Jamie Luner – The Christmas High Note

By starrymag | December 22, 2020

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) What is the premise for your film The Christmas High Note?

A) Stood up for the last time by her long-distance beau Brad (William McNamara), Rachel meets a promising young singer named Sophia (Madeline Grace) and her father, Michael (Johnny Messner). Rachel volunteers to help a stage frightened Sophia hit the high notes for her Christmas pageant solo and finds herself falling in love with Sophia’s father just as her ex, Brad, stirs up holiday complications.

 

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

A) Rachel is a small-town music teacher and hopeless romantic who’s looking for love.

 

Q) This is your first time being a producer on a film as well. What challenges did you face playing double duty?

A) Being that this was my first producing project there certainly was a lot to learn. Creatively, I’ve done so many movies it was easy to give my two cents to my other partners, but when it came to scheduling a financial structure and rollout out, I was the student who asked a lot of questions.  When it came time to act, I took off my producing hat and put all my focus on becoming the lead of this film. That was definitely the time that I depended on my co-producing partners.

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before working with them on this film?

A) I didn’t personally know any of my co-stars before working on this film, but I was a big fan of William Katt (Bill) from “The Greatest American Hero.” It was just wonderful to meet him and working with him was even better.  He is so charming and so natural. We had great father- daughter chemistry.

 

Q) What were some of your favorite scenes to shoot for the movie?

A) Two scenes come to mind as my favorite. The first was the song I sang with Sophie. That was the first song I had ever written and it has a lot of sentimental value for me.  I’m sorry the fans won’t get to hear the full version, but it inspires me to try and put it out soon. The second scene that really moved me was my final speech to Michael which was something I also wrote.  It was very personal and meaningful for me.  I’m learning that writing isn’t so scary.  There just might be a bit more of that in my future.

 

Q) What do you hope viewers take away from watching The Christmas High Note?

A) I always hope that viewers find themselves smiling and filled by the warm touching moments.  What better than a Christmas romance movie to lift us all up?!  I want it to be pure JOY…perhaps a giggle, too!

 

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

A) With this very special premiere on Lifetime I’ve been asked to do an IG takeover for Lifetime’s feed. This will be new for me and as nervous as I am. I’m awfully excited to interact with fans on this platform.  You just might get some of your movie questions answered so tune in!!! @lifetimetv

 

Q) The holidays look a little different this year. What are some of your personal traditions that you will be adjusting this year?

A) We are in such a different time this year. There won’t be large gatherings and we are hopeful for something in the future to look forward to, but in the meantime, it’s been wonderful connecting on social media, Zoom, WhatsApp and all the things that really do keep us together. It’s made such a difference to me especially since I’ve been making films in Bulgaria.

 

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

A) To all my longtime fans … thank you for your consistency, your dedication and all your support. To all my new fans… Thank you for joining in and celebrating the work I do and the positive messages I hope to share.

It feels like a beautiful community.