Former Fairly Little Liars star Brant Daughtery shall be starring with former Nashville star Clare Bowen within the upcoming Hallmark film, #Xmas.
Because the title suggests, Christmas goes viral when Bowen’s character, Jen, a proficient up-and-coming inside designer who retains to herself, enters a contest with a social media slant.
Jen’s finest good friend, Max (Daugherty), encourages her to enter the competitors and joins her as her fictional husband to take advantage of impression. As Jen manufactures the proper dwelling and household, she grows nearer to her mom and sister, lastly sees Max in a romantic mild, and realizes there’s nothing like the true factor.
We had the prospect to speak with Brant in regards to the film, what he enjoys in regards to the Hallmark universe, and a complete lot extra.
I wished to succeed in out to you about #Xmas as a result of Max appears so much just like the you that I see on social media.
Just like the me?
Yeah, just like the you. Household-oriented, at all times with a digicam in his hand.
I like that.
Why does this challenge enchantment to you?
This challenge appeals to me as a result of I believe social media is such an affect in our lives proper now. And to do one thing that explored how that impacts relationships and friendships and household was one thing actually interesting to me, and a narrative about with the ability to discover magnificence and imperfection is one thing that I at all times reply to.
There is a determined want within me to be excellent in lots of methods, and it is taken lots of time for me to let go of that. So this resonated with me.
I do not assume that you just’re alone in that, and I do not assume social media has helped in any means.
It definitely hasn’t. You realize what I imply? Comparability is the thief of pleasure, as they are saying, and all social media is simply comparability.
That is about proper. And the film’s truly fairly unhappy. I’ve truly met anyone who’s carried out this earlier than, and has faked their existence to be favored. And I believe that is simply such a horrible, horrible consequence of what is occurred.
Social media, for somebody to really feel the necessity to have to do this, I believe I’d agree with you, is horrible as a result of we should always all be capable of be ourselves and be authentically who we’re.
And the truth that we really feel the necessity to change ourselves to suit some form of field; it’s unhappy, however once more, one thing that resonates with me as an actor at all times being advised, “You are an excessive amount of this. You are not sufficient that.” “Solely extra of this, you’d’ve received the job.” It lends itself to being troublesome mentally.
I can not think about that being ready like yours the place you are within the public eye regularly would make any of that any simpler, particularly in case you battle with it within the first place.
I’ve a little bit of a love-hate relationship with social media. As I get older and I am beginning my household. I’ve a son now and a spouse, and I am actually beginning to consider what I put on the market versus simply opening a window into my life.
Proper, proper. And I believe it is a sensible choice, too as a result of no matter you set on the market now could be going to have an effect on your loved ones and your son when he comes of age to see, “What did dad put on the market?”
Yeah, consider all of the embarrassing pictures that your mother and father most likely had in a photograph album someplace. [laughs]
Yeah! [laughs]
These are simply on-line now.
Proper, proper. Yeah, you’d want lots of introspection to do it proper, I’d assume.
Yeah, I believe so. So we’re actually attempting, however that is the rationale this film resonated with me is all of that wrapped up into a pleasant little 100 web page script. I believed it was actually fascinating.
And the way do you hope that it is going to affect individuals who watch it? What do you hope that they get from it?
Actually, I hope they really feel uplifted. I hope they really feel higher about who they’re and who they’re allowed to be. I hope they settle for themselves, and I hope they understand that even when they don’t seem to be placing out the proper picture and being 100% excellent on a regular basis, you are still lovable, and you are still nice. And that is actually higher.
Than a like.
Completely. I imply, I’d slightly have an genuine particular person, warts and all, than some facade of an individual that is not actual.
Completely. Completely, and proper me if I am improper, however this is not the primary time you’ve got performed anyone who performs round with a digicam on display screen, both is it?
It isn’t. Oddly sufficient, after we first began studying this script, I did a film final yr referred to as The Baker’s Son, which is all about my character being the son of a baker. And this film opens in a bakery, and my mom’s a baker.
And I used to be like, “Wait, maintain on. Is that this an inverse of The Baker’s Son? What’s taking place proper now?” It seems, no, it is not. It is a lot totally different. However that was my preliminary response. I used to be like, “Is that this The Baker’s Son from her perspective as an alternative of mine, possibly?”
Yeah. I additionally thought it was just like Timeless Love.
Oh yeah, Timeless Love. That was the photographer you have been speaking about.
Yeah. It is so enjoyable to see all these little items that form of come collectively by films. It is like a series of occasions you could’t cease.
Yeah, it is fascinating.
So what’s one thing that you just get pleasure from doing round Christmas in actual life with your loved ones? Particularly now that you’ve got a toddler? I noticed your photos for Halloween; so lovable.
What sort of issues do you may have deliberate for your loved ones? You do not have to inform me all the pieces that you do not need to share, however inspirational issues that folks may get excited to listen to about?
