February 11, 2011
BUFFALO, NY ----- St. Nicholas of Myra LLC, currently in production with the motion picture Nicholas of Myra (NOM)-The Story of St. Nicholas, has announced an alliance with the Santa Claus Oath Foundation. Dan Argenas, Director of Communications for NOM, LLC thinks the alliance will help spread the word to St. Nicholas aficionados on a global basis. “Oath author Phil Wenz and the Santa Oath Foundation are committed to helping us keep the various Santa Claus organizations up to speed on the progress of the film and how they can create buzz about NOM in their own part of the globe,” shares Argenas.
The Santa Claus Oath (SCO) Foundation is an establishment specializing in the preservation and perpetuation of the Santa Claus Oath, the ‘Santas’ of the past, Santa history, and Santa artifacts as a chronological part of the Legend of Santa Claus. Their goal is to educate the current and future generations of those who would be a Santa Claus in the tradition of St. Nicholas the gift giver of Myra.
The SCO Foundation works with many of the St. Nicholas and Santa groups throughout the US and in many other countries. These groups work to promote and expand the message about Nicholas the man who ultimately became St. Nicholas, an immortal symbol and the cornerstone of many of our present Christmas traditions.
The Santa Claus Oath Foundation looks forward to helping spread the film’s message to the over 3,000 Santas, Mrs. Clauses, and helpers whom have signed and pledged the Santa Claus Oath. The entire Foundation takes the historical events surrounding the life of Nicholas very seriously as the Oath principle states, “I pledge myself to these principles as a descendant of Saint Nicholas, the gift giver of Myra.”
Wenz agrees, “We feel that it is very important this motion picture project be completed and the Santa groups around the world will participate in every way possible to help in the success of the telling of the story of the Bishop of Myra. With the Foundation’s network of the Santa communities, our contacts within the sponsorship development industry, and the passion we hold for the Christian message, the Santa Claus Oath Foundation sees this as a great journey into the base of Keeping Christ in Christmas.”
Jerry Hartke, the film’s creator and Director had planned to align with the majority of the global St. Nicholas groups and understands the value of “spreading the buzz” regarding the progress of the film. Hartke takes it a step further, “We are building a vital line of communication to these important groups beginning with Phil Wenz. With the SCO Foundation we can cover a great deal of territory quickly when it comes to keeping our audience informed. As we complete the production phase of the film, we are committed to providing updates and information to our global fan-base.”
The Santa Claus Oath Foundation will begin the communication process to Santa Claus organizations with a special Nicholas video, a film teaser, and discussion information to Santa groups use at upcoming meetings.
About the film, Nicholas of Myra – The Story of St. Nicholas
Orphan, saint, immortal… Nicholas was born to Greek parents in the city of Patara during the latter part of the Third Century A.D., on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Orphaned while still young, Nicholas inherited his father’s vast fortune -- an event that served as the catalyst for a journey of self-discovery that one day led him to the city of Myra (presently Demre, Turkey). There he came to live a dual life, as a devout bishop by day, and an anonymous gift-bearer by night. Few people know of the many legends that surround his familiar name -- even fewer know the history behind the saint.
After years of extensive development, Nicholas of Myra Writer/Director Gerald Hartke took ambitious steps to finally realize the never-before-told story for movie audiences to enjoy. Although the screenplay had drawn interest from mainstream entertainment studios, it was not until the project caught the attention of a group of Western New York investors that the production began to accelerate. Along with Executive Producer Thomas J. Mallare, Hartke launched Nicholas of Myra LLC in 2005 and assembled a talented team of actors and filmmakers, as well as state-of-the-art digital cinema technology, needed to bring the epic motion picture to the big-screen.
Fueled completely by independent financing, the production remains headquartered in a 4,000 square foot studio/soundstage in suburban Western New York and has already garnered national, as well as international, attention. With the end of production clearly in sight, the goal now is to complete what might be considered the most ambitious independent film ever attempted, while showcasing the diverse beauty and talent of Western New York in an unprecedented fashion. For more information on the film, Nicholas of Myra – The Story of St. Nicholas, please visit www.nicholasofmyra-movie.com
About the Santa Claus Oath
The Santa Claus Oath document outlines eight principles that any portrayer of Santa Claus should follow. Created in April 2008 by Phillip L. Wenz, the Santa from Santa's Village, the Oath was inspired by two legendary Santa Clauses, Charles W. Howard of Albion and Jim Yellig of Santa Claus, Indiana. For more information on the Santa Claus Oath, please visit www.SantaClausOath.com
The Santa Claus Oath
I will seek knowledge to be well versed in the mysteries of bringing Christmas cheer and good will to all the people that I encounter in my journeys and travels. I shall be dedicated to hearing the secret dreams of both children and adults. I understand that the true and only gift I can give, as Santa, is myself. I acknowledge that some of the requests I will hear will be difficult and sad. I know in these difficulties there lies an opportunity to bring a spirit of warmth, understanding and compassion. I know the “real reason for the season” and know that I am blessed to be able to be a part of it. I realize that I belong to a brotherhood and will be supportive, honest and show fellowship to my peers. I promise to use “my” powers to create happiness, spread love and make fantasies come to life in the true and sincere tradition of the Santa Claus Legend. I pledge myself to these principles as a descendant of Saint Nicholas the gift giver of Myra.
Copyright © 2011 Wonderworker Pictures / Nicholas of Myra LLC
