Greenpeace's 'found footage' of Santa's sees him standing in a dripping, dark room. Lit by torchlight, he addresses the camera, with an ecological warning, one that would scare even the hardened cynics. Forget the jolly beard and elven friends; this is a desperate man expressing his concern over the Arctic melting. As a result of global warming, he tells the audience: “There may be no alternative but to cancel Christmas.”

Key to casting Santa was to find someone who could attract huge media attention, who could be completely believable in the role of a distressed Santa Clause cancelling Christmas, and who could give an amazing performance. To do this Greenpeace contacted several of its A-list supporters. Jim Carter, who plays the butler Carson in Downton Abbey, was finally chosen for his ability to deliver the fame, gravity and acting ability needed. And did he deliver? The film was picked up by CNN, FOX NEWS, BBC, ITV, and all major UK newspapers.