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l11termediate Notes
•

~C!Lltristmas §pirit'

roaring fire. These shots set the
scene, creating the mood of warmth
and jollity.

Then the festive atmosphere is
trapped, the family sitting down at
table for Dinner - shots of the tur-
key - expectant faces - the lifting
of glasses to the toast - eyes turned
to the radio for the Queen's speech
shot of a photograph of the Queen
(remember you must clarify all as-
pects), then a necessary practical
Why not use your camera this t·ouch, poor Mother washing-up-per-
Christmas to capture some of the haps a few games using the kiddies.
spirit of happiness and goodwill that Avoid any forced acting - hence
will doubtless be present in your why children shoul:l be used - and
home. Many people complain that finish with the Christmas tree being
ideas are lacking and that the subject stripped of its presents.
although looking easy on paper
presents many difficulties when The closing scenes end the film-so
tackled; the important point being depict some guests in the hall depart-
that the family wish to thoroughly ing into the darkness beyond the
enjoy themselves, so the camera and front door. A final word of warning :
script must be unobtrusive. We real- this is one of the few subjects that
ise that to give a complete shooting are best left spontaneous, no drill for
script for Christmas Day is much too the actors, just strive to capture
complicated and would not suit all naturally some of the delight and
tastes. lnsfead we will quote numer- humour that shows on all faces during
ous suggestions and leave it to the in- this Day of peace and happiness.
dividual to adapt these to suit his
particular requirements.

The opening sequence should, as
always, introduce the viewer to the
mood you intend ro portray. This
can be attempted in many ways -
the children opening the parcels in
the morning-the guests arriving and
being greeted at the front door by
members of the family or a shot of
the Christmas cards over the fire-
place - the preparation of the table
for Xmas dinner - a view of an open
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