Using paper cutout stop motion animation that would go out to influence the look and design of South Park, The Spirit of Christmas became a humble animated effort, but it drew the attention of a producer with influence in the industry. Brian Graden, a Fox Network executive (and mutual friend, admittedly) saw potential in this crudely-animated short. He hired Trey Parker and Matt Stone to make another short in the same vein, this one known as Jesus vs. Santa. The kooky short film earned Graden's approval, and he sent it out to several of his friends, which helped the short make its way online, where it became one of the first viral videos in an age where such a thing was not as common. Sure enough, it was time for the next step.