Make-A-Wish^® kid Brian has Hollywood dreams. The 14-year-old teen, who battles a life-threatening medical condition, wants to be a television actor and model when he grows up. When asked by the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® what he wanted to wish for, Brian – a car aficionado, who loves “high-end cars,” laughs his mother – said he wanted to appear in a Cadillac commercial.

Thanks to the assistance of UAW-GM, Brian’s wish became a reality. Brian and his family traveled to California to participate in the taping of a commercial for the Cadillac Escalade.

During his visit, Brian also had an opportunity to meet with acting coaches and other entertainment industry professionals, had a professional photo shoot, and visited local attractions. “I feel like the luckiest kid on the planet,” said Brian, who had a 6 a.m. call time on the set on his first day. In the commercial, Brian played a groupie on a rock ‘n’ roll bus that passes an Escalade on the road.

Everyone on the set treated Brian like a star. UAW-GM even presented Brian with the script book that included the hand-drawn storyboard for the commercial and a bio/photo for each cast member. Crew members each signed their well wishes in the book, and Brian was given a model black Escalade. The family told everyone back home that Brian was bringing back an Escalade.

The following day Brian met with Mea Hack and John Homa, two prominent Hollywood acting coaches. Mea Hack provided advice on breaking into show business, and filmed Brian doing a cold read in her studio. John Homa also provided an overview of the industry and offered to introduce him to a casting director. Brian also had professional headshots taken by Jacky Sallow, a well-known rock photographer. Brian will use the photos as he seeks future acting jobs.

The family toured Beverly Hills and Venice Beach. One evening, a window table at a popular beachfront restaurant in Malibu was secured through local Hollywood connections, and Brian and his family had a wonderful seafood dinner as they reflected on their wish experience before embarking on their trip home.