When Subaru wanted to show off the wild side of its newest vehicles, it found the perfect backdrop in the mountains of Northern California.

Last summer, the Placer-Lake Tahoe Film Office was proud to assist with a roughly $1 million Subaru commercial campaign showcasing the incredible diversity of Placer County and neighboring Nevada County. In just four days, the production filmed a pair of commercials that spanned five locations, proving that filmmakers can find everything from scenic mountain roads and dense forests to rugged wilderness and charming community settings without leaving the region.

Getting “Closer to Nature”

In Subaru’s “Closer to Nature” commercial, the automaker puts the Subaru Forester Wilderness to the test, promoting a vehicle designed to bring out your wild side.

For one couple, however, getting closer to nature takes an unexpected turn.

After skinny dipping in a natural spring, the couple finds themselves stranded naked in the woods, wondering just how wild is too wild. The spot was filmed amid the rugged terrain of eastern Placer County, giving viewers a glimpse of the dramatic landscapes that make the region such a compelling destination for outdoor adventure, and for filmmakers. Watch the spot below:

A Little “Wild at Heart”

The wilderness takes center stage again in Subaru’s “Wild at Heart,” where a couple sets out into the mountains with their dog for an adventure in their Subaru Outback.

At first, viewers see the dog as something a little more wild: a wolf. And not just any wolf. The animal was portrayed by the same wolf that appeared in HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones.

The couple jokes that they bought a Subaru Outback to bring out the wild side in all of them as they navigate the rugged terrain of eastern Placer County and set up camp in the woods. But the commercial’s twist comes later that night, when the “wolf” returns to the campsite.

The spot was directed by Lance Acord, produced by Park Pictures and created with advertising agency Carmichael Lynch. Watch it below:

Behind the Scenes: Making the Magic Happen

While viewers see beautiful forests, mountain roads and outdoor adventures on screen, there is plenty of work happening behind the camera to make those scenes possible.

The Placer-Lake Tahoe Film Office worked closely with the production team, local agencies and property owners to help bring this Subaru campaign to life. The Film Office assisted with securing filming locations, coordinating permits and obtaining the necessary approvals for a monitored campfire on set.

That preparation was especially important when filming in and around the forest. Through careful planning and collaboration, the production team was able to safely protect the surrounding environment while ensuring the safety of the cast, crew and community.

It is the kind of behind-the-scenes coordination that can make the difference between a challenging production and a successful one.

Putting Placer County in the Spotlight

With an estimated production budget of approximately $1 million, the Subaru campaign also generated economic activity for local businesses while putting Placer County’s landscapes in front of audiences far beyond the region.

Productions like this demonstrate the value of bringing filmmakers, government agencies, property owners and local partners together. They also showcase why Placer County continues to be an attractive destination for productions seeking diverse, authentic locations in a single region.

From a rugged mountain wilderness to a scenic road or a cozy place to grab a bite, Placer County can provide a remarkable variety of looks just minutes apart.

And sometimes, all it takes is four days, five locations and a Subaru to show just how wild Northern California can be.

PLACER COUNTY FILM OFFICE

Juli Johnston, Film Program Liaison
530-889-4091
filmoffice@placer.ca.gov