Ella Kenion – The Knight Before Christmas

By starrymag | December 1, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

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

A) “The Duchess,” Katherine Ryan’s new sitcom for Netflix, “The Barking Murders” for BBC1, “Shakespeare & Hathaway” also for BBC1 and voicing Mommy Dalmatian in “101 Dalmatian Street” for Disney Channel.

Q) Please tell us the premise for The Knight Before Christmas.

A) A medieval English knight (Josh Whitehouse) is magically transported to the present day where he falls for a high school science teacher (Vanessa Hudgens) who is disillusioned by love.

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

A) It’s a really cute story and I’ve always wanted to work with Monika Mitchell the director since seeing Break a Leg. (2005)

Q) What was your audition like for the movie?

A) Well, I went full crone not really knowing what level to pitch it. I may have given the casting director quite a fright, arriving in a blanket with walking stick!

Q) What did you find challenging about your portrayal?

A) I think I wanted to go much darker than this lovely Christmas film needed, but they reeled me in.

Q) What did you it mean to you to portray such an iconic character like Mrs. Claus?

A) That was great! I felt like a superstar; however, my main role is Crone. I only appear as Mrs. Claus because I’ve time traveled to check up on my knight and his quest in the modern day.

Q) Talk about working with costars Vanessa Hudgens and Emmanuelle Chriqui.

A) Those two women were absolutely gorgeous inside and out. Never a moan when the weather was against us. Great fun, really lovely people.

Q) What advice did director Monika Mitchell offer you that you took to heart while shooting?

A) [laughs] Well, to be honest, the best advice was about standing up for myself in my personal life!

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

A) I loved being in the woods hiding behind my magic tree then appearing. Also, when I was disguised as Mrs. Claus as the kids were so excited. It was brilliant!

Q) What do you think it is about The Knight Before Christmas that will make it a holiday classic?

A) Ah, it’s such a wonderful story and the cast are so good, present company excepted. No, really, every one of them. The script is cute as hell and frankly who wouldn’t want to look at Josh Whitehouse and Vanessa Hudgens all the live long day. They’re gorgeous together.

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the fan feedback you’ll be receiving to the movie?

A) Yikes, hadn’t thought about that. Um, well I just hope everyone loves it as much as I do

Q) What are some of your favorite films to watch for the holidays?

A) Sorry it’s a cliché, but I have to see It’s a Wonderful Life and Mary Poppins every Christmas.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of the work you do?

A) Congratulations, you found me!?! Thank you!!!