One of the items on my WOW! list is to be an extra on a TV show or movie. When I saw a call for background “talent” for a commercial filmed in my city, I immediately applied and was chosen.
I didn’t know anything about the opportunity other than it was an ESPN promo. It turned out to be the new ESPN College GameDay Opening, “Comin’ to Your City,” featuring Darius Rucker, Lainey Wilson, and The Cadillac Three.
The video is one minute and 37 seconds, but it took all day to film. The extras were directed through several scenes, like tailgating, marching in front of the bus, and then as a concert audience. I stood at the side of the stage near Darius Rucker (which had the added benefit of being in the shade.)
It was fun to watch the whole process. When the promo aired on September 2, I eagerly watched, hoping to get a glimpse of my TV “debut.” Well, you have to play the video in slow motion, quickly pause at the 20-second mark, and zoom in or have a magnifying glass. Then look for my blonde hair. (You’ll have to trust me when I say that’s me.)
While I didn’t get a closeup, I had a blast and earned $60. I also learned some excellent WOW! Moment lessons.
First, WOW! Moments often involve an element of uncertainty. It was a scorching day in July, and I had no idea what to expect other than lots of perspiration. I’m proud of myself for taking the leap and trying something new.
Another thing I learned is that quick WOWs help you stay motivated. Signing up was easy. Standing in the heat for six hours was not, but I would do it again in a heartbeat. The experience made me want to seek out more WOW! Moments. On the shuttle to the taping area, I talked with some other participants, many of whom signed up for these jobs for fun and extra cash. Another person suggested I sign up as a seat filler at an award show.
The day also was a lesson in what it can take to achieve a big WOW! Moment. In a tweet for the new ESPN College GameDay anthem, each artist talks about what it was like to be asked to participate in the project. I can only imagine their excitement to have been chosen for this job.
Roman philosopher Seneca once said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” My Nana always told me, “The harder I work, the luckier I get.” The artists sang the song so many times so the cameras could film from many angles. The lyrics are challenging, with several cities and team names packed into a minute and a half. I’m sure it took a lot of rehearsals to nail it every single time.
I was also impressed at each performer’s commitment in every single take, never losing their energy for the music. You couldn’t tell the first take from the twelfth or twentieth. I especially enjoyed watching Lainey Wilson, who was decked out in a hat, long-sleeved blouse, and long pants in the 90-plus-degree heat. She never lost her enthusiasm and smile.
I left with a renewed commitment to my WOW! Moment project and the knowledge that the big WOWs on my list will require patience and hard work.
What an awesome experience and post! And what a great observation that you couldn’t tell the first from the 12th take.