Christopher Russell – A Lot Like Christmas

By starrymag | December 12, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for A Lot Like Christmas.

 

A) Jessica (Maggie Lawson) and her family own and operate a popular Christmas tree farm in a small New York state community, which has been passed down in the family for generations. But when a “Big Box” store moves into town and starts selling trees too, at a much lower price, Jessica and her family find their business in jeopardy. Jessica meets Clay, a charming, kind and helpful new face in town. Unbeknownst to both of them, he is in fact the regional marketing director for the “Big Box” store! Their competition escalates, but at the same time they can’t help but fall for each other. 

 

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

 

A) When I read the script for the first time, I really enjoyed it, thought it was well written, and something heartwarming that the whole family could enjoy. There’s nothing better than being a part of a project that can bring joy to people’s screens during the holidays. 

 

Q) How was your character Clay originally described to you?

 

A) Clay was described as being someone who has dedicated his adult life to climbing the corporate ladder, making sure everything he does benefits his career ascension. He comes from a family of workaholics, and the only measure of success in his household was career advancement. But his ambition is coupled with a good heart, and his reasons for working so hard at his company are the strong, positive values he believes their business model is based on. 

 

Q) What did you find particularly challenging about the role?

 

A) To be honest, this production was so well run, everyone in every department really did a fantastic job, had incredibly strong work ethics and were such a joy to be around, that my only challenge was showing up on time. [smiles] Like any role, as long as I’ve done my homework and come to set prepared, the rest will fall into place if everyone else on set does the same. I had the privilege to be surrounded by tremendous talent on this movie in every aspect. 

 

Q) What advice did director Stacey N. Harding offer during filming that you took to heart?

 

A) Stacey is such a great director. When she gives direction, it’s so clear and helpful and always supportive. She would show up every day with every shot planned out, and her eye for detail was incredible. My main takeaways from working with her were: Keep it grounded. Keep it real. Stay true to the story and just have fun. 

 

Q) Talk about working with your lovely costar Maggie Lawson.

 

A) Maggie is terrific! I knew from our first scene together it was going to be so easy working with her. You can’t see her acting! You just can’t spot it. She’s so natural and has wonderful comedic timing and really supportive of everyone around her.  

 

Q) What were some of your favorite scenes to film or ones that stand out to you?

 

A) Oh, the ice rink and the dancing! Hands down. We had so much fun on those days. A lot of the stuff you see in those two scenes between Maggie and I is improvised. It was a blast. If you’ve seen the movie, you’ll understand why. [smiles]

 

Q) What do you think it is about A Lot Like Christmas that will make it a fast fan favorite holiday film?

 

A) A Lot Like Christmas is fun, romantic and heartwarming, with a really strong emphasis on the importance of family and supporting your community. Everything Christmas should be.

 

Q) What are some of your personal favorite holiday films or traditions that you have?

 

A) Scrooged, Love Actually, the original Grinch, Disney’s Christmas Carol and Home Alone are all up there with my personal favorites. 

 

Every year when I was a child on Christmas eve my family would all drive through the most decorated neighborhoods to admire the Christmas lights the communities so laboriously put up for all to enjoy. Now that I’m a parent, my wife and I carry on the tradition and take our kids out on Christmas Eve to check out the most festively decorated neighborhoods. And a “new” tradition with our family that we’ve been doing now for at least five years running is going up to the top of one of our local mountains to “Santa’s Village” where the kids get to meet Santa himself and his reindeer. There’s also an outdoor ice rink and toboggan run up there, with a beautiful Christmas light walk through the evergreens.  

 

Q) What are the other recent projects you have been busy working on?

 

A) Love Is Trending, a romantic comedy Starring Jen Lilley and myself, airs January 8th on the Hallmark Channel and the new action series “Reacher” is coming to Amazon Prime on February 4th.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of the work that you do?

 

A) Thank you, you’re all very much appreciated. Continue being kind and full of love. [smiles]