LIGHTS…CAMERA…ACTION! Welcome to Cambridgewood

Once again, Main Street in Cambridge was converted into a movie set for the week of May 18th to the 22nd. Understandably, for most people, the excitement centered around the days the crews were actually filming. Who could blame them? There was the chabnce of seeing a famous actor or actress, and this time there would be the excitement of a chase scene complete with exploding vehicles.

For me the excitement came in the couple days prior to the actual shooting. This was the time the unseen artists would move in and create the background, set and mood for the filming. Fifty years as a portrait photographer embedded in me the importance of having the right setting, props, and lighting in order to perfect the desired mood and atmosphere. Watching how quickly and efficiently the crew of experts could change Main Street, Cambridge Ontario CANADA into a location somewhere in Belgium was truly amazing. Store front signs were hidden behind “set signs” and store fronts were painted. An empty store was transitioned into an European bake shop, not only outside but inside as well. There were delicious buns and breads in the window and full display inside including a serving counter. Watching the efficiebct if the artist applying vinyl signage to the windows inspiring.

It was impressive how quickly these artists transformed Main Street into the set they needed for the movie and the way it all had a harmonized theme to it. Imagine what the Business Improvement Association (BIA) and city council could learn from this. It reminds me of visiting real tourist attractions like Niagara on the Lake (NOTL) and the emotional feeling they create with their decor. Just think what Cambridge could be with the three communities of Galt, Preston and Hespeler if they all had their own individual theme. Of course that would take someone with insight and vision…and a huge budget. In the meantime we’ll enjoy it when we hear LIGHTS…CAMERA…ACTION.