On Tuesday, Sept. 10, Pentwater residents were surprised to find a section of Hancock Street blocked off to traffic. A professional video production crew was filming a television commercial for the Toyota Corporation. Last spring, the crew was exploring location possibilities along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Michele Anscombe, owner of Painted Frog Art Studio at 320 S. Hancock, said, “They contacted me in early July and asked if they could use my studio for background and for props in their film. I think it was the colorful and unique exterior of the studio that initially attracted them. But they came inside and vetted several areas they wanted to film.” Anscombe said she was happy to oblige with her permission.
Anscombe’s studio was not the only location they used. “I think they started at the sand dunes in Silver Lake and then looked for additional options in nearby communities and came to Pentwater,” she reported. “I know they spent some time on Longbridge Road and at Charlie’s Marina after filming here this morning.”
Some art was removed from the studio and placed outside the building for the filming. The crew of 10-15 people spent four hours at Painted Frog Art Studio before having lunch at Gull’s Landing and then filming some informal shots of Hancock Street. No residents were used in the film, as Toyota had their own actors. The actors “shopped” in the studio and put large art purchases in the car to illustrate how easily the seats go down. All the film footage will be reduced to perhaps a one-minute-long television commercial. While it is a brief “claim to fame” for Pentwater, it will be used nationwide. So, keep your eyes open for the new Toyota commercial.
Anscombe was impressed with their professionalism and polite demeanor. “They were great people to work with, and I am looking forward to seeing what they do with the footage.”
