Aubrey Reynolds and Samuel Whitten star in the new Great American Family Christmas movie Santa, Maybe, premiering November 18 as a part of the Great American Christmas line-up. We at Survived The Shows had the incredible chance to discuss the movie with Brittany Wiscombe and her experience on it. Check out the full interview below!
In “Santa, Maybe,” what inspired you to combine the themes of a Christmas ballet with the mystery of a Secret Santa?
BRITTANY WISCOMBE: I’m always trying to think of an interesting profession and backdrop for a story, and a Christmas ballet gave a great look that’s very festive too. The Secret Santa element was fun to bring into a workplace, so the pieces fit into place the more I developed the story.
How did you approach developing Lila’s character as a theater director amidst the holiday chaos?
BRITTANY WISCOMBE: I wanted Lila to be someone who has worked hard and earned her spot at the theater company. Making her a recently promoted theater director became part of her character, and throughout the movie we see her dedication and genuine care for the theater, its employees and the shows they put on.
Could you share any challenges or surprises encountered while creating the storyline for this film?
BRITTANY WISCOMBE: There is always a tricky balance to the two leads’ relationship, and this story was similar; I wanted there to be conflict to overcome but also see the change in both of them and make getting over the past believable.
What drew you to Aubrey Reynolds for the role of Lila, the theater director? How did she bring your vision of the character to life?
BRITTANY WISCOMBE: I have worked with Aubrey Reynolds before and when we started talking casting, she was a natural choice. She does a wonderful job of bringing Lila to life, particularly navigating the likeability of that character with the hesitation she has about Glenn (a jokester from her high school years) and his motives.
The concept of a Secret Santa adds an intriguing layer to the story. How did you balance the elements of mystery and holiday cheer within the film’s narrative?
BRITTANY WISCOMBE: There is excitement to Christmas and giving gifts and receiving them. Making that a story point brought in a lot of the Christmas feel you want to see in a holiday film. Having the mystery element as Lila tries to figure out who is giving her all these thoughtful gifts balanced the story to give some light-hearted drama while still supporting the festive feel.
What aspects of the holiday season did you aim to capture or portray through the lens of Lila’s journey in organizing the Christmas ballet?
BRITTANY WISCOMBE: Holiday plays are such a part of so many communities; I think it’s relatable to people, and also there’s that awe of the stage that we get to see and incorporate.
How important was the setting and ambiance in creating the festive atmosphere essential for a Christmas-themed movie like “Santa, Maybe”?
BRITTANY WISCOMBE: The setting is very important but you do want the story itself – the purposes or reasons characters are in the thick of Christmas – to feel genuine. So it’s a balance, because you can make a Christmas movie and say it happens in December. But a story that integrates Christmas into the daily life of the characters is so much more engaging for holiday viewing. I think “Santa, Maybe” is very strong in its festive atmosphere.
What can you tease about your next projects?
BRITTANY WISCOMBE: We worked with Aubrey Reynolds again on a romantic drama set in England, and it’s a beautiful time-bending tale. It’ll be out in 2024.
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Chiara
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