Staff Blog
Ted Passon talks about this Sunday’s LOVE Park makeout party
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| tedpasson.com |
This Sunday, Feb. 7, at 11 a.m., Philly filmmaker Ted Passon is shooting a Valentine's Day-themed video for the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC).
The treatment, for the shoot, which is open to anyone who'd like to participate:
Video for a new push of the "Philly's more fun when you stay over" campaign with a special Valentine's Day twist. The filming takes place in LOVE Park and starts on one couple meeting at the Park. They immediately start kissing each other. The camera moves and we see another couple meeting and kissing. The camera continues to move and we see another kissing couple and another until we see a ridiculous number of couples all meeting and kissing at LOVE Park, as if everyone in Center City just stopped what they were doing and started making out with each other.
CP's Lauren Friedman caught up with Passon (aka the dude whose car was flipped over) to talk about the makeout party. (Passon can be contacted at ted @ allagesproductions.com.)
City Paper: So, how did this start? Did the GPTMC approach you?
Ted Passon: They approached me. The point of the campaign is Valentine's Day and love, and they wanted to incorporate Love Park and the idea of staying over in Philly [the LOVE Campaign]. So I was thinking along those lines, and when I try to pitch a job, the first thing I do is figure out something I want to do anyway that fits with their project. Along those parameters, this seemed like a funny idea.
CP: Tell me about your vision for Sunday.
TP: A lot of times, I try to come up with ideas for things in my own work that's me trying to create a version of the world that I'd like to see in reality. I'd love to go to Love Park and see everybody in Philadelphia taking the day off and making out with each other. So I thought, "OK, let's picture what that would look like."
CP: What was the reaction at the GPTMC? Was anyone over there scandalized by this idea?
TP: I was surprised they liked it, but they were very much into it. I have to give them credit. From the beginning, I was clear that I was going to put in same-sex couples, and they were very cool about that. It wasn't a problem at all.
CP: Ideally, how will everything play out?
TP: I've warned people it could take four hours, but I think it will take less time. I'll get one long shot of everybody kissing, then a small portion of the crowd will stay after for a second shot, where we reveal that on the ground the whole time there were people under blankets, making out on pillows, and their bodies spell out LOVE.
CP: What do you have to say to people who may be on the fence about participating?
TP: Don't do it if you feel uncomfortable with the idea. A lot of people have a lot of distress about making out, doing it in public ... it freaks some people out. [If you feel that way], stay home — it's supposed to be fun. Hopefully it won't be a cold day. If it's a cold day, I'm really sorry.
CP: Is this a good idea for a date?
TP: I think it's a great idea for a date, honestly! I think it's an excuse for people to have permission to do something they wanted to do anyway. If you were looking for an excuse to ask someone on a date, or if you and your friend always joke about "How come we never dated?" — maybe this is an excuse to do something you always wanted to do ... in a consensual manner! I should stress that.
CP: What are your general thoughts on PDA?
TP: I think it's great.
We’re psyched to work with Ted… we wanted to promote our LOVE for Philly in a fun way, and we know he’s the man for the job.
Who’s gonna come out and kiss for Philly?
We’re psyched to work with Ted — he was the perfect guy to carry out our plan for a fun video promoting the LOVE campaign (and the 100 gifts hotels are giving away in conjunction with it).
So… who’s making out for Philly on Sunday?
I’m a dolt.
Looks like Caroline’s already been practicing for multiple takes.
[...] I want to make out with you! When: This Sunday, Feb. 7, at 11 a.m. () Yes () No Ted Passon talks about this Sunday’s LOVE Park makeout party :: The Clog :: Blog Archive :: Philadel… Everyone should go and make out! __________________ I luv [...]
[...] posted by Drew Lazor categories Media, Philaphemera David Maialetti | Daily NewsLast week, Lauren Friedman talked to Philly filmmaker Ted Passon about the group makeout video he was shooting for the Greater Philadelphia Tourism and [...]
[...] The shoot got a bunch of hype which you can check out: CBS, KYW-1060 Radio, The Daily News, Philebrity, and the Philadelphia City Paper. [...]