Hitch DVD Promotion Amsterdam, Netherlands 09.07.2005 :::

PR stunt for the release of Will Smith's new movie 'Hitch' on DVD. The stunt was to go like this. Sony Pictures and Fame music store set up a promotion which involved a full size stand of the Hitch DVD cover. Which was cut from the title but still had Will Smiths Legs. So I had to dress the same and stand behind the words Hitch to complete the picture. (see below) People were then able to take pictures next to me which were put into special Hitch casing which entitled them to money off if they purchased the DVD.

So the day went like this:

I arrived in Amsterdam , friday afternoon after a short one hour flight from London Gatwick. Dressed like Will wearing my 46664 shirt in full support and my black new era Philadelphia Phillies hat. There were no bodyguards and a chauffeur this time so I had to make my way to the Victoria Hotel in the center of Amsterdam. Which was cool so it gave me time to chill out and take in a few sights get some good food inside of me an wander the famous red light district (well sort of).

Saturday morning had a wonderful full continental breakfast and prepared myself for the afternoon of promotions that awaited. So dressed in my Hitch garments brown jacket ( that took me ages to find) striped shirt, royal blue t-shirt that I had to hunt down, jeans and some brown shoes. I was ready all accept the afro, you see I had a job previous that week and I had to cut my hair so it was not quite as high as I wanted. ( you see true attention to detail ). So I met with the client and headed over to Fame music store which was only a 5min walk away. And for some strange reason people kept looking at me as if I looked like someone famous or something.

We met with the crew who were all wearing Hitch t-shirts and I had 2 girls with polaroid cameras to take the pictures as well as Will Smith's greatest hits playing in the background and Hitch the movie on the lcd screens (nice). The scene and the ambience was set all I had to do now was, well do my thang' so I got up on the stage to test out the sign take a few shots, and that's when it all began. I was now in WILL mode , the american accent, mannerisms, smiles and charm were all on full blast, lights camera action.

Now let me just stop there for a moment take note! there was a sign outside the store that said Will Smith lookalike blah blah in Dutch so what happens next will shock you.

The crowds began to gather at first a few dubious people trying to work out what was going on, and if I was really Will smith but with the songs in the background, the constant flashing cameras, the film crew, as well as the clothing it was all to hype not to be real. So I was taking picture after picture and constantly being asked if I was really him ( which I replied with a cheeky grin), then there were those that just star struck. The queue for pictures began to grow, outside was becoming more of a stand still passer by's were all staring in shock. Looking out into the crowd all I could see was a sea of camera phones and camcorders. The whispers began more and more as people were asking others is that really Will Smith. Then I knocked them for six, I striped off the Hitch jacket and shirt put on the black cap and began singing 'Switch' along with a host of other songs. All there doubts were now answered, that's Will smith as they began cheering clapping taking pictures calling their friends. They were totally amazed the scenes that follow were too much to show (lol).

Throughout the two days I had taken over 500 pictures, signed countless autographs (which I sign Will Smith Double/lookalike by the way) met people from all corners of the world Russia, China, Estonia, Spain, Australia, South Africa, America, Canada, England, Norway the list goes on and on like Ariston. The Koreans were telling me I should tour the middle east and one even gave me the pendant round his neck as his hands shook . I had people telling me they saw me ( well Will ) at Live 8 in Philadelphia and I was great. Some South Africans said they missed me in Durban, many said I was their favorite actor and they love all my movies, and that Hitch was great. Some even bought the DVD then and got me to sign it. The best part came the next day, now as you can imagine being english and convincing americans with my accent and stuff must mean I'm damn good. Well this american lady approached me and was so happy to see me and she said " Will were from New York and are so shocked to see you here and that you still do these small promotions for your fans, you are a great actor and would just like to say" ...........Well I had to stop her there as there were about 100 people behind her all waiting for pictures and stuff and I whispered in her ear ' I'm not Will smith' .her face went blank as she looked all perplexed "what do you mean" she said. I explained I was a lookalike and she was so shocked but went on to congratulate me on my performance that had her believing and to pass a message on to Will Smith. So I was pretty dam chuffed. I had the whole of Amsterdam convinced I was Will Smith so maybe I do look like him?.

All in all it was a well thought out PR stunt we sold over 50 DVD's in the 2 days, and also got some exposure on national televison on channel SBS-6 that night.

See the video

Another day in the life of ..........a Will smith lookalike.

That's an example of the type of job a lookalike has to do, so in some ways we actually help the person we're impersonating in ways that some do not even know :::