Holiday films have been a huge part of our lives growing up. What is it with holiday films that make them so memorable and important? How do you think it has evolved through the years?
I think for me one of the biggest things about holiday films is that it’s always about friendship, family or love and I think that’s why it’s so important to me. It’s about what the holidays mean to me and that’s what I love about this movie. It is about two very good friends and how strong their friendship is.
What did you like about the story? How do you think the story or characters will change and make an impact in today’s society?
What I do like about the story is that it is based around two very good friends and I feel like it’s not your typical Christmas movie because, to me, I feel like a lot of Christmas movies revolve more so around romance. And while there is some romance in the film, that is not the main focus. I love that the main focus is these two women and friendship. And that is something I really enjoy about the movie. How will it make an impact? It reminds people to treasure the friendships that they have in their lives.
What was the dynamic like between you, your castmates, and the film crew? How did they make you feel? Were there particular moments on set that were memorable?
Everyone got along so well. It’s funny because we were filming a Christmas movie in the middle of summer but that Christmas spirit is very much alive. We all got along really well. Cast crew, everyone. it was a fun group of people to work with.
No particular moment on set but for me, this movie will forever be memorable because it was my first job back as a mother and to be able to go back to what I love to do and also bring my daughter along and share that journey with her is a very big thing for me. It was a very different feeling booking that job.
Can you give us a sneak peak of what we can expect from this holiday film?
It’s about two best friends who win a holiday decorating contest this year and Kendall stirs things up a little bit.
The pandemic has greatly affected the entertainment industry. How did it affect your side of things?
Due to the pandemic, I didn’t work for almost a year. Everything had to come to a halt and it really affected everyone in the entertainment industry. So I am very glad things are starting to pick back up and we’re on our way to finding a new normal. On set, it kind of sucks to not be able to freely hang out with each other and be limited to what you can do. One of the things I do miss about the industry pre-pandemic is being able to physically go into a room, and audition, and meet the casting directors face-to-face and have a conversation with them.
There couldn’t be a more perfect time to be a female filmmaker in the entertainment industry. What were the monumental life lessons, mistakes, and things you’ve learned throughout your career that you would like to share with aspiring or emerging female filmmakers and/or creatives in general?
One of the main things that I cannot stress is to stay true to who you are. Whatever you believe in, the morals that you have don’t give them up for a quick job or because you are afraid that something won’t come your way. As an actress, I’ve been told to be in certain roles to achieve my goals, but I am glad in the past I’ve never had to compromise my beliefs.
What do you think the future of filmmaking would look like? What kind of stories do you think will emerge and capture the attention of producers and executives?
I love where the industry is going especially for people of color. I recently saw The Harder They Fall and I love more projects coming out with black leads and black female leads and more people that look like me. And there is still a lot of work to be done, but I am happy to be moving in that direction.
What’s your advice to aspiring actors who want to break into the entertainment industry?
Don’t get discouraged. Keep working toward your goal. In this industry, you are going to hear more no’s than yes’s and it gets tough but work hard, believe in yourself, push through those no’s and the right fit will come along.
What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind as an actor?
As an actress, my main legacy is I want to connect with my audience. I’ve never really been the type of person to openly talk about problems and being able to see stories or characters in TV and film that I can relate to has been very big for me and I want to be that for someone else.
Do you have other upcoming projects you want to share with us?
I can also be seen in ABC’s Home Economics this season!
