Kaitlyn Leeb – Christmas with a Prince

By starrymag | December 14, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

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

 

A) I recently signed on to a Netlfix Original series called “Spinning Out,” which is an edgy drama based in the world of figure skating. We are currently in pre-production and doing a lot of on ice training. I am a retired competitive figure skater, so it’s been absolutely amazing being back on the ice training again with such wonderful people. I can’t wait to tell you guys more when I can!

 

Q) We’ll be seeing you in the film Christmas With a Prince. Please tell us the premise for the movie.

 

A) Christmas With a Prince is a romantic holiday movie based on a Harlequin novel written by Sarah Morgan. It follows a doctor, Tasha, who is head of paediatrics and lives for the children on her floor and her job. When a very high-profile old friend (the prince) shows up with an injury, it throws her world into chaos as she struggles to deal with how things should be handled professionally, especially when it comes to the care of her patients and dealing with the prince and his ways. She soon realizes the prince isn’t the arrogant young man she once knew and, just maybe, this Christmas he is exactly what she needed as she finds herself possibly falling in love with him.

 

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

 

A) The script is just the sweetest thing ever! Also, who doesn’t want to play a successful doctor who falls in love with Prince Charming, am I right? [laughs] The script had so many colors that were so fun to play out. There was great comedy, especially with Tasha’s brother Jeff (Josh Dean). There was a lot emotion as Tasha struggles with finding her true place as a doctor. Playing out her love for her job and the children she cares for was so special. I really loved those aspects of the script and they really drew me to the character.

 

Q) How was your character Dr. Tasha Miller originally described to you?

 

A) Dr. Tasha Miller was described to me as a strong, smart, successful woman who loves her job as a pediatric specialist and loves the children she cares for. She is strong willed and a little fiery at times. She was probably an awkward child/teenager that grew up to be a very independent and strong woman.

 

Q) Talk about working alongside Nick Hounslow on the film.

 

A) I loved working with Nick. He was so amazing, kind and humble. And he looks like a real-life prince! He’s so handsome, isn’t he? But we got along really great. It was really nice to work through scenes together and really connect with each other. We had so much fun filming Christmas With a Prince!

 

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming Christmas With a Prince?

 

A) To be honest, the entire thing was memorable. We had such an amazing cast. I loved working with every single one of them, but also the crew! The production team and crew made coming to work everyday just so amazing. I felt lucky everyday to be working with such incredible people. We all worked hard but enjoyed doing it. There were tons of laughs, jokes and just great times on set. Josh Dean is hilarious! He plays Tasha’s brother, Jeff. He made me laugh every single day. His improv was on point! He’s so talented. Another memorable moment for me was working with Charles Shaughnessy who plays our King. I grew up watching him on TV, so it was so amazing to actually meet and work with him. He is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met.

 

Q) We’re also going to be seeing you in Christmas With a View! Was there anything you added to your character Cara that wasn’t initially scripted for you?

 

A) I’ve been very lucky this year having the opportunity to play Clara in Christmas with a View and Tasha in Christmas with a Prince. Both characters are strong willed female leads, which is always something I feel very fortunate to play. Clara was a bit more awkward of a girl. She had a lot of troubles recently that had her down. It was very important to portray her as still being a strong and independent woman while having sort of an awkward, quirky personality. So, we had to make sure she still was able to show her strong suits and not default into the “damsel in distress” we so often see. I was so lucky to film that movie with Scott Cavalheiro who is so talented and amazing. I think we were able to make Clara a bit more light-hearted and add some humour to her because of Scott. He was so easy to work with and really helped bring out some comedy and humor that may have not necessarily been written for her.

 

Q) What advice did director Justin G. Dyck provide you that you took to heart? 

 

A) Justin is such a great director. He really gets along with everyone and curves his communication based on what an actor needs for that moment or scene. He was so great with giving space and time when it came to a difficult or emotional scene. He really kept everyone in the same zone, which is so helpful when you need to stay in a certain emotion – all while, directing other actors, cameras and everything else. He also allowed me to ‘let go’ in some scenes and really draw from the heart and show passion, which I sometimes felt I couldn’t do. He would allow me to have some takes and just go with how I felt, which often ended probably better than how the scene started. He’s just so great! I’m super lucky to have worked with him (twice!!)

 

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

 

A) With the world sometimes being a dark place, these holiday movies are sometimes much needed. They are feel good, family movies that everyone can enjoy. I think that’s really important to be able to have those movies where everyone can get together for a couple of hours and watch together. It helps get everyone in the spirit for the holidays as well.

 

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

 

A) A favorite Christmas tradition is putting up the Christmas tree with my husband and daughter. We usually wait until December 1^st (or around there) to put on some Christmas music, open a bottle of wine and decorate our tree and house. We have been doing that since we’ve been together and it’s nice to now add our daughter into that tradition, obviously not the wine part for her, but the music and just getting into the holiday spirit is so nice. And, of course, getting together with our families for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day is always something we look forward to. The food, the laughs and the time spent all together are something I cherish more and more as I get older.

 

Q) We were so sad to hear that “Shadowhunters” would be ending. What did you personally take away from your time filming the show?

 

A) I was SO sad to hear about “Shadowhunters.” That show will always have a special place in my heart. It was such a great time filming. I think I will always take a piece of my character, Camille, with me. She’s just too good (or bad actually) to not like her. She’s one of my favorite characters I’ve been able to play to date, so I’ll always keep her close to me.

 

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

 

A) I love that aspect of social media. I love connecting with fans and people who are watching the shows or movies I’ve been apart of. It’s so great to be able to connect with people all over the world and hear how they are spending their evenings watching either Christmas with a View or Christmas with a Prince. It’s so special to me and I appreciate every single one of them. I love using social media to get feedback from them. It’s so fun!

 

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

 

A) To anyone who has been a fan or supporter of mine, I want to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. They are some of the biggest reasons why I do what I do. Their positive messages, love and support are so heart-warming to me. I love every single one of them. I want to say, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to each one of you. I hope you are filled with love and joy this holiday season. Be safe, be merry, and enjoy your friends and family! Xo