Behind the Scenes: Destination Video Summer Shoot

Posted on July 27, 2022

Lights, camera, action! The Spencer County Visitors Bureau recently took big steps in a project more than 10 years in the making: a destination video promoting Santa Claus, Indiana, and the sites throughout Lincoln’s Indiana Boyhood Home.
On July 20, the crew from Tilt23 Studios traveled to the area to begin the first round of filming. They’ll return in the fall and during the Christmas season to film additional attractions, sites, events, and activities. The full destination video will be completed in early 2023. But you’ll likely see short snippets across our social channels in the months to come.
In the meantime, take a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of a destination video celebrating the uniqueness of Santa Claus, Indiana, and sites throughout Lincoln’s Indiana Boyhood Home!
https://www.tiktok.com/@santaclausind/video/7124406011166723374?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1&lang=en

Summer Shoot

For three days, the Tilt23 crew, professional and local talent, and members of the Visitors Bureau staff braved soaring temperatures to capture video at several locations in the area.
The full-length destination video will feature scenes showcasing the fun visitors can have throughout the year. First up on the schedule is, of course, summer.
The first day of shooting began at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. It was a hot day full of fun—and a few firsts for our on-camera family. The older son raved about his ride on the Thunderbird, while his younger brother was thrilled he was big enough for Watubee. (And Mom bravely overcame her jitters before her ride on the Voyage!)
Family of four points toward the Thunderbird roller coaster at Holiday World as a cameraman films them for a destination video

Family of four points toward the Thunderbird roller coaster at Holiday World as a cameraman films them for a destination video

Cameraman and photographer shooting destination video at Holiday World stand with backs to camera with Firecracker ride in the background

Father and two sons sit in innertube at end of Watubee waters slide at Holiday World during destination video shoot

Rain threatened to cut the evening shoot at Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph short, but only a few drops fell and cooled things down a bit. The family enjoyed some fun on the mini golf course, a picnic on the cabin’s massive porch, and a story by the campfire. But the highlight was definitely the “dump bucket” at Lake Rudolph’s onsite waterpark!
Young boy playing mini golf at Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph is filmed by cameraman for destination video

Young boy playing mini golf at Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph is filmed by cameraman for destination video

Dad kneels by campfire tells story to wife and two kids sitting in camp chairs at Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph during destination video shoot

Day two kicked off in a super-sweet way at Santa’s Candy Castle as family number two enjoyed the famous frozen hot chocolate. It was their first taste of this frosty treat... but given their rave reviews, it won’t be their last!
Family of four enjoys frozen hot chocolate at a picnic table behind Santa's Candy Castle as a crew films them for a destination video

Family of four enjoys frozen hot chocolate at a picnic table behind Santa's Candy Castle as a crew films them for a destination video

Then it was time to check out one of the most festive spots in town: the Santa Claus Christmas Store. Dad and daughter were delighted by the magical décor, while Mom was impressed with the ornaments. And the fudge selection was a hit with the whole family!
Dad holds daughter and looks at collectible villages at Santa Claus Christmas Store during destination video shoot

Dad holds daughter and looks at collectible villages at Santa Claus Christmas Store during destination video shoot

When you visit the Santa Claus Museum & Village, a you can't leave until you’ve gotten a photo with the 22-foot-tall historic Santa statue. We captured some adorable shots with Mom, Dad, and the kids. And Visitors Bureau intern Emma and Tilt23 crew member Chris got in on the “Santa selfie” action, too!
Young man and woman take a selfie in front of the historic Santa statue at the Santa Claus Museum & Village as a film crew shoots them for a destination video

Young man and woman take a selfie in front of the historic Santa statue at the Santa Claus Museum & Village as a film crew shoots them for a destination video

Lincoln State Park was the day’s next stop. Mom, Dad, Son, and Daughter spent the afternoon hitting the trails, enjoying a picnic, and playing at the beach... which was, of course, the highlight for the kids. The family took a paddleboat out on the lake with the camera crew filming from a jon boat and Visitors Bureau staff paddling kayaks in the background. Upon returning to dry land, we discovered a crafty squirrel had helped himself to some of the picnic fixins! Family of four walks on trail by Lake Lincoln at Lincoln State Park as a camera crew films them for a destination video

Family of four walks on trail by Lake Lincoln at Lincoln State Park as a camera crew films them for a destination video

Parents and kids play on beach at Lake Lincoln while camera crew films them for a destination video

Family of four sits at picnic table alongside Lake Lincoln at Lincoln State Park during destination video shoot

Day two wrapped up late with a movie night under the stars at Holiday Drive-In. The evening began with the kiddos in the backseat enjoying that movie must-have, popcorn. But the long day soon took its toll and snuggles in the front seat with Mom and Dad proved much more appealing! Mom and dad sit in front seat of Jeep with sleeping kids in their laps at Holiday Drive-In during destination video shoot

Mom and dad sit in front seat of Jeep with sleeping kids in their laps at Holiday Drive-In during destination video shoot

The final day of shooting was a short one… but no less fun! It kicked off at Christmas Lake Golf Club with a few local golfers, including the club’s general manager, jumping at the chance to practice their swings on a sunny Friday morning. Two cameraman film a golfer preparing to tee off at Christmas Lake Golf Club during destination video shoot

Two cameraman film a golfer preparing to tee off at Christmas Lake Golf Club during destination video shoot

Then it was off to the Living Historical Farm at Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial where local families explored the cabin yard. Though one of the families lives in Spencer County, they’d never visited this particular spot. But after checking out the farm’s animal residents and seeing some interesting demonstrations, they’re already planning to return for another day of play and learning! Family of four walks past Living Historical Farm cabin at Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial as a cameraman films them for a destination video

Family of four walks past Living Historical Farm cabin at Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial as a cameraman films them for a destination video

Two children look through the chicken cook fence at the Living Historical Farm inside Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial as a crew films them for a destination video

The Rustic was the final stop of the three-day shoot. But before the shoot could begin, this hungry group needed to eat—the breaded tenderloin was a winner with the production crew! Then it was time for our local talent to pull a seat up. And with a cheesy pizza on the table right in front of them, it was a test of the kids’ patience. But eventually, the crew called it a wrap and the family could dig in! Mom and two kids converse with camera crew as they prepare to shoot a destination video scene at The Rustic restaurant

Mom and two kids converse with camera crew as they prepare to shoot a destination video scene at The Rustic restaurant

Destination Video Debut

These are just some of the popular spots in the area you’ll see when the full destination video debuts in early 2023! The Tilt23 crew will be back in the fall to film at locations like Santa’s Stables, Pumpkins and More Farm Market, Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum, Lincoln Amphitheatre, and others. And they’ll once again make the trip to the area in December to get festive footage of the Santa Claus Christmas Celebration, including favorite traditions like the annual parade.
When it’s all said and done, the Spencer County Visitors Bureau hopes to have a destination video that makes potential visitors take notice of the many fun and family-friendly things there are to do throughout the area.
And when our local residents watch the finished video, we hope it makes them even prouder to call this amazing area home!

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Behind the Scenes: Destination Video Summer Shoot

Summer Shoot

Destination Video Debut