KATHRYN DAVIS TALKS SIX DEGREES OF SANTA
"It can bring other nuances and flavours"
Daniel John
Once again you’re getting us into the holiday-spirit. You’ve done so a few times now, has to be said, you have been on quite a Christmas carousel. I would assume a love for this holiday is something everyone working on a movie such as ‘Six Degrees of Santa’ share, but what is it that attracts you and has you coming back to it?
I have been extremely fortunate to have made a few Christmas movies. I am so blessed every time a production company takes the gamble to hire me for a role. Each experience has been incredible for me! What keeps me coming back to the work is the chance to work with wonderful crew, amazing cast, to have fun and create magic. If the cast and crew are having fun on set, I think it shows through the work.
Why do we love Christmas films so?
Christmas romance movies are like feelgood escapism, there can be such darkness and struggle in the world at times, however, these movies provide a short escape from the humdrum of life. It offers a little magic for the watcher. The romance genre is about finding human-connection. Day to day we forget to slow down and actually see one another and connect. Christmas romance reminds us of the magic of every day. You never know what lives you may touch.
How would you describe Harper in 'Six Degrees of Santa'?
I would describe Harper as being a very passionate and thoughtful person. For me Harper is always on the go. She is very energetic and very driven. She really cares about human connection and helping to spread love. After working for a period of time in Silicon Valley for a big tech-company, she returns to New York in order to find her roots and rediscover the importance of humanity and community. Harper is protective of her family and her grassroots company Six Degrees of Santa, an anonymous gift-giving program. Almost to her detriment.
How did you ready up to playing her?
My preparation for the role of Harper began as soon as I received this script. I was preparing for the role as soon as I had received it. Which was to analyse the journey of her character and to get “off-book”, know all of my lines, prior to even going to camera. For me as an actor, I push myself to have strong character choices then when the cameras roll it my allows me to be more receptive to the world, and other characters, it can bring other nuances and flavours to the work.
Harper and Jason recalls a bit of Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks in 'You’ve Got Mail' in how work complicates everything?
Firstly, it is an honour to even be referenced to such great rom-com actors as those two. Throughout the story Harper is leading Jason down the wrong path as to the identity of Miss Santa Number One. In preparation for the role I wanted Harper to always be several steps ahead of Jason. Being prepared for his every turn, this required a lot of energy and great proficiency on my script.
How did you work on the rom-com sparks between the two?
In terms of the “sparks” on camera between Steve Lund and myself, throughout the work we both respected and pushed each other. We approached our roles with ideas, but also had open minds to play off of one another on camera. The job of an actor is to make choices, and also be receptive to what you receive from another actor. Actors should affect one another, that is the definition of playing. If both actors want to play this game, then connection and chemistry are easy to find. Each take is the opportunity to explore and try something different. But always within the truth of the characters.
Speaking of old romantic movies we all love, is there one you love and watch every Christmas?
Does 'Elf' count as a romantic movie?! I have to get my fill of Will Ferrell every year. He is so delightful in that movie. He's brilliant at playing naivety and innocence on camera. You have to love Buddy the Elf.
Christmas is nothing if not a nostalgic time. To look back a bit. How did you get introduced to acting?
I was exposed to the performing arts from a very young age. My hometown, Bath in England, was often the launching pad for shows that would later go on to the West End in London. Every year for our birthdays, my siblings and I would get the chance to see a show, whether a musical, ballet, pantomime or play. That influenced my choice to pursue acting. Then as the years progressed, I would be involved in local community theatre-productions which continued to fill my acting bug. I knew by the age of twelve that I wanted to be an actor.
What brought you to Canada?
I wanted to pursue studies at a post-secondary level, therefore I attended Toronto Metropolitan University Theatre School's Performance Acting-program. I graduated with an honors Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
I think we all agree what we appreciate around the holidays are not really gifts, but if there'd be a gift–box under the Christmas–tree with an opportunity for a role inside, is there any dream role you would love to find as a gift?
There are so many roles that I would love to play. It would be impossible to pick! I just hope to be granted the continued opportunities to play a role in future productions.
Christmas and New Year’s are also a time to reflect on what we have in our lives, and what we’ve achieved and learned over the past year. What do you feel most thankful for after this year?
I am so thankful for my family and friends, for their health and well-being. I am thankful for all of the people throughout my life that have inspired, loved and supported me, those that never stopped believing in me. I am thankful for the opportunities that I have had presented to me this year and hope for their continuance.
