Aaron Douglas – Operation Christmas Drop

By starrymag | November 6, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for Operation Christmas Drop.

 

A) The movie is based on the amazing work that the US Air Force does for the citizens of Guam and the communities on the surrounding islands bordering the Marianas Trench. Every year the US Air Force drops supplies that include a myriad of items -technology, medicine, clothing, food and so much more – to the people who live on these isolated islands. It started shortly after WWII and has continued since. Every year incredible volunteers collect items for the Air Force to drop and our movie focuses on those people along with the members of the Air Force.

 

Q) How was your character Daniel Sampson originally described to you?

 

A) The Mayor of Guam. Ha! That is said tongue in cheek, of course, as he’s not the Mayor but is an influential businessman who is reluctant to make his usual donations.

 

Q) What made you want to be a part of the film?

 

1. It filmed in Guam. When would I ever go to Guam otherwise? Now all I want to do is return to Guam.

2. Martin Wood the director. He is one of my favorite directors to work with and I was thrilled when he asked me to be a part of his film.

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before working with them on this movie?

 

A) I hadn’t met any of the other actors, but it was wonderful to meet them in Guam and spend some time with them. I did know some of the crew, some were on “Battlestar Galactica” with me for years and it was great to hang out on set and the beach after work.

 

Q) “Operation Christmas Drop” began in 1952. What kind of research did you do on the history of this incredible holiday tradition?

 

A) As soon as I heard about this tradition, I took a deep dive into the annual event. It is a remarkable thing done by remarkable people. I was also able to reach out to some military friends and get information from people who have participated in the drop.

 

Q) What are some of your personal favorite family holiday traditions that you look forward to doing annually?

 

A) When I was young my grandfather would buy a bottle of port and my brother and I were allowed one VERY small glass on Christmas Eve while the family had a fondue. My brother and I still keep this tradition going, we exchange bottles of port to share with the family and every year the fondue makes an appearance.

 

Q) What advice did director Martin Wood offer that you took to heart while filming?

 

A) Martin knows better than to try and offer me advice…. Ha! Kidding. The greatness about Martin is he allows you to just be you and do your thing and his direction is more nudging this way or that as opposed to wrangling you to do it his way. He is light and fun and funny on set and creates an environment that is so conducive to good work and the enjoyment of being creative. He really is a wonderful man and a great director.

 

Q) This is the first holiday movie filmed in Guam. What were some of your favorite places to visit during your time off set?

 

A) I flew to Guam a week early and rented a car and drove around the island five or six times. It is unlike anywhere else I have been on the planet. I am a huge WWII history nerd and so going to all the places where battles were fought, beach landings happened, just the phenomenal history of it all. Jeff’s Pirate Cove is a must visit. I found two blown up and rusted out tanks after an hour-long hike into the wilderness. I climbed Mount Lam Lam. I found an old Spanish fort. There is just so much to see and do on Guam. I wish it wasn’t so far away.

 

Q) What were some of your favorite scenes to film for this movie?

 

A) My scenes took place in a village market and it was wonderful to see all of the artwork and craft items made by the locals.

 

Q) What do you think it is about Operation Christmas Drop that will make it a fast holiday fan favorite?

 

A) It is a wonderfully sweet love story set against the back drop of a gorgeous island and, of course, US Air Force planes doing all kinds of cool aerobatic stunts.