Another Accolade For Lakewood
When a local production company was hired to produce a series of television commercials for a Youngstown healthcare system, they were given strict instructions on the location requirements. These commercials were to depict patients in aftercare at their home environments. Meeting the filming requirements of the space and openness necessary to allow for the multitudes of equipment and personnel, was a given. However, most importantly, the chosen home and neighborhood needed to provide a special feeling of warmth and welcoming atmosphere and the richness of a diversified neighborhood teeming with the gentle activities of daily life. No mini mansions or split level filled cul-de- sacs or treeless lookalike developments would do. There would be the filming of several street scenes, neighboring houses, and backyard or front porch interactions as well as interior fireside chats and family time at the dinner table.
After narrowing their selection down to 6 homes in three suburbs, then to 2 homes in two different communities…Hmmmm. … where do we think this production chief decided was the ONE place that filled all the requirements of this very particular and fussy client? You guessed it… LAKEWOOD! Matthew T, freelance producer/location manager, told me he had headed first to Arthur Avenue’s Library block. Gracious homes of varying architectures (dating back to the earliest 1900’s), on an oak lined street (thanks to the City tax dollars for the new paving and sidewalks) neatly manicured lawns, …children on bicycles, …barking golden retrievers, … (Oh My Gosh.. is it any wonder that national publications named Lakewood the Best Place in the Midwest to buy an Older Home /AND the Best Place to Raise a Family!?).
Matthew (and a cast of 12 others) chose a tudor style home with honey oak floors and woodwork. The spacious oak beamed dining room with a handsome buffet was perfect for the family dinner scenes while the elegant living room suited the Fireside Chat theme.
The staging and filming was a two day affair of whirlwind organized chaos. A crew of about 30 (and actors numbering 15) whisked in and out of work and wardrobe and the 12 hour taping day went by in a flash. At the end of the day, the director decided that a few other home fronts of note should be part of the dog walking street scenes. With permission granted, they moved down the street and brought out the dogs. What fun!
Unfortunately, these commercials will probably only air in the Youngstown viewing area….darn it. Kudos go out to our great community and not-to-be-duplicated century homes as well as a ‘tip of the hat’ to all those Arthur Avenue residents helping to keep Lakewood’s neighborhoods beautiful in oh so many ways.
**The home chosen for the taping of these television commercials, is available for sale by the Howard Hanna Lakewood office 216-221-6585.