De Beers created snow on the street during the shoot in October.  Photo courtesy of David Clark.

December 5, 2007 - The snow fell early this year on a street in Lower Manhattan when De Beers filmed their winter holiday commercial. Shot in October, the production team created a winter setting on Lispenard Street.

In the commercial, a young couple drives down the street after the first snow fall of the year. While stopped at a light, the husband gives his wife a diamond necklace.

To achieve that first snowfall in early autumn, the production brought in three tractor trailers filled with ice. The ice was run through a chipper to blow out chunks along the street. Snow blankets were placed around manhole covers, and the crew used a biodegradable bubble substance to replicate falling snow.

The Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting makes sure that biodegradable material is used for these types of shoots to ensure that the production doesn’t create a safety hazard and remains environmentally friendly. When frozen water that can melt away is used, the temperature at the shoot must remain above 35 degrees so that the water doesn’t turn into ice on the sidewalks and streets.

During the production’s overnight shoot, a rain storm washed away the eight inches of snow that had already been laid down on the street. The Mayor’s Office of Film was able to grant the production permits for the same location for the following week.

The production also coordinated with DOT for the replacement of a traffic signal and TCD, which arranged for traffic diversion.

“The Mayor’s Office of Film was very helpful,” said location manager David Clark. “As always, it’s a pleasure to work in New York City.”

Interested in filming in New York City for your next commercial production? Contact the Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting at 212-489-6710.

A car steers through snow in a De Beers spot. Photo courtesy of David Clark.