SAINSBURY'S CHRISTMAS SHARES

If you have seen the John Lewis penguin and its great take off by a little known Welsh company, then Sainsbury's Christmas advert may not be as amusing. I found it charming, especially since it draws on historic football, the  well documented "match" played between enemy lines in no man's land on Christmas Eve.
I had just watched the film "Warhorse" which was moving and saw the Sainsbury's advert prior to the main entertainment. Later  I heard a radio interview with Andy Ansah who set up his film company
www.sportsonscreen.com in 2007. This is a globally recognised company dealing in sports choreography, casting and consultancy. Andy has captured a market and looking at his website, there is much to admire. Have a look at what he has achieved with his team of ex sportsmen and women, people who have continued careers for themselves, having finished with their major employment in sport. This company has an impressive portfolio and Andy, an ex-professional footballer, a clever job spot! Their next job is with Neymar.
The film is set during the informal Christmas truce of 1914 when troops met on neutral ground to clean up.
After days of filming at a purpose built "museum" where the landowner has created his own war zone, the 400 or so soldiers in the cast found the work tough. They are wearing authentic uniforms, there is much attention to 1914 detail and even the dry biscuit, was baked to an original recipe. The film has been met with much approval although there are some who deem it inappropriate; the theme being "sharing at Christmas".  Original interviews with war veterans are used to ensure historic accuracy.