Medieval Times Commercial Filming Day 1 #MTTV #MTFan

In mid January I received an email with the news that Medieval Times would be filming their 2014 commercial at the Dallas Castle.  They were taking applications for the chance to be a part of the filming.  I was excited about the opportunity and applied.  Then came the email that we were accepted and would be spending two days at the castle.  I think I did a happy dance.  Then it hit me.  Two days at the castle with all five kids.  Would I survive?  🙂

The first day we spent about six hours at the castle.  We arrived to a building already full of people bustling here and there.  Though this was our first day, filming had already been going on for days before they brought the crowd in.

I had been hoping to run into people I know especially so the kids would have friends spend time with.  I wasn’t disappointed.  As we walked into the castle we saw Connie from Smockity Frocks!  Our children had a great time exploring the castle together! 

Besides making new friends the kids were kept entertained with the knights that walked around and mingled as well as popcorn, drinks, ice cream, and pizza.  They were having a great time.  We did this for a couple of hours.  So that was the first thing we learned about filming a commercial.  There is lots of waiting! 

Then it was TIME!  Our part in the filming.  It was so exciting!  The entire crowd filed in, and we were told where to sit. 

We were seated in the front row at the far right.  The filming action took place in the very middle so we don’t expect be able to find ourselves in the commercial, but we cheered and smiled like crazy. 

As it turned out, the first two hours were the easy part.  The next four hours we in the arena.  The kids were no longer by their new friends, and I was in the middle of my two boys who’s only entertainment was furiously waving their flags, for four hours.  If you’re a mom, I’m sure you can feel my pain.  Ha ha! 

They filmed the same things over and over, which is to be expected.  One of the scenes that was filmed was a knight throwing a flower into the crowd.  We must have done it seven or eight times.  We were nowhere near the target area where the knight was throwing the flowers, but Grace was so hopeful that she caught his eye, and he threw her one in between the scenes.  She could not have been happier! 

If flags weren’t enough fun for the boys, food was placed in front of them that they were not allowed to touch.  Can you imagine?   One of the neatest experiences was hearing the crew call out, “Stand by.  Action.  Cut.”  We became very familiar with those words. 

When we were told our portion was done, and we could leave, I grabbed my children and ran.  I think we were literally the second family out of the castle.  The other only beat me because they were closer to the exit!  I was beat, and we had to be back the next day…