Initially written as a serious science-fiction thriller, Ivan Reitman hired David Diamond and David Weissman to re-write the project as a comedy. The original writer, Don Jakoby, actually enjoyed the changes so much, he continued working on the film alongside the other writers.
Shot in December, DreamWorks asked the locals to delay putting up their Christmas decorations. Following the shoot, DreamWorks paid the city employees overtime to light up the town in time for Christmas.
Were the references to Head & Shoulders product placement?
A
Despite popular belief that it was "shameless" advertising, the whole thing was a spoof. They received no money for the Head & Shoulders advertisement, as the whole thing was mocking the heavy presence of produce placement in today's movies and television.