Sound CU Latest in Reality TV? Microsoft Swoops in for Some Video Work

TACOMA, Wash. – It was lights, camera, action at Sound Credit Union on July 19 when tech giant Microsoft selected it as the site to film a corporate video and TV ads on partnership. “It is important for credit unions to build partnerships with businesses and organizations that impact their community and membership,” said Washington Credit Union League President/CEO John Annaloro. “Those partnerships often produce unexpected results. In this case, the League’s partnerships with the film industry resulted in positive exposure for credit unions.” The site selection was set into motion by Tacoma Film Commission Manager Jon Graef, who is a former employee of the WCUL contract lobbyists Mark Jurassic and Terry Kohl. “Microsoft was looking for a bank to film their spots on partnerships,” said Graef. “I explained to the producer that filming partnership ads at a credit union was a great alternative because of their unique, cooperative mission.” According to Location Scout Manger Scott Stewart Sound CU turned out to be the perfect fit for the Microsoft spot, which required a high-tech, professional financial setting. Offices were filled with producers, directors, actors, cameras, lights, and one was even converted to a wardrobe department. Filming started at 6:00 am and Sound CU employees got their chance at fame as extras. “We were thrilled that Microsoft chose to film at our credit union,” said Sound Credit Union CEO Rick Brandsma. “This production about the power of partnership is a good message that credit unions already believe in.” The team working on the Microsoft production filmed at five different venues in Tacoma including Sound Credit Union, a coffee shop, several downtown streets and an I-5 overpass. Stewart says he plans to work with the Tacoma Film Commission more frequently in the future and will now keep credit unions in mind. “It is important for credit unions to be featured positively in media representing other industries and consumers daily lives,” said Washington Credit Union League Director of Public Relations and Communications Jamie Chase. “Featuring credit unions in pop-media raises consumer awareness, drives the impression that credit unions are accessible and the `I can join mentality’ that our movement needs to attract new members.”