Hollywood Arrives in the Metro East

Many people from southern Illinois, including myself, have had a conversation that follows this basic order:

“Ok, you’re from Illinois – so do you live in Chicago?”

“No, I’m from [insert Illinois town here].”

“Oh. So you live on a farm?”

“Um, no.”

So when most people believe you must either be a Chicagoan or own a tractor to live in Illinois, the thought of a name brand commercial being filmed here never crosses peoples’ minds.

Well, never say never. Because a commercial was shot here. Oh, and it was for Nike.

The commercial, titled “I Would Run to You,” was an advertisement for Nike Free Run+ shoes. Starring a young woman wearing Nike Frees and her non-Nike-wearing boyfriend, the commercial follows them as they run from opposite ends of the country to meet each other in the middle. They try to prove that Nike makes the best running shoes as they jog through city after city, with the girl reaching the midwest and the guy not making it. The midwest town featured just happens to be Collinsville, Illinois – and the girl runs right down the Collinsville High School football field as the marching band practices! Downtown Collinsville and the St. Louis skyline also make appearances as she sprints past.

The commercial was filmed March 13^th and aired on April 4^th during American Idol. Collinsville Uptown Coordinator Leah Joyce told stltoday.com that Nike chose Collinsville because of its appearance. The advertisers were in need of a Midwest town and surveyed a few surrounding areas before deciding on the home of the Kahoks. Many Collinsville High School students participated in the commercial and also benefited from Nike's donation towards the new football field.

So do I live in Chicago? No. Do I live on a farm? No. Do I live in Hollywood? No again. But life here can be just as interesting.

For photos of the shoot, visit http://www.stltoday.com/suburban-journals/illinois/education/photos-collinsville-nike-commercial-shoot/collection_1d310308-6de7-11e1-80b9-0019bb30f31a.html.