Christmas Movie Being Shot in Natchitoches

Christmas is coming a few months early in Natchitoches. It`s only July but Front Street is already covered in Christmas decorations. The town is known for it`s annual Christmas festival. Now the city of lights is lending decorations to a Hollywood production... "We`re shooting a film is called "A Year Without Santa Claus." It`s a live action remake of the animated classic of the same name," said Producer Mark Wolper. Historic Front Street is shut down during the filming. Still it`s having a positive impact on the local economy. "A Year Without Santa Claus" is the third Hollywood project to be filmed in Natchitoches this year. "It`s very important to the local economy. This film alone will spend about $386,000 in Natchitoches for the week they`re here." said City of Natchitoches Representative Courtney Hornsby. The movie is also drawing spectators like the Lancaster family, on vacation from iowa. "We just decided to come here to see the Steel Magnolia`s house and we ended up being here! So we`re pretty excited." said Angela Lancaster. The movie is set in a small southern town. But the crew plans to use "movie magic" to simulate a winter-like experience. "Snow machines all on top of the buildings here... shooting this artificial foamy snow all over the set. So no one will ever know it wasn`t Christmas time." said Wolper.