Page 20: Arts - Santa is Real

A diverse group of UCF talent is bringing a realistic portrayal of Santa to the silver screen—with the help of some Hollywood veterans.

Kris: The Making of a Saint is an independent feature film about the man behind the myth of Santa. Kris, as told by writer/actor/director (and UCF Assistant Professor of Theatre) J.J. Ruscella, is a story about how legends are born from less-than-ideal beginnings. It follows one man’s inspirational mission and transformation into a symbol of goodness. Unlike many holiday tales that revolve around religion, fantasy, and magic, Kris: The Making of a Saint has its roots in the historical facts, customs, and the beauty surrounding the traditions and timeless spirit of the holiday season.

A promotional teaser for the film has already been completed, while casting and location scouting are currently underway. Several seasoned film industry professionals have joined the project. Producers John Higgins, former dot-com executive, and Bill Hill (The Abyss, Road To Wellville) bring their experience of hundreds of films and events. Co-director Dan Mackler has helmed dozens of short films, documentaries, commercials and music videos. Sandi Sissel, whose credits include Master and Commander, Austin Powers 2, and Endurance, has signed on as director of photography, and Steven Campbell (Monster, The Punisher) served as director of photography for the teaser.

Kris is coming to life with the help of more than a dozen UCF faculty members and students. Ruscella commissioned BFA Theatre student Donté Bonner to co-write the screenplay. Kris is Bonner’s second professional script; his first screenplay Unsung was completed in 2003 and is currently under production. The KRS team also includes UCF Theatre Technical Director Tyler Smith, as the production coordinator, and sound designer Darin Hughes, Senior Audio Producer and researcher, UCF Institute for Simulation and Training. Music Professor and internationally-recognized composer Stella Sung is on board and has written the music for the film’s teaser, and talented students from UCF’s Digital Media program have crafted a website that delves deeper behind the man who would be Santa.

A Franchise in the Works?

This heartwarming holiday film is not the end of Kris’s story. Encouraged by a wealth of positive reactions to their work, the KRS team is adapting the concept for a variety of mediums. Assistant Professor of Theatre Sybil St. Claire, an internationally produced and published playwright, is creating a playscript version for young audiences. Award-winning costume and makeup designer Associate Professor Huaixiang Tan, also of UCF Theatre, is illustrating the children’s book adaptation. Preparation has also begun for Kris to appear on licensed products such as holiday ornaments, greeting cards, and toys; a children’s animation is also in the works.

The combined effort of so many talented individuals promises to reach a large and eager audience. Their unique and realistic tale of a beloved holiday icon aims to inspire hope and wonder in kids-young and old. Scheduled for theatrical release December 2006, Kris will give audiences a few extra reasons to believe.

Want to know more?
KRS project website: www.santaisreal.com
UCF Theatre Website: www.cas.ucf.edu/theatre
UCF Music Website: www.cas.ucf.edu/music
J.J. Ruscella: jruscell@mail.ucf.edu

QUEST 2005

DATE
Spring 2005

CONTACT
Sae Schatz
Arts & Sciences
Academic Promotions
407-823-5164
sae@cs.ucf.edu

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