Rachel Boston – Ice Sculpture Christmas

By: Lisa Steinberg

Q) What can you tell us about the premise of Ice Sculpture Christmas and about your character?

A) It’s a film about love and strength. I play a woman (Callie) who is trying to get her career started when she reconnects with a childhood  friend (David). He comes from a very different background but inspires her to go after her career dreams. It’s a story about being honest with yourself, looking at who you are and where you want to be and surrounding yourself with people who bring out the best in you.

Q) You filmed before the holidays, was it easy or hard to get into the spirit out of season?

A) We were listening to Christmas music and dancing in the middle of a heat wave in Canada in June!  It was actually really fun. I brought some “Merry Christmas” cakes to set a few times and we just got right into the spirit.

Q) What is the underlying message that you hope fans take away from watching the movie?

A) It’s filled with so much hope! There is a line at the beginning of the film when young Callie is explaining ice sculptures.  She says, “My mom says the ice sculpture is already there, you just have to look past the parts you don’t need.”  That line basically drives the whole film.  We all have things we are holding onto that we don’t need, whether it’s fear, living in the past or jealousy.  They keep us from our joy and being the people we are truly meant to be. Once we let go of what is no longer serving us, we can open up to the life that is waiting for us.

Q) You were an associate producer and starred in the movie, how did you balance both hats?

A) This film actually came to me really fast and I started working right away so I was focused on the acting side. On other films I have produced, I start with the story and work with the writer and other producers on the script and developing characters. I just started working on a new project and we are so excited to get it off the ground. I love storytelling and working with people from all different sides of the creative world so I’ve enjoyed the balance of both producing and acting.

Q) Have you developed a skill with ice sculptures from working on the movie or up’d your culinary talents?

A) We did have an amazing ice sculpture teacher on set while we were filming!  It’s such a beautiful art form.  I really enjoyed learning all about it.

Q) Where did the inspiration for the film come from?

A) The executive producer told me about the idea and then he sent me the script.  It made me laugh and cry and I signed on right away. It combined romance with art and Christmas. It’s just a really fun movie!

Q) What scene was the most challenging to film and why?

A) There is a scene where Callie is talking to her father about love and that she “is too old to believe in fairy tales.”  It broke my heart when I read it.  I have related to that line so many times in my own life and I know many of the amazing women in my life have experienced that heartbreak as well. So, telling that story truthfully was important to me. And once she gets that out and gets honest with those feelings, something really wonderful happens.  It’s the “darkest before the dawn scene” and I really enjoyed it.

Q) What traditions, foods, or memories get you most into the holiday spirit?

A) The Candlelight service at church is the first that comes to mind.  I love singing Silent Night by candlelight.

Q) Brenda Strong plays your boss in the movie. How was getting to play opposite of her? She is known for playing such determined and fierce characters.

A) She’s an extraordinary woman!  So much wisdom, so calm and present. I am blessed to know her and work with her.

Q) Is there anything that you added to your role that wasn’t originally scripted?

A) David Alpay and I brought a lot of our own experiences to these characters.  They added a few scenes after watching us work together, which was really lovely.  There’s a cooking scene where I am teaching him how to bake and that was written in after they had seen how we interacted with each other off camera. I love it when that happens.

Q) To everyone still holding out hope for “Witches Of East End,” what would you like to say about their continued support?

A) You all are absolutely amazing and I feel blessed to have worked on a series that reached so many passionate, kind and inspiring people all over the world.  This family meant so much to me and I am honored to have been part of it.  I don’t know what the future holds, but the Beauchamps will always have a place in my heart. I’m excited to get started on my next project now and I’m looking forward to sharing it with you!