Who films TV commercials with costumed characters outside on a 98-degree day?
Only an agency and crew with a miracle-worker makeup artist.
Our very cool talent shined on a very hot day.
How did we get to this point?
Let’s back up a bit. Our client, Thrifty White had a new product and service to promote. The first of its kind in the region, Thrifty White’s Healthy Pack RxTM is a unique system to easily, conveniently manage multi-dose prescriptions. All medications are organized into individual packets that are labeled with the medication, day, date and time to be taken to improve convenience, plus reduce confusion and the risk of medication errors. By taking medications correctly, patients are more likely to stay well, make fewer clinic visits and require fewer hospitalizations.
Making pills come alive
Led by our Grand Forks office, SimmonsFlint, we worked with Thrifty White to concept and write three TV commercials. The key messages were: – Peace of mind for patients and especially their family members – Ease of use – A little humor in two of the commercials We assembled the crew, our client secured some talent and we researched and selected the “talking pills,” locations, props, costumes—and makeup artist.
Sharon, right, is an experienced professional (her stories of doing makeup for Katie Couric and Andrea Mitchell were great!). She kept the perspiration off the actors, actresses (that's Marla in the chair above) and "pills."
Check out the commercials below. You’ll notice the first two feature the pills, and the third is a more straight-forward message featuring aging parents and their children, a message we hope resonates with Thrifty White’s audiences.
Behind-the-scenes
Some sneak peeks of action between takes. See more photos of the Thrifty White TV commercials shoot on the Flint Group Facebook page.
The pills causing confusion.
Run, green, run!
Ride on!
Grrrreen.
Look for the pills near you
Thrifty White also produced print and other materials to promote Healthy Pack Rx. The costumes will go to good use, too, for in-store promotions and other “pill appearances.” Even with the hidden ice-pack filled vests underneath, we don’t recommend scheduling pill appearances outdoors for 98-degree days. We do highly recommend Healthy Pack Rx.
Now, roll the credits:
Sue Teien, Client and Talent Scout
“No Worries” talent: Donna and Jim, Grandparents/Customers
Marla, Adult Daughter
Matt, Adult Son-In-Law
Charlie and Ellie, Grandchildren
“Colors” and “Adherence” talent:
Charles Hubbell, Green Pill
Tim Drake, Red Pill
Dale Pfeilsticker, Yellow Pill
David Carey, Thrifty White customer
Crew: Jeff Saunders, Director of Photography
Bill Felker, Gaffer
Scott Buckley, Sound Technician
Gavin Rehder, Grip
Joe Vandenberg, Grip
Michael, Editor and Homeowner
Sharon Davis, Makeup Artist
Maureen Olsen, Director/Producer
Phil Hunt, Scriptwriter
Elizabeth Hansen, Homeowner, Scriptwriter, Patient Person
Thanks for the opportunity to do work that will keep others healthy, Thrifty White!