Giles Panton – A Gingerbread Romance

By starrymag | December 16, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

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

 

A) I’ve had a great year. You can see me in a fantastic role on Season Three of “The Man in the High Castle” on Amazon Prime. I’m also guest starring on Season Three of “Travelers,” which Netflix released on December 14th. Plus, I’ve been in five Christmas movies this year; three of which premiere during one weekend—December 15th and 16th. I’m also currently recording an insanely cool—but secret—cartoon with Netflix. Lastly, all you video game fans can catch me in Far Cry 5 as the insanely amped up “Guy Marvel.”

Q) Please tell us the premise for your movie A Gingerbread Romance.

A) Without giving too much away, the whole movie revolves around a life-size gingerbread house making competition. That was an amazing thing to shoot. Tia Mowry and I are leading the two main rival teams in a very heated, but friendly competition. And with it being a Christmas romantic comedy, she may or may not fall for the very charming Duane Henry.

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

A) “You had me at Christmas.”

Q) How was your character Bradford Gilmore originally described to you?

A) I’ll give you some super-secret actor info. This is the exact breakdown I got with the audition request. From there I added my own personal touch and created my version of Bradford. Aside from that, I had several great chats with the director Richard Gabai on set as we worked the scenes.

“A well-dressed amiable man. He is a big-time architect at a rival firm – Crestwood. He is going head to head with Taylor at the gingerbread contest.”

Also, funny story, I got this audition while I was shooting Christmas Pen Pals. I didn’t have time to head into the session, so I recorded it on my phone in my trailer on set. One of my co-stars, Chiara Zanni, helped me tape it.

Q) Talk about working alongside Tia Mowry-Hardrict.

A) She was one of the most down-to-earth and cool people I think I’ve ever worked with. She’s just 100% open and easy to talk with. Her work ethic is also incredible. And did you know she has the most adorable baby girl?! It blows me away that she filmed this movie while supermom-ing it up at the same time. Very impressive.

Q) Your real-life wife actually costars in the movie! How did you come to work together on the project?

A) Totally by chance! They actually didn’t know we were married when they booked us. It was a fantastic surprise and nice to drive into work together.

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming A Gingerbread Romance?

A) Tia and I trying to one-up each other as rival gingerbread designers. Watching people realize that Jocelyn and I were married. And tons of laughs with Richard Gabai and the whole team.

Q) We’re also going to be seeing you in Christmas Pen Pals. Was there anything you added to your character Daniel Harrison that wasn’t initially scripted for you?

A) Not to get all poetic, but I think this can be said of every role. When an actor takes a written character and brings it to life that character automatically changes and merges with that person’s unique essence. So even though much of what I did very much mirrors the script, there are moments that are painted differently due to the natural relationship between character and actor. It’s difficult to pick any specific spots, though there were a couple unscripted moments that Sarah [Drew] and I adlibbed together.

Q) What advice did director Siobhan Devine offer that you took to heart while filming?

A) She was great! Siobhan is so compassionate and collaborative. I loved how much time she took to work with us individually.

Q) You’re actually in five holiday films this year! What are some of your must-see holiday films?

A) All of them! In addition to the two we discussed here, you should also watch It’s Christmas, Eve (staring LeAnn Rimes), A Godwink Christmas, and Christmas on Holly Lane (premiering Sunday, December 16th).

Q) What are some of your favorite Christmas and holiday traditions?

A) Christmas turkey dinner with the whole extended family. Setting up the mini Christmas village that I got from my grandmother. Watching Die Hard. Spending lots of quality time with family. And mincemeat tarts and Christmas cookies!

Q) You are on social media. Are you looking forward to the instant fan feedback you’ll be receiving to your holiday projects?

A) Totally! I love live-tweeting premieres with fans.

Q) What do you think it is about these Christmas themed films that will make them fast holiday must-see movies?

A) Aside from the fact that all of them are awesome, they’re a lot of fun and a great way to kick off the holiday season.