Is Krampus real?
The Krampus legend originates in the Germanic alpine regions and is widespread throughout Austria, Bavaria, Hungary and Slovenia. In parts of Austria, Krampusse is a scary figure, most probably originating in the Pre-Christian Alpine traditions. Typically children of poor families, roamed the streets and sledding hills during the Krampusse festival. They wore black rags and masks, dragging chains behind them, and occasionally hurling them towards children in their way. These Krampusumzüge (Krampus runs) still exist, although perhaps less violent than in the past. The word "Krampus" is a variation of the word "krampen" and is from Old High German. It means claw. It is said that Krampus is a devil who accompanies Santa Claus, but instead of giving presents to kids, punishes the children who have misbehaved during the year.
Today, Schladming, a town in Styria, over 1200 "Krampus" gather from all over Austria wearing goat-hair costumes and carved masks, carrying bundles of sticks used as switches, and swinging cowbells to warn of their approach. They are typically young men in their teens and early twenties and are generally intoxicated. They roam the streets of this typically quiet town and hit people with their switches. It is not considered wise for young women to go out on this night, as they are popular targets. Krampus Night ("Krampuscnacht") is celebrated every year on the eve of Saint Nichoals' Day (6th of December).
In many parts of Croatia, Krampus is described as a devil, wearing chains around his neck, ankles and wrists, and wearing a cloth sack around his waist. As a part of a tradition, when a child receives a gift from St. Nicolas he is given a golden branch to represent his/hers good deeds throughout the year; however, if the child has misbehaved, Krampus will take the gifts for himself and leave only a silver branch to represent the child's bad acts. Children are commonly scared into sleeping during the time St. Nicolas brings gifts by being told that if they are awake, Krampus will think they have been bad, and will take them away in his sack.
In Hungary, the Krampusz is often portrayed as mischievous rather than evil devil, wearing a black suit, a long red tounge, with a tail and little red horns that are funny rather than frightening. The Krampusz wields a Virgács, which is a bunch of golden coloured twigs bound together. Hungarian parents often frighten children with getting a Virgács instead of presents, if they do not behave. By the end of November, you can buy all kinds of Virgács on the streets, usually painted gold, bound by a red ribbon. Getting a Virgács is rather more fun than frightening, and is usually given to all children, along with presents to make them behave.
Today, Schladming, a town in Styria, over 1200 "Krampus" gather from all over Austria wearing goat-hair costumes and carved masks, carrying bundles of sticks used as switches, and swinging cowbells to warn of their approach. They are typically young men in their teens and early twenties and are generally intoxicated. They roam the streets of this typically quiet town and hit people with their switches. It is not considered wise for young women to go out on this night, as they are popular targets. Krampus Night ("Krampuscnacht") is celebrated every year on the eve of Saint Nichoals' Day (6th of December).
In many parts of Croatia, Krampus is described as a devil, wearing chains around his neck, ankles and wrists, and wearing a cloth sack around his waist. As a part of a tradition, when a child receives a gift from St. Nicolas he is given a golden branch to represent his/hers good deeds throughout the year; however, if the child has misbehaved, Krampus will take the gifts for himself and leave only a silver branch to represent the child's bad acts. Children are commonly scared into sleeping during the time St. Nicolas brings gifts by being told that if they are awake, Krampus will think they have been bad, and will take them away in his sack.
In Hungary, the Krampusz is often portrayed as mischievous rather than evil devil, wearing a black suit, a long red tounge, with a tail and little red horns that are funny rather than frightening. The Krampusz wields a Virgács, which is a bunch of golden coloured twigs bound together. Hungarian parents often frighten children with getting a Virgács instead of presents, if they do not behave. By the end of November, you can buy all kinds of Virgács on the streets, usually painted gold, bound by a red ribbon. Getting a Virgács is rather more fun than frightening, and is usually given to all children, along with presents to make them behave.
Who is the intended audience?
A Krampus Krismas is a family film. From the many tongue-in-cheek references aimed at adults to the heartwarming and inspirational message for children, the film has something for everyone. Similar to many of the groundbreaking animated films that have been recently released, it was inspired by films such as Shrek, Toy Story, A Nightmare Before Christmas, Coraline, How to Tame Your Dragon, and Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs.
How scary is the movie?
Though on the surface the film may seem like it would be really scary (the title character eats children!) virtually all of the scary moments are tempered with humor -- and tonally they play more like a Warner Bros. cartoon. (Nothing scarier than when Wile E. Coyote gets smooshed with an Acme anvil.) The children in the audience will feel excited and maybe a bit nervous at times, but the film is not meant to scare them, so much as excite them. There are moments of tension, where our band of misfit heros are in genuine peril but overall, these moments do not overshadow the general fun feeling of the film.
Is there A Krampus Krismas Children's book?
The author is currently developing a series of books based on the Krampus Character. The package is currently being shopped to publishing companies world-wide and an update will be made as soon as a suitable partnership has been formed. The intended target date for publication is prior to Christmas 2012. If you would like more information regarding publishing or merchandising opportunities, please visit the "Contact" page at the end of this website. Use the subject heading -- "Publishing and Merchandise".
What was the inspiration for the script?
The inspiration for the film obviously came from the Austrian legend. However, the script was developed in the tradition of the Grimm's fairy tales, and many changes were made to make the character accessible to modern audiences. The story is a throwback to the older, more traditional type of storytelling that had genuine consequences and peril for children who behaved naughty. That being said, it also owes a lot to the classic Rankin/Bass stop-motion Christmas films that have become a hallmark of the holidays.
When will the film be released?
The film is currently in the preproduction and development stages with a target release date of Christmas 2013. The producers are actively seeking financiers and production partners to further development. If you are interested in investment opportunities or a possible production partnership, please visit the "Contact" page at the end of this website. Use the subject heading -- "Production and Financing".
