JAMILA HALL TALKS CHECKIN' IT TWICE
"You can always count on a happy ending"
Daniel John
Romantic Christmas-films have truly become such a tradition. I’d even go so far as to say that Kevin Fair directed Christmas-films have started to become a bit of a yearly tradition. But for you this was your first Christmas role?
It sure was! As an Aussie, Christmas falls during our summer, so growing up in sub-tropical Brisbane, Christmas meant hot 35+ degree weather, days at the beach and sipping mangoes daiquiris by the pool. Until moving to North America, a snowy white Christmas only existed on TV for me. So, I guess there was always something wonderfully romantic about the “Hallmark Christmas” I grew up seeing on greeting cards and in movies. I’m also a big Christmas nerd so when I had the opportunity to be in this and live the Hallmark experience, I jumped at the chance!
Whereas Ashley has done her best to leave her Idaho Falls-life behind her, Becca is the one who always stayed in her hometown. And as we find her, she is still just starting to find her way, there are breadcrumbs suggesting she very much looks up to Ashley, pursuing a similar kind of career, for one, but they obviously also have a very real care and love for each other?
Moving from Brisbane to the other side of the world for my career, I can relate to the story of someone leaving home to chase her goals. So the character of Becca and the dynamic between these two women was interesting because it was a chance to explore what it's like to be driven whilst also being content exactly where you are. Becca does not lack ambition, rather, the people in her life and the place she lives are paramount. It’s impossible to ignore though, that in the time it has taken Ashley to move to the other side of the country and build her thriving career, Becca is still just finding her footing. On screen I think we typically see female friendships with this sort of history defined by animosity. What I loved about their dynamic therefore, was exploring a female friendship with unequal career success that wasn’t jaded. To me Becca is like a younger sister filled with so much admiration and pride for her older sister, rather than self-doubt or jealousy. That’s what their relationship was for me and working with Kim Matula to create that dynamic was tremendously fun.
It obviously goes all into being as adorable as it can, embracing all of the tropes and charms, it even starts and ends at an airport, how very, very romcom. Why do we keep falling in love with these films?
Within the industry, and especially here in British Columbia, where a lot of these films are made, ‘Hallmark’ is its own genre. It’s comforting, nostalgic, romantic and you can always count on a happy ending. And in the same way that we will rewatch our favorite sitcoms or soaps a million times over, I think there's something special about knowing you can tuck into any Hallmark Christmas film and get that holiday fix. That is the magic of Hallmark and why we keep coming back.
Do you have any favourite films of your own this time of year?
I certainly do! Okay so, it is a classic for a reason, but 'Elf' is a yearly must-watch for me. As a Christmas nerd I think that Will Ferrell captures the childlike excitement and magic of the season in the funniest, most relatable, way. The other film I have watched at least once a year since it came out is 'Klaus' by Sergio Pablos, it’s an animated Netflix-feature which is visually gorgeous and it totally subverted all my expectations of a classic Christmas tale. Seriously, go watch it if you haven’t already, after watching 'Checkin It Twice' of course!
Did you want to become an actress from early on, did you always know this was it?
It was always the performing arts for me, but it was not acting at first. It sound silly now, but as a kid I had not been exposed to anyone who made a living as an actor so I did not know to consider that as a profession. I was aware that actors existed but it was almost in the abstract. My earliest dream was to be a popstar after after avidly tuning into Idol. But then in high school I auditioned for the school musical and that changed everything. It’s a funny story now, I loved performing, I loved dancing, I loved singing. And I was heartbroken not to land the “romantic lead”. Instead I was cast in a supporting role, the old "Jewish mama"-role who endlessly guilts her son. And worst of all, the only character who did not sing or dance. I was devastated. Turns out, it was the biggest blessing in disguise. I had been given the quintessential "character role" who commanded volumes of laughter with every line. Until then, I had no idea I could have that effect on people, the energy between the stage and the audience was new and electric, and the most incredible thing I had ever felt. And that was the moment I fell in love with acting!
This might be your first Christmas-movie role, but it's not your first time ‘Taking a Shot at Love’ during the Holidays, being on set as a trainee assistant–director, who knew romance and ice-hockey went so well together. Is directing ongoing for you, too?
Oh my gosh you have done your research! Yes, it's funny because the first project I landed in Canada was as an assistant director on Hallmark’s 'Taking a Shot at Love'. Coincidentally, a film also directed by the wonderful Kevin Fair following a holiday romance around an ice hockey rink, so playing Becca in 'Checkin It Twice' was definitely a “full circle” moment. I loved working with Kevin in both capacities, he’s a blast, and I’ve relished my work both behind and in front of the camera. Directing is something I’ve continuously found myself flirting with. I’ve worked as a creator and producer on my mini series 'Inadequate', on Roku TV. I’m currently producing my next series project and will be stepping into the director seat for that which I’m very excited for, stay tuned!
Any particular actor-filmmakers you admire?
I have had a love for Reese Witherspoon since I first watched 'Legally Blonde'. I think everything she touches is magic. Especially her work as a producer championing women’s stories. Something I really, really admire is that she is unapologetically herself, bright, bubbly, feminine. Even her company is called Hello Sunshine and she is an absolute boss. She’s my hero for that reason both on and off screen. I’m also inspired by Amy Poehler and Tiny Fey, both as performers and creators. I’m a huge fan of Rowan Atkinson and John Cleese, 'Fawlty Towers' is my all-time favorite ensemble comedy and his book, 'Creativity: A Short and Cheerful Guide' is wonderful.
What are the kinda film projects you would not have to check twice to go after?
First of all, it really needs to be acknowledged that you’ve woven the film titles into as many of these questions as possible. Bravo! Secondly, I hope to one day be part of an ensemble series. My passion for storytelling was born in theatre and I love the energy that comes from acting as part of an ensemble. An ensemble comedy would be the ultimate merging of the aspects of film and theatre that I love the most so that's the dream! In terms of the stories I'd love to tell, I'm really drawn to fantasy of late. When you live in a world of magic or monsters the “rules” you live by are different. You’re challenged to use your imagination so much more in that setting. And let’s be honest who doesn’t want to play a wild sorceress or a twisted mutant?
