Jesse Hutch – Inn Love by Christmas

By starrymag | December 12, 2020

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for Inn Love by Christmas.

 

A) Two previously competitive high school friends run into each other while returning to their hometown for Christmas. They begin to reacquaint themselves and it’s nice. Little do they know that each of them is making a bid on the same Inn. Competitive natures collide in this romantic comedy.

 

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

 

A) I read the script. It was fun. I saw the opportunity to create a character that was tough and tender and perhaps a little goofy. Plus, the opportunity to travel for work was a nice bonus. [smiles]

 

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

 

A) I vaguely remember the words handsome, casually dressed, ex Wall Street banker who returns to his hometown to pursue being a chef. Pretty much explains me in a nutshell. [laughs] Just kidding.

 

Q) How familiar were you with your costars before working with them on this movie?

 

A) I had never personally worked with any of my costars before this film. I absolutely appreciate everyone who was involved. What a talented group. I’d work with any of them anytime.

 

Q) Often times settings play a role in itself in movies. How does the Inn play significant role in the movie?

 

A) The Inn becomes the center piece of the rivalry without becoming the center. It is a nice setting for all the characters to develop and grow towards one another.

 

Q) What advice did director Jesse D. Ikeman offer while filming that you took to heart?

 

A) Director Jesse Ikeman was always allowing the cast to be creatively comfortable. He would say: “Well, what would you do in this scene?” It was extremely helpful when it came time to block out scenes. Sometimes as an actor you get told where to stand and what way to look and it can feel very restrictive. Jesse let us do our work and tell the story.

 

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

 

A) I’m always looking to make each scene its own mini story. That being said, a few scenes that stick out to me are the guitar scene. That was exciting because I found a guitar on set and between Jonna [Walsh], Jesse and myself we changed the entire vision for that scene and I think it really adds a raw and unpolished approach to my character. It felt very collaborative working on this film. The snowball scene was fun. I found a wheel narrow and shovels and collected snow off the yard to add to that scene. Many crew members helped and we had the perfect sticky snow to have a good snowball fight.

 

Q) What do you think it is about Inn Love By Christmas that will make it a fast holiday film favorite?

 

A) I’d like to believe that the collaborative efforts of the cast, crew and script will shine through. I think viewers will feel a connection to the characters and quickly allow themselves to join the experience. I also think this is a fun film to watch.

 

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

 

A) Absolutely! I love people! And as it turns out, all my fans and critics are people, except for that one raccoon who follows me on Instagram, but he’s a rad dude!  My mom thinks I’m awesome, but I very much appreciate to hear comments, feedback and reviews from fans, followers and viewers. It’s all part of the fun.

 

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

 

A) When it comes to Christmas, our faith and beliefs are core and very important to us. It’s been a fantastic year to recognize how much of our culture relies and thrives on consumerism. My wife and I will be shifting even further towards relationships with our children, loved ones and neighbors. There is always room to love people.

 

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

 

A) Thank you. You are appreciated and loved. The messages you send mean a lot to me. I have received a multitude of real and vulnerable messages from fans over the years of how their hearts have been touched, or how they have laughed or cried, etc. I pray that all your hearts and families and circumstances are filled with faith and grace and joy this day. I’m mainly on Instagram. Feel free to message me anytime. See you out there. Sincerely, Jesse Hutch.