We had the privilege of making a commercial with the folks over at Metro Transit in Minneapolis MN and the team at Sheletta Makes Me Laugh Podcast Network.

 

Are you looking for a convenient and affordable way to get around North Minneapolis? Look no further than Metro Transit micro (mini buses)!

As a video producer, creating a TV commercial for a product or service is no easy feat. It requires a deep understanding of the product and the target audience, as well as a creative eye for storytelling and production. Recently, we were commissioned to create a TV commercial for Metro Transit Micro through Sheletta Makes Me Laugh, and in this blog post, I’ll take you through the process of creating the ad.

Typicallyl we start by researching the product and the target audience. Metro Transit Micro is a shared ride service that is currently undergoing a 12-month test by Metro Transit, and it’s aimed at people who are looking for an affordable and convenient way to travel around the Twin Cities. This means that the target audience is likely to be diverse, ranging from students to seniors, and from people who don’t have access to a car to those who prefer not to drive.

To appeal to this diverse audience, we knew that the ad had to be fun, upbeat, and informative. It had to showcase the convenience of the service, highlight its affordability, and emphasize the fact that it’s a shared ride service.

Given the podcast network the commercial would be aired in was a 60 second spot, we knew it needed to be both visually stunning and informative.

In this case, the team at Sheletta Makes Me Laugh developed a script that would capture the essence of the Metro Transit Micro bus service and appeal to the target audience in North Minneapolis.

We decided to start with a scene that would be relatable to everyone – someone simply walking up and getting on the bus – without  struggling to get to their destination on time because of traffic, parking, or other transportation issues.

Then, we introduced Metro Transit Micro with details about the service – showing happy people riding it.

We really wanted to showcase the fact that Metro Transit Micro is a shared ride service that’s not only convenient but also environmentally friendly. To do this, we included a scene where a group of people is riding together in a Metro Transit Micro vehicle, having a good time, and reducing their carbon footprint at the same time.

Once we had the script in place, the team at Sheletta Makes Me Laugh started planning the shoot.

We knew that we wanted the ad to be visually stunning, so we planned to meet at a nearby school and park in Northeast Minneapolis – as well as several locations around the North Minneapolis area that are within the limited service area.

That meant we weren’t able to include places like downtown Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota, or the Mall of America – but we included places actually IN the area!

We cast professional actors and extras from the local community.

On the day of the shoot, everything came together beautifully. We shot scenes in different locations, including a busy street, getting on an off at different places like a restaurant, church, and a scenic park.

We also shot scenes inside the Metro Transit Micro vehicle, showing how comfortable and convenient it is.

One thing people love about riding the bus is that it allows them to get work done on their phone without having to worry about driving. They simply get on, pay with the app, and enjoy their personal time (or talk with friends) while they get brought to their next location. 

After the shoot, the team at Provid Films handled the video editing of the footage, adding licensed music and subtle sound design, and fine-tuning the visuals to create a final commercial that was fun, upbeat, and informative.

The result was a 60-second TV commercial for Sheletta Makes Me Laugh that showcased the convenience, affordability, and eco-friendliness of Metro Transit Micro, and that would appeal to a diverse audience.

Creating a TV commercial for Metro Transit Micro was a fun and rewarding experience.

With a creative eye for storytelling and production, we were able to create a commercial that captured the essence of the service that would appeal to anyone looking for an affordable and convenient way to travel the area.

 

Overview of the Service:

Metro Transit micro is a 12-month test program that provides shared ride service to the residents of North Minneapolis. The unique twist is that you can book a ride from wherever you are in the service area, and we’ll come to you! This service is designed to provide fast, safe, and convenient transportation to our riders.

The shared ride service means that travel may not always be direct to your destination. Each trip may be shared with others, and other customers may be picked up or dropped off during your trip. However, you’ll share the ride with others going the same direction, which means travel times are much faster. We’ll drop you off anywhere within the service area, whether it’s a friend’s house or a METRO C Line or D Line station. Transfers between micro buses and local bus or LRT are free, and fares are the same as any local bus.

