M6 is set to air “Santa Claus at Home” on December 17 at 9:10 PM, featuring Medi Sadoun and Louise Monot. The film follows Enzo, a struggling actor who, dressed as Santa, must deliver gifts across Paris on Christmas Eve while trying to return home for the festivities. Directed by Manu Joucla, the movie blends humor with social themes, emphasizing family connections amidst holiday chaos. Joucla aims to create a vibrant Christmas atmosphere through innovative visuals and modern music.
Catch “Santa Claus at Home” This Holiday Season
As the festive season draws near, M6 is excited to present “Santa Claus at Home” on Wednesday, December 17, at 9:10 PM. This delightful TV movie stars Medi Sadoun and Louise Monot, promising an entertaining evening for the whole family.
On Christmas Eve, the city of Paris sparkles with festive lights. While everyone is busy preparing to indulge in the warmth of the December 24 celebrations, Enzo, an out-of-work actor and delivery driver, finds himself in an unexpected situation. Dressed as Santa Claus, he is tasked with making gift deliveries across the capital.
Despite promising his wife, daughter, and in-laws he would be present for the holiday festivities, he vows to return in time for the Yule log before the clock strikes midnight! Little does Enzo know, he will meet families whose Christmas chaos is more than he ever imagined.
Insights from the Director of “Santa Claus at Home”
Manu Joucla, both the screenwriter and director of this Christmas comedy, shared his thoughts on what inspired “Santa Claus at Home.” The idea came about when Shirley Bousquet informed him that M6 was on the lookout for a holiday-themed fiction. He had long wanted to create a story with social themes, and Christmas seemed like the perfect backdrop. He envisioned a delivery driver who, despite being somewhat immature and selfish, would ultimately find a way to connect with others and spread kindness.
When asked about his passion for Christmas comedies, Joucla expressed his admiration for cult films like “Santa Claus is a Bastard,” which combines sweet and sharp humor. He also mentioned his fondness for heartwarming films such as “Love Actually,” noting the lack of similar offerings in France. His aim was to incorporate character development, a happy ending, and the joyful spirit of Christmas while also showcasing the delightful chaos that often accompanies the holiday season.
In creating a Christmas film, Joucla emphasized the importance of a compelling premise. He recognized that during the holiday season, themes such as loneliness, family tensions, and anxieties often surface. He wanted to address these realities while infusing humor into the narrative.
The visual elements and festive ambiance are crucial to the film’s success. Joucla collaborated closely with Nicolas Beauchamp, the director of photography, to craft a vibrant Christmas atmosphere filled with decorations, lights, and holiday cheer. Interestingly, they filmed during spring, yet managed to evoke a genuine Christmas vibe through careful design.
Music played a pivotal role as well. Joucla sought to break traditional Christmas music molds by incorporating modern electronic sounds, while still echoing the essence of classic holiday tunes.
Filming a Christmas movie in spring posed its challenges, with the crew dressed for summer while portraying winter scenes. However, it was the talent of the actors that brought the Christmas spirit to life on screen.
When reflecting on why audiences adore Christmas comedies, Joucla suggested that these films provide a sense of reconciliation, showcasing characters who come together and grow by the end.
Amid the laughter on set, one memorable experience stood out: working with Camille Lellouche, who turned out to be a comedic powerhouse. Joucla was pleasantly surprised by her humor, leading to the inclusion of a blooper reel at the film’s conclusion.
Looking ahead, Joucla is busy writing a new comedy set in a snowy landscape, promising more laughter and holiday spirit to come.