Baseball is a bit different in San Francisco, home of the Giants, the defending National League champions. Offering an offbeat viva le difference is this :30 in which Bill, a vocal "super fan," tries to bring new team members—like starting pitcher Damian Moss and second baseman Ray Durham—together with the Giants’ mainstays, including shortstop Rich Aurilia.
In the Giants’ clubhouse, Bill does his thing. "Okay, guys, we’ve got some new faces this year," he says, in an attempt to break the ice. "But a stranger is just a friend you haven’t met."
Then Bill breaks into a chant: " ‘Introduce yourself, right on, right on! Introduce yourself, right on! My name is—‘ " He points to Moss.
"Damian," responds the pitcher.
"The ace Australian," Bill adds, referring to Moss’ roots Down Under.
He then looks to Durham and continues, " ‘My name is—‘ "
"Ray," replies the second baseman.
"Ray, from across the Bay," Bill suggests, referring to Durham’s former status as an Oakland A.
The players in the clubhouse have puzzled looks on their faces as Bill cranks up the volume and energy to his song and dance: " ‘Introduce yourself, right on, right on!‘ " The spot then shifts to the Giants logo, which appears on screen, accompanied by the 2003 slogan, "Bring It Home," and the team’s Web site address.
We’re then returned to the clubhouse, where Bill continues his theatrics, prompting Moss to ask, "What’s with this guy?"
"Welcome to San Francisco," Aurilia responds wryly.
The spot was directed by the team of John Benson and Ward Evans, a.k.a. John & Ward, of Valiant Films, San Francisco, for agency Johnson, Cogert & Strauss, San Francisco.
The agency creative team consisted of president Mitchell Cogert, creative director Marc Johnson, copywriters Evans and Kevin Seidel, and art director Benson.
Mat Lundberg and Tim Rayel executive produced for Valiant, with Meredith Preble serving as head of production, and Denise Hagerman as production manager. The spot was shot on location in Scottsdale, Ariz. (spring training home of the Giants), by DP Peter Thomas.
"New Faces" was edited by Connor McDonald of FilmCore, San Francisco. Jon Ettinger was the executive producer for FilmCore. Post/visual effects house was Ntropic, San Francisco, with creative director Nate Robinson, Flame artist/online editor Dave Parker and executive producer Eva Pusnick. Colorist was Bob Curreri of The Syndicate, Santa Monica. Audio engineer was Scott Greiner of Transmedia, San Francisco.
Matt Griesser, Damian Moss, Ray Durham, Rich Aurilia were the principal actors in this spot. The SAG/AFTRA Commercials Contract Standing Committee has granted a waiver to allow commercials to be available for viewing on SHOOTonline.com. The spots cannot be copied, downloaded or e-mailed.
