Emily Kinney – Santa Bootcamp

By starrymag | November 19, 2022

By: Kelly Kearney

 

 

Q) You play Emily Strauss, an event planner tasked with finding the perfect Santa for a corporate Christmas gala in Lifetime’s Santa Bootcamp. What was it about the character or script that made you want to sign on to the film?

A) The script was so magical and had a lot of moments to incorporate some physical comedy. I’ve never done a Christmas movie and I haven’t gotten to do a lot of comedy though I really enjoy so this was a perfect next project for me!!

Q) The Santa search leads her to Belle’s (played by Rita Morena) Santa Bootcamp where she’s roped into taking a class on what it means to be Santa. Talk about working with iconic actress Rita Moreno.

A) Rita is always in the moment and brings something new to every take. She’s also very funny and just sparkles! It was a joy to be around her on set and get to work with her!

Q) Christmas movies almost always have a rom-com angle because ’tis the season and romance seem to go hand in hand. For Emily, those Christmas sparks happened with struggling chef, Aiden. Did you and Justin Gaston do a chemistry read in the audition process?

A) No chemistry read, but it all worked out perfectly and Justin is the sweetest co-star!

Q) The film stars two actors who happened to be deaf – Deanne Bray, who plays your mother and business partner, Olive, as well as Zyra Singleton, who plays Charlotte. This means you spent a good part of the film conversing in sign language. Were you familiar with the language going into the movie or did you study it after taking the role? You were a natural.

A) Thanks! I had a lot of help. It was not natural; I practiced a lot! Before going to set, I reached out to Deaf West Theatre Company and they helped me find a coach, Justin!

So, I took lessons from Justin Jackerson, a deaf actor and teacher here Los Angeles, and I also had a lot of help from Deanne once on set. It was really important to me to do a good job and do a good job representing the deaf community.

Q) What were some of your most memorable or most challenging scenes that you filmed for the movie?

A) Probably the scenes with ASL! Most challenging, but also most satisfying!

Q) You are an accomplished singer/songwriter starring alongside the legendary Moreno, as well as Tony winner Marissa Jaret Winokur from Broadway’s Hairspray. With all of this vocal talent on set, did you have any fun sing-a-longs moments behind the scenes you can share with the fans?

A) Not really! But Melissa [Joan Hart] was always trying to get Marissa to give us a show and sing for us!!

Q) You had a real reindeer on set and your character had to feed it! What was that like?

A) The reindeer was awesome! That was probably one of my favorite days. I love animals.

Q) Actors seem to always love taking direction from their fellow actors. Melissa Joan Hart, Sabrina the Teenage Witch herself, wore two hats in this film-one as director and the other as executive producer. What was it like being directed by a fellow actor?

A) I really trusted Melissa and her eye. She was always looking for moments to add fun, and I really appreciated that. You could tell that the crew loves her and really respects her, and I do too.

Q) The holidays are always filled with Christmas movies – both old and new. What is it about this film that will attract fans and bring in viewers and make it an annual fan favorite?

A) It’s not just a love story!! I think all the characters, fun and magic of Santa Bootcamp, will make this a movie that’s fun for all ages and the whole family.

Q) Santa Bootcamp should land on many people’s favorite Christmas rom-com list, so I have to ask, what is your favorite Christmas movie you watch every year?

A) I love Bridget Jones’ Diary and Uncle Buck and A Christmas Story. I don’t think Uncle Buck is a Christmas movie, but we always watched it growing up. Those are always priorities when it comes to Christmas movie watching. The Family Stone and The Holiday are more recent favs.

Q) Changing directions for a moment, fans also remember you from your character, Beth on “The Walking Dead.” I would be remiss if I didn’t ask you about the series ending and what you hope to see in that final hour of television?

A) After the main crew defeats Pamela (Laila Robins), Maggie (Lauren Cohan) stumbles upon a new little village and girl who looks a lot like her sister! Basically—they find out Beth has been alive this whole time and that I’m about to go off to star in my own Beth “Walking Dead” TV miniseries!!

Q) Are you working on any other projects – both in acting or with your music, that the fans can keep an eye out for?

A) Yes! I have a new album that will be release single by single next year! It’s called “SWIMTEAM.” There will be a few touring dates as well announced soon!

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

A) It’s a truly lucky thing for artist to find an audience. Most work is done by myself in my room, and no one ever sees it. So, to get to make movies, TV shows and music that people actually see and connect with is a gift and dream come true. Thanks for being a part of my life and career.

 

 

 

Santa Bootcamp premieres this upcoming Saturday, November 19^th at 8/7c