Father Christmas – the interview of the season

Shot for a one-day camera training course with the BBC’s Tony O’Shaughnessy, an interview with Cardiff’s Santa-in-residence for 2007.

Tim Sculthorpe did the filming and that’s me putting the questions and holding the mic.

The background music, which rather lends an air of mourning to the whole affair, wasn’t intentional. 50p only covered the band for one song.

“Santa” not only stayed in character but insisted on referring to himself in the third person throughout. The introductory conversation went something like:

Santa: “Who has come to visit Santa?”

Me: “Hi… Santa. We’re two students from the Journalism School. Is it alright if we ask you some questions on camera? It shouldn’t take up too much of your time.”

Santa: “How much are you going to pay Santa?”

Me: “Nothing.”

Santa: “Shit.”