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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, January 16, 2015 | 8 Appleby grad finalist in Doritos Super Bowl ad by Herb Garbutt Oakville Beaver Staff It seemed impossible. Two weeks. Next to no budget. And all Scott Zabielski needed to do was come up with a great concept, write the commercial, cast the actors, hire a crew, find a location, shoot the commercial, edit it and turn out a finished product worthy being shown alongside the best work of the world's top advertising agencies. Despite the daunting task, the Appleby College grad pulled it off -- well, almost. He hasn't laid claim to the $1-million prize just yet, but he's got a one in 10 shot after his commercial was chosen as a finalist for the Doritos' Crash the Super Bowl contest. Zabielski's commercial, `Middle Seat', was chosen out of 4,900 submissions from 29 countries. Not bad considering he wasn't even planning on entering. Instead, he was focusing his attention on shooting a commercial he could use to showcase his abilities. "I'm trying to break into MVL LEASING LIMITED LEASE ANY YEAR, MAKE, OR MODEL 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550 2012 Land Rover Range Rover SC $ 1064 SOUTH SERVICE RD. E, OAKVILLE 80,900 $ +HST & Lic 75,900 +HST & Lic 40,890 kms 23,000 kms 905-849-6995 · www.MVL.ca directing so I was going to shoot a commercial on spec, just to prove I could do it," Zabielski said. "I had heard of (the contest) before, but it wasn't even on the radar until a friend brought it up. I figured if I was going to spend money doing (a commercial), why not do it for this." Zabielski's 30-second commercial focuses on a passenger on plane trying desperately to discourage other passengers from choosing the empty middle seat next to him, at least until he sees an attractive woman heading down the aisle toward him. "I hit on the airplane idea," he said. "I wanted something everyone could relate to. I think we've all been in that situation." Once he had his idea, Zabielski, who lives in Los Angeles where he is a director and executive producer for Comedy Central's Tosh.0, still had to pull it all together. His first step was Googling Appleby College grad Scott Zabielski watches a monitor during the filming of his Doritos commercial for the company's Crash the Super Bowl contest. Zabielski's commercial was selected as one of 10 finalists from among 4,900 entries. | Jason Cochard -- Special to the Beaver `airplane set.' He found one that would allow him to shoot on a weekend for a discounted price. The rest was a blur. For the most part, his crew consisted of family members. He hired his lead actor having never met him, only viewing his work online. His brother and sister rounded up friends to serve as extras. Even his son Jack got to play a prominent role in the commercial. "I called in a lot of favours," the University of Southern California film grad said. In the end, he spent $2,000 on his commercial, filming it in about four hours. see Film on p.9 up to 50% off SALE ALE With all in-stock ock lighting (and more) on sale you'll ou'll find something perfect, for or les less. But hurry - sale ends February 15, 2015 15 so come in today! y! CLEARANCE on in store product European Engineering Combined With Traditional Workmanship "Building on the Brightest Ideas Around Glass" WARm up With ith SAviNgS todA Ay! 905.849.0266 Spray Tans - $25 Offer expires January 31st, 2015. Must bring in this ad. voTed #1 Salon www.TanWild.com # Visit your local Living Lighting store at: 2501 Hampshire Gate, Unit 7 Oakville, ON. 905 829-8887 Sale ends February 15, 2015 or while quantities last. Bulbs extra. May not be available in all stores. livinglighting.com 511 Maple Grove Drive, Oakville 905.338.2700