Groundhog greetings

This morning we celebrate the peek and prophesy of the great groundhog. If one is to believe the fun and folklore surrounding the groundhog’s trip to the top from his burrowed hole in the ground, we will have an early spring.

A few days ago my wife and I took a trip down memory lane to Woodstock, Ill., the original filming site for the movie, “Groundhog Day.” We were there in 1992 when actors Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, cast and crew converged on the town to shoot the comedy based on the real-life antics of life in Gobbler’s Knob near Punxsutawney, Penn. and the excitement that builds as the news media and locals build their lives on the arrival of Phil the Groundhog. The movie has since become a cult-classic. Last weekend’s trip to Woodstock was great fun, as locals took part in their annual “pre-groundhog day” celebration at the filming site for the movie.

As a creative director for dozens of commercials, I know all that goes into just a days’ worth of production for a 30-second TV spot. So I have a huge appreciation for the work that comes along with the making of a feature-length film. From the screenplay, location coordination, lighting, audio, camera and tech crews to the directors, actors, designers and assistants, it is a massive undertaking. It was interesting to stand alongside Harold Ramis as he directed the action that afternoon. We even made it into one of the scenes as extras walking behind Murray.

We’re still not sure if our scene was cut, but nonetheless, it was fun to watch as we felt like we were a small part of something that became rather big.

To find out more about the history and lore surrounding Groundhog Day and the town on which the movie is based, visit http://www.woodstockgroundhog.org/.

Also check out my snapshots from the day we were there during filming.

Here’s to an early spring!