From Yellowstone to Charlotte: A Behind-the-Scenes Tale of a National Commercial Shoot
This particular commercial booking requires a little backstory. Go on a journey with me, won’t you?
As for many artists and just all of us in general, Covid was an interesting time. A time for reflection, introspection, and for personal inventory. My wife Rose and I were living in a condo overlooking the pristine NC intracoastal waterway and dreaming of a life of adventure.
We had talked a lot about downsizing and seeing the country but hadn’t actually been able to bite the bullet and just do it. The lockdown provided a unique opportunity to roll the dice and go for it. To see how quickly the world changed around us gave us the agency to say now or never. Things moved swiftly and before we knew it we had sold the majority of our possessions and loaded what we could into a 1995 Coachmen Catalina primed to hit the road.
Covid also brought with it a landscape change in how actors audition for roles. In the past, most of my auditions were in person in front of a casting director and a few others involved in the production. After the world shut down most auditions transitioned into the world of self tape. That is, you put yourself on tape and send in your auditions, eliminating the need to be at the casting office in person. As an actor, I knew being on the road would present unique challenges to film my auditions within the small space from various locations as we traversed the country, but decided we could and would make it work.
Fast forward a few months, thousands of miles, and many self tapes sent, we found ourselves camping in the majestic Yellowstone. As you can imagine, cell service was neither a premium or a primary concern for us. We were blown away by the vast landscapes and wildlife at every turn. As I gathered sticks that evening to build a fire, all was right with the world.
The next morning as I’m walking around the campsite I receive a frantic time sensitive email from my agent. I must have looked like the ultimate buffoon as I walked around with my phone in the air attempting to grab enough service to both read the email and respond to it. I was able to get my materials in just in the knick of time. The catch was I needed a covid test and to be on a plane headed for Charlotte, NC on a very truncated timeline.
Fox Sports/GMC were set to reveal their new EV Hummer and I was slated to be a part of this incredible national commercial spot. Not only that, but I would be returning to my home state to film. What are the odds? We packed up and starting driving for Salt Lake City, Utah where I would be flying out of. We drove through Wyoming with a pit stop in Jackson Hole to grab a bite to eat. While in Jackson Hole I received a call from production informing me that I wouldn’t be able to board the plane without an approved covid test. As I rounded a corner in our 29 foot Coachmen I noticed a kiosk by the library administering tests. The problem was it was now a few minutes past 5 pm and the kiosk was closed. I pleaded my case to the young woman at the station and she benevolently obliged my request. I slid her the cash I had in my pocket even though she tried to refuse. One more thing off the checklist and onward to Salt Lake.
Little did we know that the state fair was taking place in Salt Lake City and the traffic was insane. Imagine crazy traffic but you’re driving a 29 foot long box, challenging to say the least. We landed, set up our site, Rose cut my hair and I was ready to fly out the next morning for my close up.
As I soared overhead I couldn’t help but ponder the situation at hand. My career in the arts began in North Carolina and now after having left I was returning to my home state to film a national commercial. Surreal doesn’t even begin to describe my state of mind.
A car had been arranged for me to pick up at the airport which provided its own set of challenges. For months I had driven only our RV and now I found myself in a small sedan zipping down the highway after dark in Charlotte’s drive time traffic. Much like Stella, it took me a bit to get my groove back. All part of the adventure I suppose.
I arrived on set early the next morning to catch my bearings and ready myself for day one of the two day shoot. I was met with kind eyes and masked faces as I strode into the football stadium on UNC Charlotte’s sprawling campus. I was again covid tested, signed in and then ushered to my trailer. There a lovely team attempted to shellac and paint this old mug to a camera-ready shine.
Don’t get me wrong, my trailer was lovely and more than I needed, however I couldn’t help but notice the trailer next to mine was a real show stopper. I was informed that this trailer was reserved for Carolina Panthers legendary tight end Greg Olsen who I’d be sharing the screen with. After getting my robust frame fitted for a custom suit and carefully constructing a full windsor knot in my crimson necktie it was time to head to set. I hadn’t met Greg yet, but was very much looking forward to it. He was incredibly cordial and welcoming as he gave me a hearty fist bump. My hands aren’t small by any stretch, but bumping him was akin to bumping a frying pan. I quickly realized why he has so many recorded receiving yards. His mitts are huge.
The next two days were a blur of precision shots, countless trips up and down the stadium steps to get the angle just right and lots of playing around with GMC’s new EV Hummer. The SUV was an absolute beast. Sleek, streamlined, with removable top, and a commanding stance. It was incredible to get such a great glimpse of this revolutionary machine before the general public were privy to such a purview. I especially enjoyed how blown away Greg appeared to be by the mechanical marvel. Power, design, and environmentally conscious. I couldn’t believe I was part of such a special introduction.
After we wrapped, I stood with Greg on the field chatting for quite a while. He was warm, engaging, and everything you’d hope for a superstar to be. I’d heard many heartwarming stories about his giving spirit in Charlotte and his dedication to his foundation The HEARTest Yard dedicated to his son TJ. Now I was the recipient of his kindness and curiosity. Here I was talking to a man worth 90 million and he was genuinely asking me about the next leg of our adventure in our 95’ Coachmen Catalina. What a guy and what an incredible experience.
All in all the entire experience is a blur. Before I knew it I was back in the air bound for Salt Lake City, new custom suit in tow. A great perk from production. Meanwhile Rose was in a picturesque gated area where she had made friends with a local bison she lovingly referred to as Billy. She met me at the airport and back into our RV I climbed.
From Yellowstone to Jackson Hole to Charlotte, NC and now back again, what a whirlwind of a week. Days later I found myself on a river bank in Utah reminiscing about the past few days. I was overcome with gratitude and awe as I watched the river roll by and stared up at the majestic mountains. It was such a dichotomy of life experience which can be such a beautiful thing.
The biggest lesson for me is no matter where you may roam and though be it humble, there’s no place like home.
A special thanks to GMC, Fox Sports, Greg, Peter Raskin, my agent, and always Rose.
Much Love,
Clark
