Here is the newspaper article that the girls interviewed for after their small screen debut....
4-H project, hobby leads to TV commercial shoot
By Sam Womack/Staff Writer
Six long-time Orcutt residents are hopping their way to small-screen stardom, but don’t expect them to do more than wiggle their noses over all the attention.The white, floppy-eared rabbits were invited to increase the cuddly factor on a Payless ShoeSource commercial last month in preparation for a spring sales event.
Shianne Dueck, 16, has been raising the silky-soft bunnies for seven years as part of a 4-H project. Four quickly turned into a bouncy brood of 30.
And now, Shianne has her mini lops to thank for an experience she will never forget.
In fact, it has the Righetti High School sophomore contemplating a future in animal training after observing and working with the professionals on set.
“I would be very happy to be an animal wrangler,” Shianne said. “I just can’t imagine not having animals in my life.”
The animal trainer working with Payless ShoeSource contacted Shianne’s mother, Heidi Dueck, through their online site, and asked for six,
The next day, Jan. 14, Shianne, her mother and her 13-year-old sister Kaitlyn, arrived at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden for a dose of the surreal.
Fake blossoms were tied to the trees, small mirrors were used to reflect the sunlight in winking bursts, a fog machine added a dream-like quality and child actors were dressed in their Sunday best on a Wednesday.
The girls, who spend much of their time preparing for competitions and fairs, and caring for and breeding their animals, were struck by all the tricks the production crew employed to alter reality.
Even the catered food defied expectations, with bottles of vitamins available for cast and crew members, the sisters said.
“It took so much longer than we thought it would,” said Kaitlyn, who is also involved with 4-H and raises rabbits and guinea pigs. The family and the rabbits were on set for nearly 12 hours, and there had already been another day of shooting for the 30- to 60-second commercial.
“I would definitely like to do it again,” Shianne said. “But next time I’ll bring an iPod or a book.”
She plans to put the money earned by participating in the commercial back into the care and feeding of the animals.
“They’re cheaper than horses, and its a fun hobby, just not much of a money-maker,” Shianne said.
She is also part of the American Rabbit Breeders Association, a member of the Future Farmers of America at Righetti and the Los Amigos 4-H Club in Orcutt. She competes in state and national competitions.
Being involved in 4-H has given the Dueck family a fun, educational opportunity, and they said even though caring for livestock is a big responsibility, it’s worth all the work.
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