I didn't travel to Hali to sight see anyway. I went for business. In fact, it was the first time I landed a role that required me to travel. And I'm not talking about traveling to the suburbs, but actually getting a flight and hotel set up for me to travel a time zone away to perform.
What a feeling! Exhilarated and at the same time kinda freaked out. After all, these good people have enough faith in me to invest time and money to fly me out and ensure the job is done right. The part itself was enough to get the heart pumping and the adrenaline rushing.
I was cast as the Host of a Nova Scotia drinking and driving campaign called Common Sense. Great cause and of course it would come with a twist. My delivery style was intended and designed to somewhat emulate the Slap Chop guy and even the late, great Billy Mays. Wearing my beige coloured khakis and aqua blue polo shirt tucked in tightly, I was required to use all the energy I had and throw in a touch of tacky humour with the ultimate goal was to obviously get the point across that drinking and driving definitely don't mix.
But you see the twist didn't come with the delivery or the wardrobe selection. The twist came with my supporting cast of characters. I didn't find out until the very last minute that this beautifully organized infomercial spot was to include a couple of TV legends of the past.
For Canadian audiences, Ed the Sock is a mainstay, a character that many grew up watching on late night television. Quick witted, sarcastic and often times intentionally crude, Ed is a sock puppet whose voice comes from the extremely intelligent and intellectual Steven Kerzner. Great guy, Steven was a pleasure to meet and gain perspective on how the character came to be, how success quickly followed and the legacy he continues to track.
For North American and even international audiences, Jimmie Walker is considered to be a legend! Best known for his role as J.J Evans on the 1970's hit show Good Times, and his characters' cacatchphrase, "Dy-no-mite", Jimmie has been on stage and in front of television screens for over 40 years! His humble personality, energy and incredible sense of timing and humour continue to dominate any room he's in. Stories about his stint on the Love Boat and even Good Times gave me a privileged glimpse as to what he's experienced and made me feel lucky to be given the opportunity to hear all about this crazy adventures on stage and screen.
The production team was in fact a dream team! Coupled with a determined and motivated cast of characters in front of the camera and I would say the infomercial was a massive success. Although the final product will be seen widespread in Nova Scotia only, I'm sure it will also be published on YouTube in the near future. When it goes live, it's coming straight to this post....so stay tuned...and don't drink and drive!
Use Common Sense!
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