'The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.'
So although deciding to celebrate Elves was an easy decision. Creating our FH Elf, was a bit more of a challenge. Although Will Farrell brought Buddy to life on-screen, he had the benefit of millions of dollars of studio money and a team of special effects professionals. Not deterred, I through the idea by Lights On Studio's Tom Nakielski in late October, even before I posted Tom's latest Dracula series for Halloween. Tom first thought of location, he was in the middle of moving studios, so needed everything in place before he could shoot. He then began shooting back costume options, and some of them were quite expensive.
The costume however, proved the easy part. Tom found one to rent at a local costume shot that provides costumes for the local theatres in town. One we had a costume, it was all about who could or would, wear it. Now if you're a regular FH reader, you know many models have put on, and taken off, a variety of costumes over the years. To pull off Buddy however, we needed a model who would both put on and take off the suit, and as well, be able to take on the innocence as well as the impish and playful traits of the character.
Tom shot me back a few links of models on Model Mayhem who might be options. While all had the looks, none had the specific qualities we were looking for to take on Buddy. Then, one of us, I'm pretty sure it was was me... ;) suggested model Cal Green. On the surface it may seem an odd choice, we chose Cal for Halloween due to strong, even menacing looks that we thought would be perfect for the Prince of Darkness. But, Cal is an actor, and given he went from Dracula to Buddy, one with a great deal of range!
Cal was on board and Tom's first shoot in his brand new studio was set. When the costume shop was told a well built personal trainer was going to don their Elf suit, they were a little worried about him getting the tights on. They gave some specific instructions about how to squeeze them on, including instructions for Cal to trim his toenails before putting them on. I would have thought yellow tights would have been easy to find, but these ones are obviously magic tights. The shop didn't need to worry, they fit like a glove, and the tights were returned without any scratches or runs..
'This was the first session in the new studio, and I love that I have so much more space. Room to move and less chance to trip and fall. Cal was immediately impressed with the new space even though it still has a lot more work needing to be done. Definitely warmer than the last space. You know how the cold can have a unwanted effect on... .well you know. '
'I was a bit concerned that Cal might be uncomfortable getting into an elf costume, Buddy isn't exactly a sex symbol, but Cal loved the elf costume. With his acting background, Cal got right into character. He easily went from sexy to zany. It was an added bonus that he is also a photographer and cinematographer. With out me asking, Cal was helping me set up the background and moving props. Made the session go faster and made it much easier on me.'
Although Will Ferrell's version of Buddy may not have been a sex symbol, there is an inherent sensualism associated with elves. Maybe it's the costume, maybe it's that elves are usually categorized as either naughty or nice. Maybe, it's because their stuck in the North Pole all year long, that when they get a taste of freedom it's like an episode of Elves gone wild. Green hats and jackets get ripped off and yellow tights are flung into the air in a festive frenzy!
Speaking of yellow tights, Cal reports they were indeed a little snug. As the shoot went on, and the tights were eventually peeled off, after being crammed in so tightly for so long, Cal headed behind the large wrapped packages to ensure his elf equipment was properly repositioned and camera ready! Cal is comfortable with his body, and not self-conscious at all about getting undressed and posing nude. Posing in the Elf suit, was actually more a challenge than when in just his birthday suit.
'Cal is thinking about entering a bodybuilding competition and is working to get in shape for that. He looks great to me as he is but bodybuilders are aware of every square inch of their bodies and are immersed in perfecting their bodies.'
Given how comfortable Cal was in and out of Buddy's attire, Tom focused on creating different looks with the various props he had on hand. Tom shares that it didn't matter what he handed Cal, whether a candy cane, a Santa sack or the wrapped presents, the Michigan model got into character with ease. Cal tapped into Buddy's sense of fun with his facial expressions while creating Elfish, and incredibly sexy poses.
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