If you’ve ever watched the classic holiday movie “Christmas Vacation,” you probably remember the iconic sledding scene where Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) takes a wild ride down a snowy hill on a saucer sled. But have you ever wondered how they filmed that scene? It turns out that there’s a lot more to it than just sending Chevy Chase flying down a hill!
The Beginning of the Scene:
The sledding scene in “Christmas Vacation” begins with Clark Griswold and his family trekking through the snow to find the perfect hill for sledding. The scene was filmed on location in Breckenridge, Colorado, which provided plenty of picturesque snow-covered hills for filming.
Creating the Perfect Hill:
Before filming could begin, the crew had to create the perfect hill for Chevy Chase to sled down. They used heavy machinery to create a steep slope that was both safe for the actors and visually appealing for viewers.
Setting Up The Shot:
To film the actual sledding scene, they used a combination of practical effects and green screen technology. A special rig was built around Chevy Chase’s sled so that it could be pulled along by a cable at high speeds while still remaining stable.
The Green Screen Effect:
The green screen technology was used to add in various elements such as trees, mountains, and other background scenery. This allowed them to create an immersive environment without having to actually film on location in multiple locations.
- With this technique, they were able to add in snow drifts and other natural elements without having to worry about weather conditions or other external factors.
- The final result was an incredibly realistic-looking sledding sequence that has become one of the most memorable scenes from “Christmas Vacation.”
Conclusion:
So there you have it – that’s how they filmed the sledding scene in “Christmas Vacation.” It took a lot of planning, preparation, and technical know-how to create such an iconic sequence, but the end result was well worth it. The next time you watch the movie, you’ll have a newfound appreciation for all the hard work that went into making that scene come to life.