Tony Cavalero – Becoming Santa

By starrymag | December 13, 2015

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

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

A) It’s been a awesome and busy year. We shot 13 episodes for Nickelodeon’s and Paramount’s new series, “School of Rock” based on the hilarious 2003 film of the same name. It was executive produced by Richard Linklater and Scott Rudin. I just wrapped Becoming Santa for the Lifetime network, which is a family friendly Christmas movie. I also did parts on Fox’s “New Girl” and the legendary film, Internet Famous. I was lucky enough to do a couple of episodes for the Crackle original  series “Supermansion” with Bryan Cranston as well.

Q) Please tell us the premise for Becoming Santa and about your character.

A) It’s a really fun story about a girl Holly, (Laura Bell Bundy) who decides to take her boyfriend Connor (Jesse Hutch) to meet her parents for the holiday. When they get to Holly’s childhood home, we find out that Holly’s parents are indeed the real Santa and Mrs. Claus (Micheal Gross and Meredith Baxter).  During his time at the North Pole, Connor has to deal with Holly’s ex, Jack Frost. Connor wants to propose to Holly, but finds out that whoever Holly marries is the next man in line to take over the duties as Santa. I play Jack Frost who is a jokester and seemingly still very in love with Holly as well as the prospect of being the next Santa.

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

A) Laura Bell and I worked together on the show “Hart of Dixie” for the CW and I was so excited to work with her again. Not to mention the story is really fun and doesn’t love a good Christmas movie?!

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

A) Our director Christie Will is totally awesome and let us play a lot during scenes. I come from a big improv background (The Groundlings) and so most directors love to take advantage of that!

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

A) It was actually pretty perfect because we shot up in Vancouver and it tends to be pretty cold up there. There’s nothing like getting in the Christmas spirit a little early.

Q) What was it like working with costar Laura Bell Bundy?

A) She is such a creative and hilarious force! Her passion and drive is an inspiration to everyone on set. It was really cool because my wife, Annie Cavalero, was up there in Vancouver as well collaborating with Laura Bell on her brand-new web series Skitz-O-Frenic. You have to check out their sketches!

Q) What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?

A) My wife and I always get our Christmas tree together and decorate it in the living room with Love Actually playing in the background. There’s nothing like a good pine tree scent in the house. We also love to head up to Lake Tahoe, where we got married this summer, to go skiing a few days during the holiday. She also makes tons of delicious seasonal themed treats for us during this time of year.

Q) Are there any specific scenes you are looking forward to seeing fans reactions?

A) Laura Bell and I got to record two songs together for the movie and I’m excited to hear those. It’s also really fun to see the dynamic of the ex-boyfriend and the new guy go head to head.

Q) What do you hope fans take away from watching the film?

A) I hope they take away from it what they take away from any holiday movie, which is the holiday spirit.

Q) We’ll be seeing you in the upcoming TV version of School of Rock. How will the show compare to the film?

A) We actually tried to stay as close to the film storyline as possible! A lot of the same characters from the film are on the show and I really think that what you loved about the movie you will love just as much about the TV show.

Q) What did you find the most challenging aspect of your role?

A) The great thing about the show was that the challenges were actually a blast to take on. Learning the music for each episode was a hefty task, but what an an awesome job to have. It was a total collaborative effort working with the kids to learn each new song for the episodes.

Q) Is there anything else you want to be sure we share with our readers about the show?

A) I think the super fans of the film, like myself, are going to love watching the TV show with their kids. Kids are going to get to experience the joy of learning things through the language of ROCK!

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

A) Thanks so much and keep on rocking!