Like just about anyone human, I'll admit I form opinions about people long before I meet them--based purely on secondhand information. And, like just about anyone human, I'll admit those opinions are often wrong.

Case in point #1: Back in the 80s, when a relatively unkown man entered Montana politics and eventually declared his candidacy for governor, I thought he didn't stand a chance. He had a french name you couldn't even pronounce, for cripe's sake: Marc Racicot. Well, as most people know, Racicot became one of Montana's most-beloved governors, prompting one political wag to observe he could appoint himself king if he so desired.

Case in point #2: Brian Schweitzer, our current governor. I've always felt he's been equal parts P.T. Barnum and Harry Houdini: a great showman, but perhaps a bit of an escape artist who likes to talk himself into--and then out of--confining situations. Of course, I formed this opinion without ever having worked with the man.

Last week, I had an opportunity to spend an afternoon directing and working with Governor Schweitzer for a television commercial. And I have to say, he was good-natured, easy to work with, and gracious. One scene we shot about six times, with us offering tweaks and modifications between each. I assured the Governor we had usable stuff; but it's always best to shoot multiple takes to cover your bases. He replied, "I'll nail this next one," and well, he did. I was impressed with that; all of us--including the Governor--knew we had scenes that could work, but he was committed to continuing until we had a take we all loved.

Also, this spot required the Governor to work with kids on camera. He was at ease with the kids, talking to them between takes to make them more comfortable. God bless him for that alone.

How about this? When Governor Schweitzer arrived, he was accompanied by a couple of staff mambers and Jag, his border collie. Jag was exceptionally well-trained and behaved during the shoot, even though we had cameras, lights and people surrounding him. Someone asked the Governor at one point if his dog went everywhere with him. "Yes," he replied without hesitating. Hey, how can you not like a guy whose constant companion is his dog?

Bottom line: Governor Schweitzer impressed me. And, being a wee bit of a cynic, I'm not the easiest guy to impress. (On a side note, the commercial we shot was for Montana's "Invite a Friend" program, which encourages Montanans to send the names of out-of-state friends to the Governor's office; in turn, the Governor sends them a letter of invitation and a vacation planning kit. I'm editing this spot today, and I'll try to post a preview of the spot here when it's approved.)