Monday, September 16, 2013

How much does it cost to make and produce a commercial?

car newspaper ads on Unusual car ads - Advertising Is Good For You
car newspaper ads image



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.

Tips to make a good first impression / interview for a care salesman?




Gabe


A well known Nissan dealership is hiring sales reps. Its guaranteed $2,500 salary for the first 3 months plus commission and bonuses, and then after that its solely commission. The newspaper ad just said "Apply in person". My friend applied once before to the same dealership for a different position and was interviewed on the spot, so I want to be prepared in case that happens to me today.


Answer
You wear a Suit for the interview. Bring your resume and stress prior sales experience.
Spelling does count thus it is CAR Sales Person
Suggest you drive by the dealership and take some notes about location, outside appearance of sales lot this way if asked about making improvements you can answer.
Also check online for the dealership and read any reviews or complaints about them The more knowledge you have the better to answer anything they ask. Learn what models the dealership carries and about Nissan Corporation




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