Used Car Commercial

F

FantasticPat

Member
I was recently asked to make a 30 second commercial for a local used car dealership. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas or thought they could share. I want to do something that stands out and is anything but average. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
First thing I would do is see if the used car dealership "offers" anything that it's competitors don't. It's kind of hard to do something extraordinary in 30 seconds for a car dealership so I wouldn't worry too much about the creative/original aspect, but more for actually benefitting the dealership.

Just make a really good advertisement. Help gain them business. Find out what promos, sales, and/or specials the dealership has to offer and focus on that. If you make a commercial that actually drives them some business, word will get out and you can potentially earn more jobs.

Be sure to check back with the dealership in the weeks post commercial implication - see if sales went up or if anyone has used the commercial as a referal to come in.
 
30 Seconds of GLORY

30 Seconds of GLORY

Well Mr. Pat,

If you are still pondering how to make a great :30 second spot try thinking about how you can make a better commercial. Research is important. (Gondry) And what you make should never mirror what you take. Even if they pay you $10. Remember this will air and people will see it. If you make a crap shoot other people will expect your work to mirror that effort.

Tips: If you have HD, use it. If you have effects, don't abuse them. You can only use a star wipe so many times. If the guy signin the check wants to be in front of the camera - good for him. Even if he sucks he will still be happy to have :30 seconds of glory. If he doesn't, even better find someone with talent on camera. Shot selections: If you have a Jib, use it. Make a dolly track and get shots you don't generally see in these commercials.

If I was shooting this. I would ask what this guy is willing to risk to have something people will love to see. People love seeing things blow up or go wrong. Have him pony up a car and get enough explosives to send that thing into the detroit river. "We are blowing up our competitor's prices!":violin: Happi music.

If you are going for a chaos shoot, stage it, but you need good actors to make it seem real. Look at the Toyota commercials. The loch ness monster eats a truck and tosses it on shore. I'd buy that for a dollar.
 
I worked with a cameraman last week who said the key to his success was he didn't get too creative. No, that's not a typo. The TV programs he worked on had a tight budget and timeline. They stuck with what worked. All that to say, there is a reason local car commericals all look the same THIS FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY ONLY! The reason is they sell cars. That's what they are meant to do not win awards. Do a solid job, have a happy client, and if you do two or three car spots a month that will pay your bills and give you time to do the creative films you really want to do.
 
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