What would you do?? Hmm..

[amy_b]

Hi, Fit Friends,
I'm wondering what you think.
I filmed an infomercial testimonial for another fitness instructor before I got into Cathe workouts. The infomercial has been in production for a long time. I pretty much used this exercise instructor exclusively before. I was phoned this week about re-shooting my testimonial for re-targeting the marketing focus. Here's my dilemma- I do like the other instructor and rec'd a lot of good advice and help from doing the videoes of the other instructor. However, the body that I have NOW is beyond what I achieved when I was using the other series. On the one hand, I could give testimony about how much that video series helped me back then, but I really couldn't say, "Do these videos and you will look like I look now."
Also, I don't want to do something that competes against Cathe (who is now my "champion"), however those videos are easier and IMO it seems like a different market.
So...what would YOU do?? Free trip, goodies, fame and fortune...ha!ha!ha! No, you don't get paid for it really, they can't pay for testimonials.
I would not be told what to say, so I can pretty much say what I think, but of course I can't plug Cathe. ;o) Or at least I'm sure they would edit it out if I did.

 

[jordan]

Hi Amy,

I think you already know what to do but since you asked I'll spill. If my situation changed as much as yours has recently, I would not participate. I remember when Goodtimes did their first infomercial. Long story short, a couple of the participants had used pre-Goodtimes videos but their testimonials were edited to make it sound as if they had received their results from the new kit. This was discussed alot. You would not be able to disclose everything that reflects your achievements, even if you did they would be edited out. This would be very misleading to consumers. Well goodluck with your decision.

jordan

 

[amy_b]

Thanks, Jordan,
Yea, I think I already know the answer. I've thought about it for a few minutes after I posted and the thought that keeps coming to my mind is that you really can't trust editors that you never even meet in a big corporation for truth in advertising and that would be stressful for me. Its not that I know them to be UNtrustworthy, I just know that those tv shows go for the impulse buy and that requires a hard sell, so...you use all possible factors to work to your advantage. I would hate it if the finished product made me feel dishonest or disloyal or was credit given where credit is not due and I would not be able to control all of those things. Okay, I'm not reshooting.

 

[jordan]

Whew!

I'm so glad you are not upset with me. After I posted, I felt like a big killjoy x( . It was a hard choice but I think you made the right decision. Maybe they will use the original footage. If they do let us know.

Wishing good things your way,
jordan

 

[amy_b]

Well, I was on another TV in April and DH thought it turned out well and I thought I looked and sounded like a total DORK! So I didn't announce it to anyone and was hoping that no one was watching. ;o)
We'll see what they do. I'm actually quite relieved to have made the decision.
That's just a bit of stress that I don't need right now.
Thanks again!
Amy

 

[wendybdh]

Amy, I totally agree and I think you are making the right, and most ethical, decision. I'm sure it was really tempting but you should be so proud of yourself for turning it down and putting other's perceptions (general public) above your own personal gain and not being blind to the fact that viewers will assume they will get your body by purchasing this one product. Congrats and good luck, Wendy

 

[starlight6]

Hi Amy,

I think you made the right decision too. You really never know what these guys might do in the editing room!

Ruth

 

[SteppingFool]

I wouldn't have done the re-shooting. It's unethical. You've changed since then, and NOT because of those videos. I think they do not want a re-shoot either if you have gone the OTHER way. But I would just say to use what they already have.