Have you ever dreamed about starring in a TV commercial? How about starring in a commercial for one of the most popular television networks in the country?

To promote its new R.O.A.R. (Reach Out, Act, Respond) campaign, Animal Planet filmed 20 animal-lovers and -experts in a two-day time span. Four of them were Roots & Shoots members.

The television network, as part of its partnership with Roots & Shoots, flew the members out to sites in Los Angeles, California and New York City to share their Roots & Shoots experiences and show other young people that caring for animals is cool.

National Youth Leadership Council member Zainab Nejati of Boyd, Maryland and California Youth Leadership Council member Trevor Moppin of Oakland, California were two of the selected individuals. After flying to New York City, the two teens worked with the Animal Planet crew to shoot a public service announcement (PSA) for R.O.A.R.

"Not only did I get to travel, but getting to see the behind-the-scenes stage setup was fantastic," said Zainab.

Roots & Shoots Youth Leadership Fellow Chase Pickering had a similarly rewarding experience on the other side of the country. From his home in Arlington, Virginia, Chase flew out to California and, along with Los Angeles-based R&S Group Leader John Zavalney, helped out with a promotional R.O.A.R. video.

Chase's co-star: a Eurasian Eagle Owl.

With six pounds of body weight, a six-foot wingspan and huge talons, the big bird would have intimidated many people¿but not Chase.

"I was so impressed with the size, power and beauty of this bird," said the North Carolina native, who has been an animal-lover his whole life and has years of experience in handling birds of prey. "This was an unbelievable opportunity to spread an important message of conservation."

Zainab saw the video shoot not only as a means of talking about the R.O.A.R. campaign but also as an opportunity to promote Roots & Shoots to viewers.

"The more Roots & Shoots gets exposed to the media¿especially by such a large partner as Animal Planet¿the more people are going to want to get involved," she said.

Meanwhile, John got to showcase some of the birds and snakes he has rescued, as part of his Roots & Shoots work.

"The whole experience was very exciting!" Zainab said. "They certainly could have hired actors to represent the program. It definitely demonstrates Animal Planet¿s commitment to the Roots & Shoots program."In addition to the fun though, the video shoots involved some hard work.

During Chase's shoot, the Eurasian Eagle Owl refused to look at the camera. After a couple of takes, Chase's arm started to get tired from holding the big bird.

But he held it. And he held his head high, and he told the camera how each individual can make a difference in the lives of animals.

As Chase was packing up to leave the Hollywood shoot site, a crew member stopped him.

"You did a great job," the crew member said. "Your passion for animals is inspiring and comes across wonderfully on camera."

Chase smiled. Mission accomplished.