As a great Lifetime fan, Michelle Argyris shared how connected she feels with her character Leah. We at Survived The Shows had the pleasure of chatting with Michelle Argyris about her experience in the making of Record Breaking Christmas and what fans can expect from the movie. Check out full interview below!
What’s the main element in Leah’s character and the movie in general that fascinates you the most and drew you to join Record Breaking Christmas ?
MICHELLE ARGYRIS: I think the most compelling element in Leah’s character is that she’s like a melting piece of ice as the movie unfolds. Initially she is rigid, “the scrooge” as they call her, as she breaks the small town of Saint Drexel’s hopes and dreams by enforcing her rule book. But as the movie unfolds, she starts to melt as she falls in love with the local town doctor. She quickly eases up on her adjudications realizing the importance of love, family and community.
I think we always have room to grow, and sometimes we have to get out of our heads and into our hearts to really experience life to the fullest. Leah does just that, and I appreciate playing a character that has a lot of growing to do throughout a film. Starting in one place and ending somewhere completely different.
I am always very drawn to Christmas movies, because they always find the love in every situation regardless of life’s challenges. I think that’s what makes Record Breaking Christmas so magical, alongside all the adorable characters cast in this movie.
To all the fans looking forward to watching the movie, how would you describe Record Breaking Christmas in just 3 words?
Rules. Magic. Love.
What can you tease about Leah and Devan’s journey throughout the movie?
Dr. Devan is sweet from the onset of the movie, a wholesome kind-hearted doctor who truly cares about the people in his town. Leah starts off quite the opposite, where she is there to do a job, detached in her feelings. It’s fun to watch two very opposing characters conflict with one another yet are drawn to each other throughout the movie. I think the teasing and banter adds a layer of play between the characters, making if fun to watch them fall more deeply in love. One of my favorite scenes is when Leah daydreams about kissing Dr. Devan under the mistletoe. You can only fight falling in love for so long, then eventually you gotta give in!
As we know quite well so far, Lifetime movies and shows always feature well-shaped and relatable characters – Where are you and Leah most similar and where most different as human beings?
Firstly, I LOVE lifetime movies. They do such a phenomenal job telling such beautiful and inclusive stories. I always say if you book a role, it was made for you. If you don’t, that story was made for someone else to tell. Leah was totally me while filming this movie. I have always been a perfectionist type that needs to do everything right. It gets exhausting at times because I put a lot of pressure on myself.
This character gave me the opportunity to let go of some of my stringent tendencies and remember how beautiful it is to let go and live life following your heart. I truly believe that art imitates life. And so, I usually feel very connected to most characters I am cast to play as I believe they were not only stories made for me to tell, but for me to learn, explore and grow through as well. Record Breaking Christmas was no exception to that.
What’s been the biggest challenge for you in portraying Leah?
Lots of words to memorize and very little time to do so! These lovely films are usually shot within 12-14 days and Leah had an exceptional amount of dialogue to retain, so many rules and very specific dialogue for each one.
Talking about the environment on set, how would you describe your experience while filming Record Breaking Christmas and do you have any fun anecdotes to share?
I adore working with the Ottawa film crew. Everyone is so thoughtful and hardworking, which creates a very pleasant atmosphere to work in. Our director Maxwell McGuire is a good belly laugh, and always making jokes between takes which aids in the comradery amongst our entire cast & crew. My co-stars were rockstars, all very professional and a pleasure to work with. It’s hard to have a bad time when your filming a Christmas movie, too much laughter and joy being spread.
As for anecdotes, one of our shoot days were pouring rain outside. We were running with umbrella’s and had tarps set up to try to film any possible footage when the rain would stop. Challenging to say the least, but we got it done!
If you had the chance to play any other character on Record Breaking Christmas, apart from Leah, which one would you have loved to play and why?
Any character that got to wear a Santa beard or hat!
Did you take anything from set, any prop or piece of costume, to remember your experience as Leah?
Yes, I got the adjudicator suit. Amanda Collie (head of wardrobe) was the sweetest and gave me some items to take home!
Throwing back to the origins of your career, how did the passion for acting come about in your life?
I really am passionate about people and the human psyche. I have always been intrigued in the whys and the how’s. Our world needs more connection, and art allows us to explore that. Whether a painting, music, movement or acting, art allows us to express ourselves in ways that connects us to one another.
I got started when I first took musical theatre in high school playing the role of Marty in the play Grease. I absolutely loved the performance aspect, but furthermore having a safe space and freedom to express myself. I often felt misunderstood by my teachers/peers in school, and so I would find comfort in others that had similar expressive interests. On stage, I could do anything or be anyone I wanted. I could dream as big as I wanted, without limits. It was also a form of communication for me, as I could freely express my emotions through various characters, which was a relief since I otherwise had trouble doing so walking through the halls of my high school.
From there I filmed my first movie Devil Seed, fell in love with film/tv, then intensely studied the craft at several schools. I went on to do several Network TV shows, Soap Operas and Romantic Comedies, including these very fun Christmas movies such as Record Breaking Christmas.
Among all the roles you’ve had the chance to play throughout your career, is there any particular role you’re most fond of?
I truly enjoyed the many levels of various characters I’ve played throughout my career. Some stories were more difficult to tell than others, as I would walk through the pain and grief of those characters to truly bring as much authenticity as possible to the story. Some were more light- hearted and playful, which I also enjoy when life gets too serious. I can’t choose one, but I will say I do thoroughly enjoy playing supernatural roles, so playing Kaelie in Shadowhunters was a dream for me. I hope to see a series based around the faerie realm, as I find them so fascinating and magical.
If you had to give some advice to people who want to pursue an acting career, which kind of advice would you give them?
First, Be yourself! You are unique just the way you are. If you look externally and copy what others are doing, you are pulling yourself further away from your own superpowers. Second, don’t look for validation from others. Art is subjective and so you will be absolutely adored by some, and disliked by others, and that’s okay so don’t let that stop you. And lastly, don’t be afraid to take a chance on yourself. It starts with a dream, followed by belief in yourself. And dreams do come true!
The interview with Michelle Argyris has been edited and condensed for lenght and clarity.
Record Breaking Christmas premieres December 15 on Lifetime Network. Watch an exclusive preview below!
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Chiara
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