Christmas comes early to Creemore

It was snowing last week in Creemore, but only at one intersection.

The flurries were the result of a storm that blew into the village in the form of a film crew that was shooting a holiday television commercial for Interac at Cardboard Castles Children’s Emporium.

Proprietress Laurie Copeland said she was approached by the executive producer of the commercial, who was familiar with the store, last month to see if she would allow them access to the store.

Copeland agreed and a crew began rearranging the store beginning at closing time on Monday, Oct. 5. The shoot went until midnight on Tuesday.

“It all came together very quickly,” she said.

Copeland said she isn’t sure how recognizable the store will be in the commercial once it airs because the store was completely transformed.

The front counter was moved and most of the product was reorganized. The crew shot during the day and at night and even decorated the pharmacy across the street with Christmas lights because it can be seen through the window in some shots.

The commercial encourages people to pay for holiday purchases with Interac to avoid accumulating debt. The toys, including a large stuffed bear, start singing the word debt over and over to the tune of In the Hall of the Mountain King.

The bear, said Copeland, was being operated like a large puppet, from under the table.   

The commercial was filmed in both English and French, so set changes were necessary to change any signs.

“It was really fun to be a part of it. It was neat to see how it all comes together,” said Copeland.

She said about 60 people were in town for the shoot and some of them stayed in local B&Bs and shopped at local businesses.