The lights, the camera and the action made its way to Innisfil Beach Park Tuesday.
A large film crew took up residence at the boat launch and in multiple parking lots within the waterfront park June 11, for what has been called a “commercial” shoot.
Filming was coordinated through Nottawasaga Futures. While the organization did confirm the purpose of the production to InnisfilToday, it kept the name of the client confidential.
“Nottawasaga Futures is pleased to advise that Circle Productions will be filming a commercial,” corporate administrator Robin Brown said.
The Toronto-based Circle has been producing commercials and music videos throughout the country for the last two decades, according to its website.
Production staff at the park declined to comment to InnisfilToday, suggesting their work was being done on a closed set.
However, there were plenty of onlookers who stopped for long stretches. Many had hoped to do a bit of stargazing but were apparently unsuccessful in their efforts.
Don Hiscock lives in Belle Ewart and heard about the shoot on the Alcona Chats Facebook group. So, coffee in hand, he arrived at the park and stood watching as dozens of workers erected a green screen, a boat, large lights and camera and boom mic equipment in a lot.
“It just seems a little extravagant for a commercial,” he said, cracking a smile. “Everybody’s speculating. But it gives an old geezer like me something to do.”
Innisfil resident Jason Smith noticed crews starting to move in last night, and returned with Jessica Rae on their bikes this morning. He says his yard was used during the filming of the movie Reel Love, shot in town more than a decade ago and starring Leann Rimes and Burt Reynolds, and remembers that production being similar in size and scope.
“There had to be a hundred and fifty people (here today),” he said. “It’s the same kind of thing (as Reel Love), but I’ve never seen a commercial being filmed.”
Whatever the reason Tuesday's shoot, the crews are certainly welcome. They help promote the municipality and staff spend money within the local economy, Smith said.
“There’s lots of filming in the area,” he said. “It’s bringing millions of dollars into the economy.”
