I've been thinking more about this post about a casting call for an upcoming commercial shoot.
Recap: looking for submissions from real families from AL, FL, GA, KY, MI, NC, SC and TN for Feb 17, 18, & 19. The title of the project is 'Walt Disney World-Remy/Epcot/WDW Gateway'
First off, any industry insiders who can speak to typical turn-around times from the actual shooting days until the commercial is edited, approved, and broadcast? Assuming no technical delays, is this a commercial that could likely be airing in March, or not until June or later due to normal production schedules?
Next, I was wondering about the main focus of the commercial. Would the selling point be that the Remy ride is now open (to get guests into the parks now), or that it will be coming soon with a definite opening date (as an incentive now to get guests to book trips for summer/fall?)
The title of the project makes me think that its the former. In addition to Remy, the project title indicates that they'll be shooting at or around the WDW Gateway. To me, that indicates that they'll probably shooting families driving up in their cars to the Gateway--so the ad may be targeted to 'local' families in FLA and the surrounding states to get them to drive to Disney to experience the new Remy ride. The project name also has EPCOT in the title so the focus may also be draw in families for the upcoming Flower and Garden Festival.
I bring this all up because I've seen speculation that the Remy ride might be operationally ready now but the opening will be held back until the fall to drive in guests to the 50th. But if that's the case, why shoot a commercial now in February that includes scenes of the WDW Gateway and families enjoying Remy? That seems like an attempt to draw in AP holders and locals (who may be more accepting of the Covid-conditions in the park like masks, no fireworks, no shows) to come drive to WDW to visit a new ride that is now open and available (by airtime-March/April?) than a pitch to families nationally to book now--including airline tickets- to travel to the parks because this cool new ride may*** be open in a few months.
(***or may not, depending on vaccines, further shutdowns, etc)