Priscilla Faia – My One Christmas Wish

By: Lisa Steinberg

Q) Were you satisfied with the finale of “Rookie Blue?”

A) The show was written to end. The writers worked really hard to make sure there was an ending where the fans would be happy and the stories would be given the endings they deserve. The reason it was elongated and done this way was because they weren’t sure if they wanted to do another season. It happened that we did not go again, but the show ended the way everyone wanted it to end. It wasn’t one of those things where you get cancelled and are left wondering what is going to happen with this or that. I think the writers did a good job of playing homage to “McSwarek.” It’s bittersweet, but everyone is really proud of what we did.

Q) Anything you wish they had done more with Chloe?

A) I love the back and forth that happened. I had an amazing time. Not being with Dov (Gregory Smith) was really hard on Chloe and I think that was really fun for me as an actor to play the struggle of needing to take responsibility. Having their relationship come back together in a more adult, mature, wiser way and more honest place – I loved what they did. I loved my arc on the show.

Q) What made you want to be a part the film My One Christmas Wish?

A) It was just a happy accident! I can’t remember where I was when it came into my lap, but everybody has to do a Christmas movie! I was really excited to be a part of the film for many reasons, but mostly for the subject of what happens in the movie. Someone overcomes their past and making their life better and helping others because of it. I’ll tell that story every day! I’m proud to be a part of something like that.

Q) What was it like for you having to be dressed for Christmas so early in the year?

A) It was so hot out! We were dressed in all sorts of Winter garb, sweating while pretending it was cold outside. It was hilarious! It was so much fun to come to our set to see fake snow and Christmas trees.

Q) Was there anything that you found challenging about the role?

A) No, this movie is really a feel-good movie. Although, there are elements of pain because of Jackie’s past. Jackie’s (Amber Riley) story is about overcoming the past and making better choices while not falling into the same patterns. There wasn’t anything challenging for me because I got to support my friend in the film and help other people.

Q) Were you able to relate to your character and the theme of overcoming your past?

A) For me, Kate is this incredibly kind, loving human who genuinely wants to help her friend with whatever she needs. When Jackie comes to her and says she wants to put out an ad to connect with people who don’t have families, the genuine want to help her is inherent in me. I’ll give the shirt off my back to anybody. It was really fun for me to play Kate.

Q) What was it like working with Amber Riley?

A) Amber is so many things! She is talented, lovely, kind, genuine and beautiful inside and out. She is a force! I don’t know how to explain it any other way. She’s an energy to be reckoned with. She brings a lot to the character and to what she is doing. It was really easy for me to work opposite of her because she doesn’t have a non-real bone in her body. Everything comes from a real place and it’s always exciting to work with actors who are really present and she definitely is one of those people.

Q) Were you able to find a fast friendship with her in order to play such good friends on screen?

A) It’s so weird to be thrust into situations where we are supposed to have relationships that have been for however long and that’s part of our job to make these relationships seem real. I don’t know how to fake that so I genuinely build relationships with my cast-mates in anything I do. It was so easy with Amber because she is so awesome.

Q)  What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?

A) My cousins who have children that are old enough to understand Christmas now it’s always fun to go shopping for them; even though Christmas isn’t about gifts, it’s for kids. So, it’s always fun to explore that every year. “Rookie Blue” was really awesome because every year we would shop for families. Families would give a list of things they didn’t have and our whole crew and cast would donate. It’s always fun to continue to do that. Every year I try to do that. It brings the best out of people and I think that’s why I love it so much. It does bring people together. I think that’s why this movie has an important message. Not everyone is able to have the typical family setting. This movie explores that and there is a message there that you don’t have to have a family to have a family. It’s about who you surround yourself with. It is about what you make it. It’s about connection and making a tribe for yourself.

Q) Will you be watching the movie with your family?

A) My family really wants to watch it and embarrass me. I’m hoping I’ll be able to watch it with them because I’m not great at watching myself, but I do want to see the movie. It’s a lighthearted Christmas movie and I do want to see it, but maybe I’ll just shut my eyes for my parts. [laughs]

Q) Are there specific scenes you are looking forward to seeing how fans react?

A) I’m not anxious, but I think there is a scene that I really loved filming that I hope people really like as well. It is the pinnacle moment of the movie where Jackie decides to put up this ad. It’s also a huge moment for our friendship when Jackie goes to see her father and it doesn’t go the way she was hoping so she reaches out to me to confide in me. She’s never done that before so we have this really wonderful moment where she tells me about her family. She has this moment where she decides to put this ad out and reach out to people. It felt really good filming it so I’m really looking forward to seeing how that comes out.

Q) What do you hope viewers take away from watching the movie?

A) I really hope that viewers really enjoy the story of bringing people together and building your own family, regardless of what that looks like. It’s knowing that there are people out there going through the same thing you are. It’s relatable. You are not alone, even if you feel it. I really hope people enjoy watching it.