I Am Santa Claus

I AM SANTA CLAUS follows five men for one year, culminating in their immersion into the role of Santa Claus at holiday time. Without narration, intercutting among them and focusing upon three, viewers meet Santas:  Russell, Jim, Mick, Frank (who has legally changed his name to Santa Claus), and Bob. They're from different parts of the country and different cultures, though their paths sometimes cross. After all, there are associations of Santa Clauses, agents for Santa Clauses, contracts and bookings and play dates for Santa Clauses. For Russell, his Santa time is an economic necessity, and he glories in the part. For the sensitive Jim, it's a highlight of a year that's otherwise fraught with emotional hurt and longing. For Mick, it's a dream come true -- the pinnacle of a life spent preparing for the moment when he can be the Santa Claus he knows he was always meant to be. For Frank, it's fun, fulfilling, and a welcome break from the back-breaking construction work that fills his days. As the backdrop for these men, Tommy Avallone gives his viewers a taste of the culture of Santa Claus that is active all year long: a look at Santa Claus gatherings, the business of being Santa, and, best of all, the reactions of the children whose lives are enriched and changed when they land in Santa's lap.