BBC One Christmas - Hot Air Balloon sting 3 (1999)

Concept and creative process

This Christmas campaign was inspired by the scale and magic of classic holiday movies. It brought together Santa and the BBC One branding - The Balloon. Santa is seen delivering presents across the nation. An actor in full costume, hair and make-up, was shot against green screen. Santa drops an extra heavy parcel overboard from the life-sized hot air balloon basket. The parcel disappears into the clouds below and the lighter balloon basket shoots up and out of frame. This action was animated and composited in post-production with a 3D night sky, moon, snow and lighting effects.