Goodman, Burke had a jolly time in Natchitoches, Shreveport

Goodman and Burke from "The Year
Without a Santa Claus." NBC Photo:
Paul Drinkwater. Not for reuse.
Originally uploaded by alexandyr1.

During a conference call today, the stars of "The Year Without a Santa Claus" expressed affection for Louisiana. Here are short excerpts from the interview with John Goodman, who plays Santa, and Delta Burke, who plays Mrs. Claus.

Goodman, who lives in New Orleans with his family, said it was good to film in northwest Louisiana. "The way things are going, kid" – he called me kid! – "it was nice to give a little shot in the arm for the state economy."

He added that a week spent in Natchitoches was the best. "The things that they put up with ... ." No kidding. During evening hours, the crew would block traffic on Front Street for hours on end.

Burke didn't get to shoot in Natchitoches, but she dug Shreveport. "It was great to shoot there. I love Louisiana." She mentioned she formerly lived in New Orleans. "They were so gracious and accommodating to the film in Shreveport."

Executive producer Mark Wolper was on hand to offer his two cents on Natchitoches. "I don't think I've ever filmed somewhere where the community and the people were so accommodating."

Ah, shucks. They like us. They really like us.

The TV movie will air Dec. 11 on NBC.