We’re nonetheless figuring all that out as a household. My spouse and I’ve been married for a number of years now. That is my son’s second Christmas, final yr was his first one. So we’re all dipping our toes within the water. We’re nonetheless figuring that out. We’ll go go to his grandparents and spend a while with household. And that is actually our solely plan.
I am certain in case you ask me once more in 10 years, I am going to have an in depth checklist of issues that we go do as a household, however as of proper now, the checklist is primary and it is go to household, and after that, it is query marks. I belief we’ll determine it out collectively through the years.
I am certain you’ll. And I might love that about you and your spouse. And like I mentioned, this film jogged my memory of the individual that I see of you on social media and really in wanting on the initiatives that you just work on since you achieve this a lot collectively.
And it felt like within the film, the characters have been going to have that future if they might simply discover their option to get there. They do all the pieces so properly collectively, however they have not fairly come round to like.
And it looks as if that you just and your spouse form of mirror that in that you just’re working collectively and elevating this household collectively. It looks as if you are so collectively, for lack of a greater phrase.
That is fascinating that you just put it that means. Truly, it speaks to how folks view themselves on social media and look at others on social media.
I believed Max and I have been fairly totally different folks simply from the place he’s internally at the beginning of the film. It actually took a leap for me to place myself in his perspective. I’ve by no means had that long-term pining earlier than.
Fascinating.
And that was one thing that was fascinating for me to discover. Like my spouse and I met, it was a date, that was the deal, and we have been collectively ever since. There was by no means that interval of me wanting her from afar.
Proper, proper.
So this was actually fascinating for me to get into somewhat bit as a result of that is one thing I’ve by no means skilled. So I received to expertise that by this film, what it is like to actually love somebody from a distance for that period of time.
I do not know that I might do it. How about you?
Oh man, no. And possibly that is one of many methods Max and I are totally different. He is much more devoted and stronger than I’m. I’d’ve given up a very long time in the past.
Stronger is an efficient phrase as a result of I believe it takes a really devoted and caring particular person to face by anyone that they love, that they do not really feel like they’re getting that very same love and return.
I believe what finally brings Jen round, in the long run, is that stability and that power that she’s been not not noticing, however overlooking, maybe, whereas she’s been extra targeted on different issues. And I believe seeing that rock of a person subsequent to her and actually opening her eyes and seeing him for the primary time actually helps her step by to that subsequent degree.
Yeah, that is sensible. And #Xmas can be a really comedic film. There’s lots of comedy.
Yeah, that was one thing our beautiful director Heather leaned into that from the beginning. She mentioned, “We’re making a comedy. Everybody’s on board. I would like you to know it is a comedy.” So we’re like, “Nice. Let’s take the chains off. Let’s open it up somewhat bit. Let’s have some enjoyable.” I at all times love doing comedy.
Is there something you had carried out comedically on this that you just hadn’t carried out in one other film earlier than?
Hmm. I’ve truly not truly seen the ultimate reduce of the movie but. I’d have an interest to see what was stored from our little improvisational journeys. I’ve carried out films earlier than. I did a comedy early in my profession referred to as The Ravenous Video games. It was a parody of the Starvation Video games.
And the administrators advised us, they have been like, “We love improv. Improv all you need. We would like you to really feel such as you’re a part of this and also you’re linked to the character. So something involves your head, say it.” After which they reduce 100% of all of that out of the film.
Wow.
Truly, it was good as a result of it did loosen us up and received us into it. They’d no intention of utilizing it, however it was a trick to get us into character.
Certain, certain.
So I’d be curious as a result of we went off script fairly a bit on this film, typically pretty drastically.
And was that throughout the humorous moments?
Sure. I’d say most of these are most likely are the humorous moments. I do not assume we ever improved any heartbreak or something like that.
It looks as if it could be straightforward if you’re having enjoyable and your characters are being goofy to let stuff like that circulate out. However I do not know that it could be good in case you have been crying and contemplating the foibles of your life.
Most likely not. And I received to present credit score to Claire Bowen and Heather, our beautiful director, who actually fostered that surroundings. And Claire is so beautiful to play off of. She made my job really easy and easy.
All I needed to do was simply journey her wave the whole film. So I am very grateful to her for setting the tone of that enjoyable ambiance the place we might mess around and have enjoyable.
Nicely, that is great.
Yeah, it was. Thanks.
In fact. And might you inform me somewhat bit about Alone within the Darkish, which additionally got here out just lately? And is that one thing that you just labored on with Kimberly?
Kim and I wrote that collectively; we each produced it. She acted in it, and it was my directorial function debut. So I’ve by no means directed a future earlier than; it was my first one. I am fairly pleased with it, and I am very proud to say it premiered at primary on Tubi.
Oh wow.
So we did it. We did what we got down to do, which was make a film that linked with folks, and the viewers on Tubi is actually, actually loving it up to now. So I am very grateful for that.
And did you make it at the side of Tubi? Is that one thing that you just labored on with the community particularly, or did you may have a script in circulation first?
Kim and I wrote the script with a studio referred to as Marvista Leisure. They introduced us on to develop an concept that they had in-house about this girl in a lake home coping with a stalker.
