Mercedes-Benz Vehicles, Concept Cars, and the Mercedes Lifestyle

The Mercedes-Benz GLK made its debut at the North American International Auto Show this January. However, in the busy land of Hollywood film production, shooting waits for no vehicle. Sex and the City promises to be the blockbuster of the summer, and Mercedes-Benz was eager to get its new release into the film. Not wanting to spoil the debut, however, the challenge was to film the vehicle in the middle of Rodeo Drive without having pictures taken. Paddock Talk spills the beans on how this was accomplished.

Delivery
The GLK prototype used in the film was carefully sealed in a tamper-proof container, whose one and only key was locked in a safe location accessible only by a single security team member. The vehicle was accompanied by a Mercedes representative on its journey from Stuttgart to Hollywood. The car was hidden away in Beverly Hills until the scene was ready for its appearance. Following the shoot, the security guard bearing the only key repackaged the vehicle for delivery back to Germany.

On the Set
The scene was filmed on Rodeo Drive. In order to minimize the number of curious bystanders, shooting was set for 6 am. A team of 12 dedicated security personnel was charged with ensuring the security of the vehicle. Camouflage covered the dash in an effort to prevent interior photographs.

Paparazzi was out in force, including a photographer that was discovered lying flat on the roof of a nearby hotel, a telephoto zoom lens aimed at the vehicle. At one point, a team of sheriffs and security jumped into the middle of a scene to cover the car.

The Results
Of course, there is no realistic way to entirely prevent every single photograph of such a high-profile event. A single photo was leaked to the internet only a few hours later. Nonetheless, it is amazing that the leak was no bigger than it was. This is truly a testament to the skill and dedication of those involved in the security process.

Check out the Mercedes GLK for yourself at Mercedes Benz of Fort Washington, PA, your Philadelphia Mercedes dealer, or Mercedes Benz – Wilmington, DE.