Richard Curtis, the rom-com titan, is making waves this year with his various career firsts. His journey includes making his music-video directorial debut and the premiere of his first animated film, "That Christmas."

Discover Richard Curtis' New Frontiers in Entertainment

Richard Curtis' Music-Video Directorial Debut

In the "Under The Tree" video, Curtis directs Ed Sheeran and "Bridgerton" actress Claudia Jessie. The original song featured in "That Christmas" adds a special touch. Ed Sheeran, who previously acted in rom-com "Yesterday," portrays a lovelorn soul missing an ex played by Jessie. They have been trying to collaborate for years, and Sheeran got an early cut of "That Christmas" to make this video.This video was shot primarily in Southwold in Suffolk, a town that inspired the film's fictional setting Wellington-On-Sea. It showcases the creative vision of Curtis and his team.

The Story Behind "That Christmas"

"That Christmas" stars "Succession" alum Brian Cox as St. Nick. The feature follows a series of intertwined tales about love and loneliness, family and friends, and Santa Claus making a big mistake. It is based on Curtis' bestselling children's book series, and he and Peter Souter share screenplay credit. Veteran character animator and story artist Simon Otto ("How to Train Your Dragon") makes his directorial debut with the film.The story touches on a heartfelt scene where a character wants to spend Christmas with his dad but doesn't get to. It's a situation that many people can relate to, being alone at Christmas. Sheeran's song for the film captures these emotions perfectly.

Inspiration and Anecdotes

Curtis revealed that the "Under The Tree" music video was inspired by "500 Days of Summer." He even had to ask screenwriter Scott Neustadter for permission. He said, "I actually directed my first pop video. It's a direct steal from '500 Days of Summer,' which is my favorite romantic film of the century. It's definitely ripped off from '500 Days.'" But Neustadter responded that it was a tribute, not theft.This shows Curtis' ability to draw inspiration from different sources and bring them together in his work. His creativity knows no bounds."That Christmas" premieres December 4 on Netflix, marking another significant milestone in Curtis' career. It is sure to be a treat for fans of his work and a new addition to the holiday entertainment landscape.