The new commercial "Advice from Ellen", is now airing on KING-TV in the Seattle area and KREM-TV in Spokane.
Here's some pictures from our day of filming. I had my makeup done by Jessica Marchel, of Bahama Bronze on Main Street. Jessica is a model, and (lucky for me) I think some of her beauty comes through in her work. Thanks, Jessica!
In the ad, Ellen is pointing out to Western Washington folk that there seems to be a lot of bad news to escape from these days: Boeing, Starbucks, freeways, and of course, rain ("You need more Vitamin D!", she warns.)
It was great fun to film this ad. As a proud auntie, I'd like to point out the handsome young man in the photo on the desk: Theron Gilbert Hull-Walton, my 2-year-old nephew. If Oak Harbor ever needs a tourism mascot, I think Theron might fit the bill (it's in the genes!)
The ad also features a cameo by Ellensburg's own Stewart, a five-year-old who was lucky enough to win a "be in Ellen's next ad" contest. He brought his family along, so his sister was able to be a part of the shoot, as well. Despite promises of ice cream ("with sprinkles!"), I think Stewart may have been a little underwhelmed by the "cinematic process". He may be more of a method actor...
I think the ad captures a lot of what makes Ellensburg so nice to visit: blue skies, the Yakima River, friendly people. Right now is a wonderful time for wildlife viewing: bald eagles and big horn sheep in the Yakima Canyon, and elk and deer in the Upper County. I even saw two deer browsing their way through the shrubbery in front of the new Lodge at Suncadia!
If you don't catch the new ad some morning soon on TV, it will be posted at my website soon http://www.visitellen.com/
