ZOË FRASER TALKS WE MET IN DECEMBER

Behind the Coastline

You are reading an independently published interview-series published and carefully curated by Swedish pop-culture journalist Daniel John. Ever since its start in 2015, the core curiosity remains the same, surfing the creative currents of music, film, fashion and everything else on the pop-radar, catching the waves of culture as creative

Culture Coast TalksDaniel John

Unsurprisingly, in 'We Met in December' love finds a way. A blossoming Hallmark Christmas-romance has such a specific vibe to it, what was it like to step into it. Is that as wonderful a time as on screen?

This was actually my first Hallmark-project, and it was such a lovely experience! I love that Hallmark has this unique ability of bringing a sense of whimsy and coziness that makes the holiday season feel so magical. I think it has a way of helping us to focus on what’s really important in life like connection and love, and that brings people back year after year for that feeling of comfort. Working with everyone on set towards the common goal of bringing that feeling to audiences felt really special, life can be stressful and the holidays can be especially tough for many, being a part of something that brings a little light and warmth into people’s lives felt incredibly rewarding.

Did you get to have the Christmas in July experience?

I did have the Christmas in July experience! We shot this project in Ottawa back at the beginning of July so the holiday vibes were completely built from scratch. Our art department did such a beautiful job transforming the cafe we were shooting in, into a full on Christmas-wonderland, and our wardrobe team had everyone in their cutest, coziest, winter attire. The entire crew really brought the magic!

You got to do this Christmas waltz together with a cast of very iconic Hallmark-talents, not least Autumn Reeser, what was it like to act in your scene with her?

It was such a privilege working with Autumn! Not only is she incredibly talented, but what really stood out to me was the way she leads a set, being number one on the call sheet comes with so much responsibility. And Autumn carried it with such grace. I really felt like she had my back, she was also just so fun and open to play which made our scene so much more fun! Watching such a powerhouse woman lead with such strength, warmth, and compassion was deeply inspiring.

How did you see Courtney and her ways?

With Courtney I had so much to play with, which was super-fun! I spent a lot of time developing Courtney’s background, figuring out who she is and why she’s so invested in this relationship. In my head, she’s fully living in her own little Hallmark movie with a Courtney adventure of her own! And then once on set, Jonathan, our director, and I had a lot of fun exploring Courtney’s more frantic, almost chaotic moments off the top which felt really fun to play, and then as the scene unfolds you see her sincerity and honesty come through which is something that Nina, our writer, wrote so sweetly into the script.

Films are such an integral part of so many people's Christmas, what Christmas-films help get you into the Holiday-cheer?

I mean, of course the classics, 'Home Alone', 'The Grinch', and 'Elf'! I am a comedy addict so anything that makes me laugh instantly puts me in the holiday mood. My family and I always watch 'It's a Wonderful Life' and it makes me cry every year. I am always excited to see the new line up of Hallmark-films! And obviously, I always have to re-watch some Hallmark-classics, 'The Most Wonderful Time of the Year' is always a good one. I mean come on, Henry Winkler plus Hallmark!? Need I say more?

In the spirit of romance that seems fated, how did your own love-story with acting first begin?

I grew up in an incredibly artistic family, both of my parents are actors and creators and they surrounded me with all different forms of art from a very young age, which I’m so grateful for. My dad would always take me to his auditions, and I was so fascinated by his ability to make everyone in the room laugh! I begged my parents to let me try it out and they told me that when I turned five, if I was still interested, I could try it out. Sure enough on my fifth birthday I asked how to get started. And I’ve never looked back.

Are you confident that you and the roles you want will find each other or do you feel inclined to take a more direct hand in bringing those parts to life?

I love this question. I believe the roles that are meant for me are out there. But I also believe sitting back and hoping they arrive in my email box isn’t enough. In today's landscape, the “streaming era”, there is so much content. And with the threat of AI, I think it’s really important we, as artists, take matters into our own hands. Create our own work, make our own opportunities, and bring stories we care about to life. I don’t think it's about one or the other, I think it's a balance between fate and agency. Trusting that what’s meant for you, will find you, but also actively carving your own path to make sure it does.