11. Committed to preserving a classic cinematic feel, Jon Favreau expressed to Rolling Stone his desire to avoid transforming the film into a “massive CGI spectacle.” Instead, he opted for minimal digital enhancements, using technology primarily to create the effect of falling snow. This deliberate choice underscores his appreciation for traditional filmmaking techniques.

“I have a strong preference for motion-control, model-making, and matte paintings,” he elaborated. “These elements give a film a sense of timelessness. My absolute favorite technique is stop-motion animation. However, executing these methods in stop-motion presented numerous challenges. I had to advocate fiercely against relying on CGI to achieve these effects.”

12. Although Will Ferrell stands significantly taller than Bob Newhart, who portrays Papa Elf and measures 5-foot-8, Favreau shared that they utilized a technique known as “forced perspective” to create the illusion of Ferrell towering over his North Pole companions. This clever filmmaking trick enhanced the whimsical nature of the movie.

By constructing two sets, one larger than the other, they achieved a visually compelling effect. “If you observe closely, you can spot where the two sets converge because we intentionally avoided using CGI to mask that transition,” Favreau noted. “This approach was aimed at retaining the authentic imperfections that would have existed before the advent of CGI, lending a timeless quality to the film. It resulted in some wonderful keepsakes; for instance, I have a four-and-a-half-foot-long Louisville Slugger in my office, a prop crafted by the elves during filming.”