The Behind the Scenes of a Noom Commercial
Read this to hear the beginning of the story.
The day before the shoot
The producers working for Noom and a few crew members came to my house to figure out the specifics of the commercial. I told them I was fine with my kids’ backs being in the commercial.
The producers made sure I was completely comfortable with the shots. I was blown away by their thoughtfulness every step of the way!
They decided to take action shots with the kids’ backs in them, and chatted with me about their ideas. Later that night they sent me the itinerary for the next day. It included instructions for what the kids should wear.
I panicked because we didn’t own any articles of clothing resembling the ones they specified. They assured me we would figure it out when they returned at 5:30 the next morning to get started. Anxious and nervous, I didn’t sleep much that night. I woke up the next morning in disbelief that the day of the commercial shoot was upon me!
The Morning of the Shoot
I also couldn’t believe so many people were pulling up to my house. Every time I looked out the window, another car drove up! Due to COVID restrictions everyone drove their own car so before long my entire front yard looked like a parking lot.
On top of all the cars, there was also a truck the size of a U-haul, a giant van, a tent, great big lights, and equipment everywhere! In total, I counted 26 people at my house, not including my family of 5.
The make–up artist was one of the first to arrive, and I sat on a stool while she did my make-up in my 3–foot wide bathroom. She was an awesome person and great at her job.
Sitting there reminded me of getting my make-up done by my bestie for dances in high school. I never would’ve thought I’d be once again sitting on a stool in my bathroom getting my make-up done 20 years later! And definitely not for a commercial shoot!
As we were finishing up my make-up and finalizing my clothes, my kids started waking up one–by–one. They put on the clothes we miraculously rummaged up at the last minute for the shoot. When everyone was ready we went outside to shoot the first part of the commercial.
The Shoot Begins Outside
We crossed the creek, walked through fields, petted the neighbor’s horses. The kids climbed trees and played. All the while with a polaroid camera flashing, and the movie camera rolling right behind us.
I’d never seen cameras like these before, either. One guy carried a giant camera harnessed to his body and another guy followed him around to make sure he didn’t fall. It was crazy to see the equipment up close, and witness the whole process so intimately.
I am so glad my kids were able to experience it! It was an awesome learning opportunity for my homeschool family. The film crew and producers talked to my kids about what they were doing and pointed out that if this much work and attention goes into a short commercial, just imagine what goes into a full-length movie production. I appreciated them taking the time to teach my kids some of the ins and outs of their jobs.
Then We Went Inside
After the action shots outside, we took a small break. I ate breakfast and got my make-up touched up.
Homeschool Shots
Next, we moved to the homeschool room to shoot more scenes. The producers asked the kids to play and get messy. These shots were used at the end of the commercial.
Throughout the day the make-up artist kept popping in to straighten my collar and fix my make-up. I felt like a movie-star! After the homeschool room scene, I packed the kids’ pockets full of snacks from the set’s table of goodies, and my husband, James, took them to my parents’ house.
The Interview
Next, the producers conducted and recorded an interview with me. This part was really fun! I had no lines to memorize, and simply spoke about my weight loss journey.
If you know me, use the Live Free planner I designed, or are a member of my weight loss support group, you know I love reflection! It’s an important practice to follow along a weight loss journey. So thinking back and talking about my personal journey was really cathartic for me.
Behind the Scenes
There is SO much more that goes on behind the scenes of a commercial than I could have ever imagined. It took multiple people to perfect the lighting alone!
They placed a light outside the homeschool room window/door to replicate sunlight, because it was a cloudy day. It took a surprisingly long time to set up the lighting for the interview.
Sound is a whole other animal. They hooked a microphone up to me, but had to make sure it wasn’t visible under my shirt.
Staging the set was a whole production in itself. My entire living room was rearranged. They staged my house with lamps and plants. There were 26 people working hard for 10-12 hours straight…for a THIRTY SECOND commercial. It was insane! My mind is still blown by the entire experience.
Extra Footage
After the interview we ate lunch, and the remainder of the afternoon was spent taking random shots of this and that. My face, me on my phone, and other awkward things.
None of the random shots made it into the final commercial, but they took lots of video to make sure they had everything they needed before they went back to New York City. Whether they ended up using the shots or not, at least they had them.
That’s a Wrap!
After they were done filming someone said, “That’s a wrap!” Everyone clapped and, just as quickly and crazily as it began, it was over. An hour later my house was back to normal, the equipment was all packed up, and the last car drove off into the sunset.
After the crew left, I laid on the couch, ate some M&M’s I nicked from that glorious snack table, and reflected on my whirlwind of a day. Even immediately after the shoot I couldn’t believe the entire, crazy, wonderful experience even happened!
The Moment of Truth
About a month and a half after that surreal day, the commercial finally aired. I was a little nervous about what the final product would look like, but as soon as I saw it I was so relieved! There are 3 commercials, and each one has a long version and short one for 6 total commercials. Here are each of them:
It turned out great, and the shots of my kids at the end melted my heart. The whole experience is a cool memory my whole family will cherish forever. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity.
The reception
Since the commercial aired, it’s been a lot of fun. Random people from my past have been reaching out to me after finding me on Facebook and Instagram.
Everyone has been really sweet about the commercial, and seem proud of me. Connecting with old friends has been one of the greatest, unexpected rewards of the whole experience.
How I Feel About it All
Being able to share my weight loss journey with others who might be struggling to start, or in the throes of their own, has been a blessing. The commercial helped me do that.
I want to help anyone and everyone become the best, happiest versions of themselves. Repairing my relationship with food, health, and fitness has freed me from restriction, guilt, and shame.
I‘ve never been so happy and content while “dieting.” If you need help, let me help you learn to enjoy the weight loss process, and see results in the healthiest, happiest way possible.
Check out Noom to see if it’s a fit for you. Join my weight loss community, Mom’s Kids if you need extra support. You can join kids with or without Noom. Finally, check out the Live Free to help you take back control of your health and well-being.
