Whoopi Goldberg Lets Love Get Messy in Ghost-Inspired Promo for The Bachelor

Director Krista Liney showcases her knack for crafting bite-sized entertainment, helming a cheeky Ghost-inspired promo for ABC’s The Bachelor, which first aired during the 92nd Academy Awards telecast. 

ABC Entertainment Marketing developed the concept and penned the script, which features current bachelor Peter Weber in a send-up of the iconic pottery scene in Ghost between Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze. 

ABC EM tapped Canyon Road Films to produce and Krista Liney to direct. Known for her ability to build trust with non-actors, Krista captured a shirtless Peter getting messy in more ways than one as he embarks on his journey to find love, proving the film’s characters had it far easier by throwing clay with only one love interest. As the number of helping hands in the frame multiplies, the teaser takes it to the next level with a cameo from Whoopi Goldberg herself, who warns Peter, ‘Peter, you in danger, boy’ – a riff on the line she delivers to Demi Moore’s character in the film. 

Krista brings to each production an astute perception of the client’s needs, having previously served as an award-winning marketing executive on the network side. “With promos, I aim to create pieces that will cut through the clutter and command attention,” she explains. “For me, it’s all about how I can best build the anticipation and excitement within the viewer.”

On working with the legendary Whoopi Goldberg, Krista remarked: “She has this incredible presence and was the consummate professional. I mean…it’s Whoopi Goldberg! She took one look at the storyboard and nailed it in a single take. I think we set a new land speed record for her shoot.”

This marks Krista’s first shoot as a newly signed director coming on board at Canyon Road Films, a Los Angeles-based creative production company which specialises in television promos and entertainment content. Led by executive producer/president Lara Wickes, the official partnership is off to an auspicious start with the well-received Bachelor promo. 

By pooling the talent and resources between ABC Entertainment Marketing’s production team and Canyon Road’s world-class crew, Krista says: “We were able to take it one step beyond what has traditionally been done in the promo space and create something that made people take notice. For me, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the final product and knowing we executed the clients’ vision to perfection. Which is part and parcel when working with Canyon Road and ABC EM – just fantastic teamwork!”