Vadim Jean (with Terry Pratchett) - Hogfather: The Illustrated Screenplay

Title: Hogfather: The Illustrated Screenplay
Author: Vadim Jean (with Terry Pratchett)
ISBN # 0575079290
Publisher: Orion
First Published: 2007
252 pages
Format: Hardback
Rating: 6/10

Synopsis:
Hogswatchnight is fast approaching, and the Hogfather (that jolly fat man who delivers presents to the kiddies) is missing. But it's vital that all the presents are delivered, otherwise the sun won't rise tomorrow. However, there is another supernatural entity who can be everywhere at once and, most importantly, knows where everybody lives. And Death reckons that with a false beard and a few cushions, it might just work. And while Death is busy working out the mysteries of climbing down chimneys and drinking sherry, it's up to Susan to track down the real Hogfather. It's a dark time of the year. There are monsters afoot. And some of them look just like us. HO HO HO. You'd better watch out...

Terry Pratchett's bestseller, adapted and directed by Vadim Jean, is a two-part live-action / CGI film starring David Jason, to be premiered on Sky One in December 2006.

Review:
After having been rather disappointed by the television production itself, I rather hoped that I’d enjoy the illustrated screenplay of Terry Pratchett’s Hogfather rather more, but unfortunately it failed to deliver.

There are positives here – it’s lavishly presented in a beautifully glossy hardback format, it’s pages are filled with set photographs, line drawings and design sketches, and there’s the added advantage of not being hampered by lackluster performances, but other than two forewords (one by Pratchett, the other by Jean) and an after word by the producers, it is absolutely devoid of extras. One might expect a few production notes scattered throughout and perhaps some cast interviews, but one would be left unsatisfied.

It’s a lovely addition to anyone’s collection, but if you are looking for something that will give you a little insight into the production, you’ll find this sadly lacking. One can’t help feeling they threw this together quickly in order to cash in on the seasonal programme schedule, with little thought as to what it could have been – and it could have been so much more! On the other hand, if you’re looking for something to leaf through on a wintry afternoon, or leave on your coffee table, you could do a lot worse.