We live in a Digital World – of this there is no arguing. Our children are heavily influenced from all sides by video games and TV shows but they are still full of wonderment and imagination! And there is still one part of being a child that elicits an almost universal response – meeting Santa Claus! You can picture it – their eyes get as big as saucers, their jaw drops and their little hearts beat faster than they have ever felt! It is the Ultimate Childhood Experience!
Inspired by a great friend I developed a plan to facilitate this event. But a quick “sit on Santa’s lap” in a mall or camera room is not an overly long-lasting memory and certainly not an “Experience”. I decided to build a set in my studio that would be perfect for some extended “one on one” time between children and Santa – as well as for capturing these “Kodak Moments”. So I started constructing the walls and floor as well as collecting toys and props with my final vision in mind. Of course, I still needed Santa to complete the set. But not just any “Santa poser” would do – I wanted the real deal! Well, this week, after 18 months of communication, dealing with agents and a few coffee shop meetings, I finally got my meeting with the real Santa! He really is a “jolly old soul” and I felt like a little kid again after 40+ years. Negotiations are ongoing for him to make regular trips back down from the North Pole over the next few months. We have an agreement in principle and are working on dates and a few modifications to the set to meet Santa’s needs.
Stay tuned for the announcement of these special dates.
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