Tammy Gillis – Riverfront Romance

By starrymag | October 5, 2021

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for the movie Riverfront Romance.

 

A) After saving up for years, writer Cara Durant finally buys her dream house on the riverbank of her hometown, only to discover a hydro dam being built right in front of it, spearheaded by the handsome and nomadic Riley Evans (Morgan David Jones).

 

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

 

A) I was offered the role.  The director, Sean Cisterna, and I had met at the Whistler Film Festival a couple of years ago.  We both had movies premiering there (mine was Menorca and his movie was Kiss and Cry) and the producers of Menorca introduced us.  We became friends and he thought of me for the role, which was so lovely of him!  I have wanted to work with him and jumped at the chance.

 

Q) How was your character Cara Durant originally described to you?

 

A) I guess it was through reading the wonderful script that Kate Pragnell wrote.

“Smart, driven, stubborn, compassionate, pragmatic, with a good heart and a sense of humor”

Q) Was there anything you added to Cara that wasn’t in her initial breakdown?

 

A) I always try to bring parts of myself to any character.  We actually have a lot in common and I feel like I do bring a lot of myself to the role.  And, of course, to make things even more interesting I brought in some secrets and specific choices that weren’t in the script, as well as some things that were inspired by other rom-coms and Disney tales.  I have a big secret that I carried throughout the movie that I haven’t shared with anyone, even though Sean was begging me to tell him.

 

Q) How familiar were you with Morgan David Jones before working with him on Riverfront Romance?

 

A) It’s funny, I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of him or met him.  He’s done so many things and he used to live in Vancouver (which is where I’m based out of).   And we have a very good mutual friend in common, Hannah Levien, who I worked with for three seasons on the Freeform series “Siren.”  I told her that I was heading to Ontario to star in and executive produce a movie and she was like, “Wait a minute.  My friend Morgan just booked a movie.”  She told me all about him and how lovely and kind and funny and awesome he was.  And she was right!!  He is a very talented actor, has been in many great projects and has worked on stage with one of my idols, Cate Blanchett!!

 

Q) Did director Sean Cisterna offer any advice while filming that you took to heart?

 

A) He really made it clear from the beginning that he would support me in whatever capacity he could.  That I could come to him at any time with anything and he would be there for me.  I really appreciated that.  It’s so important to trust whoever you are working with but especially the director.  I wanted to take some chances with some of my choices and needed his eye to make sure I was on the right track.  I would love to work with him again and again.

 

Q) The movie is filled with sweet moments! What were some of your favorite scenes to film?

 

A) There are so many funny and cute and sweet and heartwarming moments!  It was so much fun to film and very fun to watch!  I really enjoyed the canoeing scenes.  The meet-cute at Leanne’s café.  The scene where I run down the hill because of the construction and find out he’s the boss.  The cookie scene with my mom and Leanne. There are so many!

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to interacting with the fans while they watch?

 

A) Yes, you can follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook at @realtammygillis.  I am sharing a bunch of behind-the-scenes photos and stories. I love interacting with the fans while they are watching.  It’s so interesting to hear their take on things and who they side with, the moments that they find really funny or really like.   I’ve also saved some photos for the US premiere that will be happening in the new year!

 

Q) What do you think it is about this film that will make it such a sweet Fall classic?

 

A) The story, first and foremost.  The chemistry between Morgan and myself and the entire cast.  Everyone is just so good!!  The production team and the crew did an amazing job.  The film itself looks so beautiful.  They really found a beautiful, magical place to film the movie.  It’s a sweet Fall classic for me for sure!

 

Q) What are the other recent projects that you have been busy working on?

 

A) As an executive producer, I’ve been working really hard promoting Riverfront Romance and want to say thank you so much for all the love and support people, including yourself, have been showing the movie!   All three seasons of “Siren” can be seen on Disney+.  I have been writing a couple of movies as well and have a couple of other projects in the works, so please stay tuned!