Cindy Busby – A Christmas in Royal Fashion

By starrymag | December 16, 2018

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) I have two thrillers coming and a Christmas movie coming out in 2019. The first is The Killer Downstairs starring Marcus Rosner and the other is The Wrong Stepmother starring Corin Nemic. The Christmas movie is called Christmas Cupcakes starring Erin Karpluk. I can’t say much about any of them, but one of those characters is gonna showcase a type of role I’ve never played before, which I’m really excited about.

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for A Christmas in Royal Fashion.

A) Kristin, assistant to Melanie Charles (Meredith Thomas) at Charles Global PR, is suddenly overwhelmed when given no choice but to organize and lead the biggest Charity Christmas Fashion Festival while Melanie is forced to leave town. Part of Kristin’s duties is to welcome the ambassador of Edgemoor (Diarmaid Murtagh), but to her surprise he is in fact a young handsome prince who mistakenly thinks Kristin is actually Melanie. Kristin attempts to play the part in hopes of making an impression, but what happens when everything backfires and the secrets out? Well, you’ll have to watch. [smiles]

 

Q) When you began reading the script, what are some of your character’s traits or aspects that really stood out and resonated with you? 

A) I love Kristin because she’s got a heart of gold, she’s quirky and sincere. She’s a career driven woman in a competitive world and while she tries to make an impression, she also struggles with maintaining her integrity. She gets in over her head a lot. I really enjoyed exploring Kristin’s internal battle of what’s right and wrong and expectation versus self-preservation.

 

Q) What are some of the themes and undertones of the film?

A) The themes in A Christmas in Royal Fashion are all about second chances, giving back, things aren’t always what they seem, listen to your heart and redemption.

 

Q) Quite often for films the setting can feel like a character in itself, how does this hold true?

A) We actually got to shoot this movie in Los Angeles, so unlike most Christmas movies this one doesn’t have snow, but rather palm trees and sunny days. There’s something so romantic about holiday decorations with a tropical background, so that’s pretty special.

 

Q) What is it about these holiday/seasonal movies that seem to add a little extra magic?

A) These movies are magical because they embody the Christmas spirit. They remind us that it’s all about love and the spirit of giving. Best of all, we can watch these movies while spending quality time with our loved ones.

 

Q) What are some memorable moments from filming?

A) The hotel that Prince Patrick stays at in the movie is actually someone’s residence on top of a mountain near Malibu and it was probably one of the most beautiful locations I’ve ever been to. The inside was like a museum filled with impressive antiques and the backyard had views of the ocean. It was a perfect way to spend the day.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the movie that will really resonate with Ion channel fans?

A) I think audiences will immediately fall in love with this magical and authentic movie about love and second chances. The movie has an abundance of heartwarming scenes and characters that will bring tears to your eyes. The story’s a great reminder to savor the moments, always lead with love and to give back.

 

Q) We have seen you take on these diverse roles that really test and showcase your range. They have this incredible balance of vulnerability, complexity, and are innately compelling. How does this extend with this film and what draws you into or connects you with these characters?

A) My role of Kristin in A Christmas in Royal Fashion really spoke to me. It’s so important to me to create three dimensional characters no matter who I portray and to bring a lot of myself to the story. Sometimes the more a character “scares” me the more I know I need to explore that. I listen to that voice inside of myself. No one is ever just one thing and my job is to lift the character off the page and find her strengths and weaknesses. Audiences, myself included, love to relate to characters on screen or to watch interpretations that evoke emotions within us, that’s what excites me.

 

Q) The hallmark of Ion holiday movies is the great balance of heart and humor as well as love and lessons. How does this film stay consistent with that?

A) I don’t want to give too much away, but A Christmas in Royal Fashion embodies all of these attributes and I can tell you with certainty that you will not be disappointed.

 

Q) What are some of your holiday traditions and comforts?

A) My biggest comfort is knowing that I’m around people I love, wherever that may be. I love everything about the holidays. I love the music, decorations, seeing all the hustle and bustle, taking a long walk around the neighborhood after a big meal in the snow (I grew up in Montreal so there was lots of snow), the lights, drinking mulled wine, shortbread cookies, fireplaces and above all Christmas movies!