The car's the star

Julia and Monty's Beetle used in Nationwide TV advert, August 2001

Beetie, our red Beetle is now a star. In March, Monty was asked if Beetie would audition for a Nationwide Building Society advertisement.

We drove over to Shepperton Studios on Friday where she passed the test. We were at Shepperton all day and found it very interesting to see how an advert for TV is put together. The time on screen was about 40 seconds but we were told that it would have taken six weeks to get to the filming stage.

The following Monday was the day scheduled for filming the town section at the Kingston upon Thames branch of Nationwide at the cashpoint outside the branch. We arrived at Shepperton Studios at 10 am, where we watched more filming and had the car prepared for the shoots which was due to commence at 5:00pm.

By the time everyone concerned had arrived at the location, the shoot commenced at 7:15pm. The weather had been wet all day but had dried up by this time. This was ironic as the film crew then had to set up the rain machine.

The car was driven backwards and forwards so my times, during which Monty was asked to put on the demisters and heater, which all VW owners will know do not operate when almost stationary. The film crew enjoyed the joke but the director did understand what he had said. By 11pm the shoot was over and the car was put back together, the seats having been taken out and the lights changed for filming.

We arrived home about 11:30pm, very tired but we had enjoyed the experience. If you are asked to take part with your vehicle it is good fun. Monty and I can give you some useful tips.

Julia Long