The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk TV Commercials ???

This might supposed to be in the Spoon, but I wasn't sure...

I've been approached (via internet) regarding the use of my truck in a Chevy Truck (Silverado) commercial that is being filmed in the Denver area this week.

Anyone got any experience with this type of deal? I know John and Peggy did. Been corresponding with Peg all morning.

Good/Bad experiences?

Things to watch out for, or questions to ask before I jump in with both feet?

Thanks in advance for your help.

they used my 50 for a photo shoot and print ads for their "like a rock" series. the group i worked with was great. really took care of the truck, trailered it to the site, and had it insured for some un-godly amount of money. i requested that i be at the shoot to make sure they didn't do anything weird so they put me up in the same resort that the rest of the crew was staying at and the catering truck was very well stocked so i didn't go hungry either.

they also used my truck in a movie and my experience with that was very similar. also requested that i be on the set and it was no problem.

they used my motorcycle in a levis commercial a few years ago. they had some guy (biker dude) who was supposed to ride it for the filming but by the time they hung all the camera gear on the bike, it handled a little strangely so they had me ride it instead. if they're going to have someone driving it, make sure they know what they're doing. if you drive it they should compensate you for your time as well as the "rent" of the truck. you may have to sign a waiver if there's a chance your face shows in any shots. the waiver just lets them off the hook for having to pay you any more money.

most importantly, don't let them do anything to the truck that you don't want them to.

hope this helps!

PJ,

That sounds like alot of fun. Hope this one turns out that well.

Just kinda nervous when I get contacted from someone that saw something on the internet.

You know, you can never be too careful.

Thanks for the reassurance.

cool .Maybe I can get zerorust to do a commercial with my truck,get em to do all the bodywork an turn it into a 30second commercial .I'd go for the commercial,sounds like an experience.

I know there was a James Garner movie filmed here several years ago. (it bombed) But they used trucks and cars from the 40's found in this area for props. The deal did't pay much money, but the owners got to drive the truck/car in the movie as back ground effect. They also took out insurance policies that protected the vehicles while the filming took place.

no one ever wanted me for or my truck for nothing.. heck, I dont see how you can go wrong....

I'm currently awaiting word from the contact. She was supposed to meet with the director this afternoon and go through pics I sent etc.

They've been a little bit tight-lipped thus far. They have told me the shoot is supposed to be somewhere close to the town I live in, and taking place on Thursday and Friday of this week.

They are supposed to be representing a "well-known" production company from LA and are said to carry an insurance policy for $1million. They also have said the truck would not be driven, rather just used as a part of the scenery or still shots.

They sound very interested, but also don't sound as though they know much of anything about trucks.

I had their heads spinning when I started asking them more specifically what they were looking for, as the person I talked to didn't know anything about split model years, stock color schemes etc.

Maybe they should sign up here on the Bolt and get an education.

I guess I'll see if they decide they want us, and go from there.

They're also looking for a 64 truck, if anyone knows someone in CO with that year/model of Chevy truck.

I'll keep you updated.

Jed,
It's not uncommon for the production companies to not know much about specialty props like "Old Trucks." They work for producers or directors who tell them that "an old truck" or "a '40-something" truck would be the perfect backdrop. These people don't know anything more than than that. And they really don't don't care. As long as it is correct for the period, and it provides "the look" they are after, then they're happy. Asking them if they want a 5-window, a 3-window COE or a second series AD is like them asking you if you'd do the white balance for them.

When Clint Eastwood's "Flags of Our Fathers" comes out in October, look for our truck -- it's the red and black AD in the scenes at the Iwo Jima monument in DC. You can read about our experience in the Features section.

Have fun -- it can be a good time. P.J. isn't kidding about the catering truck! They pay you, they make your truck famous AND they throw some world-class chow at you. It's not a bad gig at all!


John

Well, all for naught I guess.

They called this morning and advised they'd chosen a different truck for the shoot.

Perhaps our "Fame" is yet to come.

Hey Jed , Go get you bolt apparised at a bonified shop so there won't be any question later as to what it is worth.

Hey I wonder if they would like to film a real cool old "plymouth"

... I thought not. :rolleyes:


Cliff59