“One bold choice leads to another.” This is more than the national tagline for the new Toyota Camry. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy for Pat Finn, star of a nine-year ongoing campaign for the Valley Toyota Dealers. In “Wolf,” one of eight new spots directed by Jordan Brady of Superlounge, Finn follows up his Camry purchase with that of a new family pet: a wolf.
“Of course, we used a real wolf,” Brady affirmed. “I grew up in the wild, so casting was easy.” The wolf was real, but in truth Brady gave props to Mark Shockley and the team at GreenScreen Animals. GSA specializes in licensing stock footage of animals recorded on green screen. The animals are shot under the supervision of American Humane and later licensed for use in Film, Television and the Web. This insures actor safety, while helping production stay on schedule and within budget.
“GreenScreen Animals worked to make the wolf look so organic,” Brady said. “We shot and composited a test beforehand, so the creatives and I knew what we were getting. When you shoot 8 spots, the last thing you need is a woodland carnivore on set. The actors were most appreciative.'
“We were excited when we got the call from Jordan,” said Mark Shockley, President of GreenScreen Animals. “He is a very hands-on director with great comedic timing so we knew this was going to be a treat. The process was actually seamless. First, Jordan explained his vision and we chose the clips. Together at our studio, we chose some favorites. Once his test was complete, we assembled a rough composite so the creatives could have a look. All in all, this was the perfect solution. We certainly love the final product”.
Brady is almost eight years into the campaign, and relishes working with the funny and talented Finn. “Pat Finn has one of the funniest and quickest comedic minds,” he said. “Shooting with him is like a private comedy show."
"Jordan gets it – he is very much an actors director,” said Finn. “As an actor, you hope to have an ally on set, someone to be your eyes, help you through a scene and create a moment on spot, if need be. Jordan is all of these and more. I can’t think of a kinder, funnier person on and off the set who truly has a passion for his craft, and it shows!"
The new round also includes spots that play on Finn’s tribulations as a dad, such as “Tennis Balls,” in which he endeavors to show trust of his daughter while protecting his Camry, and “Pat Chat,” an inspiring TED talk Pat gives to a bemused audience of one. The daughter, by the way, is played by Caitlin Finn, Pat's real life daughter. "Caitlin has the funny gene, and clearly plays well off her dad," added Brady, who cast her last year.
About Superlounge
Superlounge is a boutique LA production company with a focus on comedy. Its roster of award-winning commercial directors includes Jordan Brady, Daniel Sheppard, Brett Wagner, Dane Hanson and directing duo Jacob Slade.
About Jordan Brady
Jordan Brady has directed over 719 national TV spots to date. Through his commercial production company, Superlounge, he directs ad campaigns for brands and agencies all over the world. As host of the popular podcast RESPECT THE PROCESS, on the Sideshow Network. Mr. Brady interviews as wide range of ad bizzers and filmmakers on a weekly basis.
About GreenScreen Animals
GreenScreen Animals was created to fill a void in the stock footage marketplace. By merging art, technology and nature, GSA is quickly becoming the “go to” digital media company for the world's best, and most exclusive green screen animal content. GSA’s footage allows producers of creative content the fastest, easiest and most cost effective way to access media that would normally be too expensive and difficult to capture. GSA’s footage is licensed for use in Film, Television, Web and Mobile applications and their content has been licensed by 20th Century Fox, Disney, Comedy Central, Saatchi & Saatchi, Leo Burnett and more.
