October is always a thrilling time, and this year Checked In Media had the unique opportunity to create a Halloween-themed commercial for Hilltop Bank, based here in Casper, Wyoming. Partnering with Only Co. from Sheridan, we crafted a spooky-yet-playful concept that would remind Casper residents of Hilltop Bank’s mobile app benefits with a little Halloween twist. With the fall season rolling in and an early October deadline, the production had to be fast-paced and efficient, leaving us with just enough time to weave some magic into this ghostly project.
Bringing the Concept to Life in Downtown Casper Wyoming
With creative strategy handled by Only Co., our team at Checked In Media had the reins on executing a storyline that built tension but ended with a lighthearted twist. We set out to build a classic Halloween narrative: a father and daughter at home hear strange noises coming from the garage, decide to investigate, and then… well, something unexpected happens.
To capture this story authentically, I knew I needed a great dad-and-daughter duo. My friend Nat Steinhoff, a local real estate broker, was the perfect choice for the dad role. With his historic, hauntingly beautiful home in downtown Casper, we couldn’t have asked for a better setting to build that old, spooky charm. His daughter Lydia stepped in to play the daughter, giving the whole setup a natural, family feel that we knew would resonate with audiences.
Experimenting with a Ring Camera Shots for Dramatic effect
In developing the concept, I wanted to try out a unique Ring camera-style perspective to give a glimpse of what might have caused the mysterious noises. To help with this scene, Jose Moralez from JM Web Design brought his two kids to play as possible “suspects” lurking outside. They did an amazing job, and it was a fun addition to the project. But as editing wrapped up, it turned out the scene didn’t quite fit with the final flow. Cutting scenes is all part of the creative process, and while the Ring footage didn’t make it to the final version, it was a great option to have and added some creative exploration along the way.
A Familiar “Monster” with a Twist
For the role of the “spooky” garage figure, I immediately thought of Dr. Jesse Miller, a hospitalist and administrator at Banner Health. Jesse is well-known around Casper for his humor and incredible Halloween costumes. He and his wife always go all-out for the holiday, so asking him to step in as our friendly “monster” was a no-brainer. Not only did Jesse agree to take on the role despite his busy schedule (he’s a doctor and a new dad!), but he even practiced his lines to perfection, bringing just the right comedic timing to the role.
Jesse’s character would appear just as the tension built, stumbling out of the garage with a cough and delivering his lines to a very anticlimactic (but hilarious) effect. We wanted audiences to feel like they were on the edge of a jump scare, only to be humorously let down, as Jesse pointed out that managing your bank account doesn’t have to be scary thanks to Hilltop Bank’s mobile app.
Building the Atmosphere: Lighting, Fog, and Props
To create a suspenseful and cinematic look, we filmed the dad and daughter scenes and home exteriors on the first production day. We leaned into a noir style to enhance the atmosphere and set the tone for the investigation. Day two of production was all about bringing the garage scene to life. We used fog machines, haze, and a Gobo lighting rig to cast eerie shadows across the driveway, adding just the right amount of spookiness as Nat and Lydia approached.
With the help of my friend Lexi Holscher, who assisted with lighting, we added a final touch—a dramatic spotlight on Jesse’s character as he emerged from the garage. This lighting choice enhanced the theatrical feel and made the transition from tension to comedy seamless. The combination of lighting, fog, and an authentic Casper home gave us everything we needed to deliver a Halloween vibe with a twist.
Editing: The Challenge of Timing
Editing a commercial that needed to build tension in just 12.5 seconds was a challenge. With the initial cut focusing heavily on the father-daughter interaction, I knew I needed to rework it to keep Hilltop Bank’s message front and center without losing the Halloween tension. This quick build-up to the “jump scare” and its humorous payoff was a tricky balance, but ultimately, I think we nailed it. For now, I’m happy with the final result, though I might consider a director’s cut with a longer tension build for future audiences.
Wrapping Up: Halloween Fun and Community Connections
Working on this commercial was a blast and took me slightly out of my comfort zone, pushing me to create suspense and humor in a short timeframe. It reminded me of the creative spirit that Casper’s small business community brings to life every day. From Nat and Jesse to Jose’s family and Lexi’s expertise, each person contributed to making this Halloween project a memorable one. Hilltop Bank’s Halloween ad captures the season’s spirit, showcases Casper’s local talent, and gives a playful reminder of how managing finances doesn’t have to be frightening.
This was a fun project that brought some Halloween spirit to the bank and our community. It’s moments like these that make Checked In Media proud to be part of the Casper creative scene, and we’re looking forward to seeing how it resonates with viewers as they enjoy the season.
