The first day of filming for a movie being shot in Orillia wrapped up Monday.
Jake Horowitz and Andy Lewis are the co-writers of Cup of Cheer, “a parody of all those cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies,” as Horowitz explained.
The cast and crew were at Bakes by the Lake on Mississaga Street for most of the day.
“We got some really good stuff. It looks like it’s going to be really funny,” said Horowitz, the movie’s director.
Jacob Hogan plays the role of Arthur, a British prince from the past who has been “transported to the modern day,” the actor explained.
“He’s very flamboyant and outlandish. He really just wants to get home.”
Storm Steenson is the leading lady, playing the role of Mary, “a really focused and driven individual” who is sent to the winter wonderland of a town to write a magazine article.
It helps that Orillia looks the part, said the Toronto-based actress.
“It’s been great here. Orillia’s gorgeous with all the snow,” she said. “I’m really excited to continue to film in Orillia and get to explore it more.”
Liam Marshall plays Keith, “a loose canon.”
“He takes a lot of pride in what he does,” Marshall explained. “He loves that he still owns the shop his grandma used to run. He owns it with his brother.”
It’s important to note Cup of Cheer is not a Hallmark movie or an imitation of it. It’s a send-up of the style. When the film is released, people “need to go into it with an open mind,” Marshall said.
“It’s some wacky humour.”
Horowitz previously likened the style of humour to that of Airplane! or The Naked Gun.
Horowitz shot the movie Who You Know in Orillia last year. He wasn’t able to cast locals because of union rules. That’s not the case with Cup of Cheer. Horowitz held open auditions last month at the Leacock Museum and was overwhelmed by the response. Almost 100 people showed up for the chance to be cast.
“Everyone was so excited to get a chance to act out a quick scene,” he said. “It was really cool to see how funny and talented everyone was.”
When the credits roll on Cup of Cheer, Horowitz expects “hundreds” of local residents’ names will be included. Some will have acted, while others will have served as extras or helped with catering and venues.
“Everyone’s so supportive. That’s why we keep making movies here,” he said.
The opening scene is being shot in Toronto, but the rest of the movie will be filmed in this area. In addition to Bakes by the Lake, filming will take place at the Orillia Public Library, Eclectic Café, the Hog N’ Penny, the Leacock Museum and Fern Resort.
Filming will continue for another two weeks.
Horowitz hopes to screen Cup of Cheer in Orillia around Christmas 2020.
