Telling The Christmas Story at Partick Trinity – I need your help!

I’d love to see as many people as possible take part in telling the story of Christmas.  I’ve written a script and I’m asking people to film various short scenes that will be edited together into a nativity play/film (!).  There are no age barriers:  You can’t be too old or too young, as long as you or someone else in your household has the means to film you in action.  The more people who take part the better. The film will be part of our Christmas service on the morning of Sunday 20th December.

Invitation to Everyone (including babies, tots and kids)

You are invited to be a shepherd or angel (or both!).  What I’m looking for is a whole series of very short clips (each one only a few seconds) that can be put together to create an impression of a whole crowd of shepherds and angels.  There are suggested words and lines, but if your wee one is too young for that (or too shy or too hyper!) as long as they look vaguely shepherd- and/or angel-like – there is a role for them!  This is not just for kids – delighted to have shepherds angels of any age and stage!

Would-be Shepherds!

Try and look like a shepherd (dressing gowns are good), and maybe hold a sheep (cuddly toy?   Made of paper/cardboard/cotton wool?) or shepherds crook.  If you are feeling extra keen you could try and make it look like you are in a field (in your garden?  On a green carpet or green sofa?)

The shepherds have two scenes (you can film this as two separate clips or as one long clip that can be edited).

Scene 1:  You need to look/act amazed and or frightened because the sky is filled with angels. So you could say something like… ‘wow!’ ‘Oooowww!’ ‘That’s amazing’ ‘I’m scared!’.  Or you could just act scared: hand on mouth, jumping with excitement, (or even let out a scream!)

Scene 2:  You need to head off to find the newborn baby Jesus: So run!  And if you want you can something like: Let’s go!  Come on! Move it!  To Bethlehem!

Would-be Angels!  

Try and look like an angel (anything white, bright or sparkly does the trick – wings and halos optional!)

Scene 3:  You need to look and sound excited!  You have good news!  You can say (or sing!) something like ‘Hallelujah!’ ‘Peace on earth!’  “Joy to the world’ ‘Glory to God’!

For those who are able/happy to say a scripted line (any age but able to read)

Would you be happy to film yourself delivering a line? We have various friends of Joseph and residents of Bethlehem to cast.  You don’t need a fancy costume, all you need is to hold a simple prop and be willing to film yourself delivering a line.  I am looking for about 15 people to say a line. I’ll ask specific people if I have to but would be great to have volunteers.  Please send me a message or email tsinclair@churchofscotland.org.uk.

For those willing to take on a bit more (Teenagers or adults please!)

There are half a dozen roles that have a bit more to say.  Some of these have been cast already but if you are up for a bit of Christmas fun, I’m looking for a head shepherd, a head angel and one or two others.  It would be great to have some volunteers! Please send me a message or email tsinclair@churchofscotland.org.uk.

Q. When is the deadline?

A.  As soon as possible would be great, but by Tuesday 15th December at the latest

Q. How do I get my film clip to you?

A.  Whatsapp works well (especially if you filmed on a phone) or you can use wetransfer.com (a free and easy way to send larger files).  If you are stuck get in touch.

Q. Do I have to edit my clip?

A. No, I will be editing all the clips so don’t worry about mistakes, false-starts etc.  You could send multiple clips. If you have more than one person taking place from your household that is great!

Q. Who will see the video?

A. It will go up on our Youtube channel and be shared on social media.

I look forward to hearing from you and receiving your clips!

Tim