Metro Transit micro uses minibuses to travel on more city streets, which provides a fast, safe, and convenient service with minimal wait times. You can pay for the service with cash, a Go-To Card (including TAP card, Metropass, College Pass, Universal Pass, Residential Pass, or Student Pass), or with the Metro Transit app. The app is free to download on the App Store or Google Play, making it easy to book your ride and pay for your fare.

The service area map shows that Metro Transit micro serves a zone bounded by 34th Ave. N., I-94 and Mississippi River, Dunwoody Blvd. and I-394, and Xerxes Ave N. It doesn’t have to be at a bus stop; we’ll pick you up at your house or anywhere you request, as long as it’s within the service area.

Getting started with Metro Transit micro is easy. You can download the app and set up an account, or call 651-602-1170 to book a ride. Your ride can start from anywhere in the service area and must end within the same service area. You’ll look for this icon “> ” to identify Metro Transit micro buses.

Metro Transit micro service operates from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekends. It’s there when you need us, providing a convenient and affordable way to get around North Minneapolis.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Metro Transit Micro:

 

How do I book a ride with Metro Transit micro?

Ready to ride micro? Great! You can download the free Metro Transit micro app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. If you prefer to book by phone, give us a call at 651-602-1170. First time using the app? You’ll need to set up an account with an email address and phone number.

What if I don’t have a smartphone?

No worries! If you don’t have a smartphone, you can still book your ride by calling us at 651-602-1170 to book with a representative.

How is micro service different from a Metro Transit bus ride?

Metro Transit micro is a shared ride service that’s currently undergoing a 12-month test by Metro Transit. That means travel may not always be direct to your destination, as each trip may be shared with others, and other customers may be picked up or dropped off during your trip. But don’t worry, you’ll get there in style and on time!

What information do you need from me?

After you set up your account, we’ll need your pick-up and drop-off address, how many people are traveling, and whether you need space for a wheelchair or scooter. Your trip information will be used to plan future microtransit expansion and to evaluate service performance. We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or a court order.

Where do I wait for my pick-up?

Don’t fret, we’ll keep you in the loop! Use the app to track your minibus and estimated wait time. Arrive at the designated pick-up spot in the app when the minibus is five minutes away. Your driver will wait up to two minutes at the pick-up spot.

How do I recognize the micro bus?

Easy-peasy, lemon squeezy! Metro Transit micro buses are branded with the service name on the vehicle, so you can’t miss them.

How much does it cost to ride micro?

Metro Transit micro rides cost the same as regular local bus fare, and transfers are free to regular bus and light rail trains. If you are transferring to an express bus or Northstar, you will need to purchase an additional express or Northstar ticket in order to transfer from micro to those routes. Don’t forget to bring your Go-To Card or cash!

Can I bring my bike?

Of course! All micro minibuses are equipped with bike racks, so you can ride to your destination and then continue your journey on your bike.

What are the service hours?

As of the publishing of this blog post, Metro Transit micro service is available weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and weekends from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. So, whether you’re commuting to work or heading out for a night on the town, they’ve got you covered! But please confirm as these details may have changed since publication here. 

Can I book a trip for someone else?

Sure thing! Call 651-602-1170 to book a trip for another person. You can add multiple riders at the time of booking, up to a limit of four additional people. To book for more than that, call reservations at 651-602-1170.

Can I change my pick-up location or destination?

Oops, made a mistake? No worries! You can change your pick-up or destination by canceling the original ride and then starting over. Please note that multiple no-shows or cancellations after your driver is on the way will result in restricted access. You’ll be notified through the app or by email if this happens.

I want to book a trip for tomorrow. How do I do that?

Sorry, Charlie! Metro Transit micro is an on-demand service, so you can’t book rides for the future