Ad agency films Air Force commercials at Charleston

Published Feb. 12, 2007
By Airman Melissa B. Harper
437th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Filming for the next batch of Air Force commercials began here Feb. 9.

The Air Force's ad agency, GSD&M Advertising, flew with active-duty and Reserve Airmen from Charleston AFB onboard three C-17s that flew to North Auxiliary Field in North, S.C., and performed airdrops and assault landings.

"We filmed two different scenarios: one focused on loadmasters and one focused on pilots," said Tim Sabo, GSD&M creative director. "Both pieces showed the capabilities of the C-17s and the importance of teamwork to accomplish the mission."

The C-17s and their aircrews were filmed by a 16-person film crew.

To display the Airmen's teamwork in action, a loadmaster was filmed as he loaded cargo while a pilot prepared the C-17 for take-off. The loadmaster and pilot were also interviewed as part of the commercials.

"We're saving lives and delivering freedom every day," said Col. Glen Joerger, 437th Airlift Wing commander. "What better way to get young people excited about the Air Force than to show the great things our Charleston Airmen are doing?"

The crew took more than seven hours to film what will become two 30-second spots.

The focus of the commercials is to show the team aspect of the Air Force.

"It would be very difficult for just one person to operate everything on a C-17, so this commercial will show the importance of teamwork to fulfill the mission," said Mr. Sabo. "This commercial was filmed to showcase a part of the Air Force that the public doesn't really get to see. We want to be able to help everyone realize how important the Air Force mission is and how every single member is important."

The new focus of Air Force advertising focuses on the role of the Air Force in national defense instead of just trying to recruit individuals.

"The C-17s and their crews are an important part of that because they can take anything, anytime, anywhere," said Mr. Sabo.

On filming day, C-17s airdropped a Howitzer cannon, container delivery system bundles and other cargo for filming at North Field. All three C-17s then performed combat landings which were filmed from the ground and the air.

After a short break, the crew filmed an aerial refueling, a tactical descent and interviewed aircrew members.

"It was exciting to be part of the Air Force advertising campaign," said 1st Lt. Sueann Lamia, a C-17 pilot with the 17th Airlift Squadron here. "C-17s have an awesome mission and hopefully the spots will show the public some of our capabilities. It was a unique experience, and I'm proud our base was part of it."

The GSD&M said choosing Charleston AFB for the spots was a no-brainer.

"We filmed this at Charleston AFB because we were looking for a base with C-17s to focus on air mobility," said Ms. Norah Rudyk, GSD&M account specialist. "We had worked with Charleston AFB before and were very pleased with their cooperation and willingness to assist us in accomplishing this production."

GSD&M has been planning and preparing for the filming of this commercial for the past month-and-a-half. The film crew was impressed with the members of Team Charleston.
"Everyone we've met for this production is very proud of their job, role, experiences and accomplishments in the Air Force," said Ms. Rudyk. "That just made working with them very pleasant and interesting."

GSD&M hopes to have the commercial prepared to air on television at the beginning of March after approval by Air Force senior leaders.