on progress. We're looking to deliver the first spot in about a week and a half. How's that for turn around time?

Pics from the day.