You can also find a professional recap of this project over at From The Fringe: fromthefringe.golf/fore/grumpys-gauntlet-walt-disney-world-golf
Here you'll find the more personal side - the passion behind the project, some artifacts, and a look at the preparation that went into it.
This is Episode 2 of the Signature Holes series from From The Fringe. Watch below.
We showed up at 5:45 AM on a Tuesday morning. Craig behind the camera, Chris on sound, breakfast burritos from Chip and Dale's… There was morning mist on the fairways, a Grumpy statue and a happy crew.
Special thanks:
Production collaboration: Craig Kotilinek
Pinocchio nose effect: Dave Norman, DNA PDX
Sharing it out with the great golf community at Golfer’s Journal Broken Tee Society
Things people said...
"That was awesome! Never played there before but you've made me want to!"
"It's so fun and very Johnny!"
"Who writes the script for these things?!"
"OMG the VFX nose! The word play! The gloves!!!"
"Now THAT is an impressive video"
"Crushed it, bravo"
"Looks super professional 👌🤩"
"Pure gold. They're lucky to have ya"
"Did you write the script too??? Enjoyed all the Disney puns 😊"
"This is funny man!"
"Nice water ball on 17" 😂
"I have a hard time believing anyone isn't going to be blown away by this"
"You did a great job of presenting factually accurate information in a whimsical nature"
— Walt Disney World Golf
Some BTS from the shoot day…I’d also like to send some good energy back to sun and thank it for coming out and shinning so brilliantly that morning. That misty morning light and long shadows… oohwee, we couldn’t have done it without you.
Home base for the week was the Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista. Steps from Disney Springs, central to golf in the area, and Joffrey's Coffee in the lobby for those early morning tee times and shoot call times. The Oasis Bar had a great bite too - hummus, roasted vegetables, solid spot to wind down after a day on the course. A good one to know with solid rates for anyone planning a Disney golf trip. Pretty sure Wyndham Clark stays here too. Wonder if he gets a discount being a Wyndham and all…
Extra from the week - The Greatest Game Ever Played putting course at Walt Disney World Golf. 18 holes designed by Ken Baker in 2022. Free to play. Watch out for turkeys.
Before the shoot I recorded several voiceover run-throughs and then a few on-camera rehearsals to dial in the delivery and get my energy where I wanted it. Here's the final practice run.
It all started with a mouse, we started with this script… here’s my copy I used on set that day with some notes. I’m incredibly proud of what we did with this project, and yes I absolutely had fun. Creative mission accomplished!