So we took it from there, developed the entire film, after which after we had written the script, and I used to be connected formally as a director, Marvista began purchasing it round, and Tubi jumped on the movie. They wished it instantly, which was shocking and really nice for us.
Certain, completely.
Yeah. They mentioned, “We’ll take it to market.” And per week later, they referred to as us and mentioned, “Oh, we’ve got a purchaser.” And I used to be like, “What?”
And the way lengthy did that take earlier than you had a purchaser, after which it was truly on Tubi?
In order that they purchased this in early 2021, and we had deliberate on taking pictures it in the summertime of 2021 in Chicago. However we bumped into lots of logistical issues with places and actors and issues like that.
So in one of the heartbreaking moments of my whole profession, Kim and I have been in Chicago location scouting, casting actors, doing auditions, and we received the decision that we have been truly not going to make the film this yr. And so we needed to get on a aircraft and are available dwelling with our tails between our legs.
However after a number of months of limbo, they have been lastly like, “Okay, we have to make this within the spring, so we will wait until subsequent spring, after which we’ll commit to creating it.” And when March rolled round, that is what they did. So very grateful to them for that.
That is nice.
We thought it was gone at some extent for certain. I believed, “There isn’t any means we will proceed this.”
Nicely, I’ve talked to so many individuals who’ve began initiatives like that, and so they simply disappear. And it is like their dream remains to be with them.
Yeah. To me, I used to be like, “Nicely, they already put up the cash to fly us out right here and do all these items. They’re most likely simply going to chop their losses and transfer on.” However to their credit score, they caught with us. I am very grateful that they did as a result of now I’ve my first directing credit score and …
And a primary.
And it was primary. And I believe there are some actually unimaginable performances in that film. I am very pleased with it.
The FAST mannequin, as they name it, with Tubi and Pluto and others, is actually doing huge enterprise.
Yeah. I didn’t understand how huge Tubi was, however it’s large. It has a huge viewers, and the truth that they’ve linked to the film is greater than I might ask for; I am very grateful. So is everybody who’s watched it.
It is owned by Fox, is not it?
It’s. And so now could be Marvista, truly. So the entire thing was in-house at Fox.
Proper. And so now you’ve got received that “in.”
Yeah, I am going to inform you, it was actually fairly cool coming to Fox Studios day-after-day to edit the film. That was a deal with.
Yeah, that is actually thrilling.
Driving by Homer Simpson. [laughs]
Oh, good! And also you’re at all times pursuing different pursuits. You continue to find time for vacation films and different pleasant romances on networks like Hallmark. Why is sustaining that connection essential to you?
As I grow old and as I watch my son grow old, I need to ensure that I am placing content material out on the planet that he does not have to attend 20 years to look at.
Certain.
Like, I’m so pleased with Fairly Little Liars. I am so pleased with 50 Shades of Gray. I do not need him watching these issues but.
Excellent plan, Brant. [laughs]
I imply, I am not attempting to get Guardian of the Yr over right here, however I believe no to displaying my children Fifty Shades of Grey.
Nicely, he is not even two but, is he?
No, he is not.
Yeah, it is perhaps somewhat an excessive amount of in case you plop him in entrance of the TV with that.
I do not assume his consideration span might deal with it, fairly frankly. However when The Baker’s Son aired, and when a Royal Runaway Romance aired on Hallmark, he was proper there watching it with us. And he would level to the TV and go, “Da-da.” And I am like, “That was.”
Oh, that is so cute.
That was a second I am going to always remember. Like that second in itself was price each 4:00 AM get up, each journey to Vancouver to movie, and each lengthy day on set. In order that’s why I do it. I need to be certain that my child can see what I do.
It is one thing that not solely my 19-month-old son can watch however my 90-something-year-old grandmother loves too. She was not the largest fan of fifty Shade of Gray, I am going to inform you that. [laughs]
[laughs] Oh, I do not know why.
So she’s at all times ecstatic once I’m doing one other Hallmark film. So I am completely happy to proceed doing them. I am placing that love and happiness out into the world.
And what’s your message to followers for the vacation season? I consider this film’s dropping on Thanksgiving weekend.
Yeah, it is actually nice time slot. We received the day after Thanksgiving when everybody shall be dwelling with their household. So hey, tune in to #XMAS. We’re presently writing a Christmas film, and I simply acted in a Christmas film. I really feel like I have been residing in Christmas for six months. So come be a part of me. Get on my degree.
I’d love that. Come be a part of me in Christmas time. I have been residing right here for a very long time, I’d love some buddies; let’s rejoice.
#Xmas premieres on Hallmark Channel on Friday, November 25 at 6/5c, and Alone Within the Darkish is streaming on Tubi.
Carissa Pavlica is the managing editor and a employees author and critic for TV Fanatic. She’s a member of the Critic’s Alternative Affiliation, enjoys mentoring writers, conversing with cats, and passionately discussing the nuances of tv and movie with anybody who will hear. Comply with her on Twitter and e-mail her right here at TV Fanatic.
