In this exclusive interview with Will Kemp, the star of My Sweet Austrian Holiday, we dive into his role in the heartwarming new film that’s captivating audiences worldwide. Known for his charm and compelling performances, Will Kemp brings a unique depth to this holiday romance set against Austria’s breathtaking winter landscapes. Join us as we discuss the making of My Sweet Austrian Holiday, behind-the-scenes moments, and what drew Will Kemp to this festive project. Perfect for fans of holiday romance, this article sheds light on everything that makes this film a must-watch.
Can you tell us a bit about your character in My Sweet Austrian Holiday?
I play David Broadbent a businessman who has recently and rather unexpectedly inherited his father’s company and become a billionaire. David has lived in the shadow of his very well established and respected Father and is suddenly thrust into a position of huge responsibility in taking over the company and a very important acquisition in Vienna. Being a little more carefree and more philanthropic by nature, David decides to stick to concentrating on the local Children’s charities and takes the opportunity for a “well deserved” holiday and starts
exploring Vienna. This is where he meets Charlotte Dobler (played brilliantly by Brittany Bristow) and her delicious chocolate confections!
What initially attracted you to your role in My Sweet Austrian Holiday?
In two words: Brittany Bristow! We have been wanting to work together again after we had so much fun on The Royal Matchmaker and Love, Romance and Chocolate and this time we are playing opposite each other as romantic leads. Leif Bristow our Director and Producer along with Agnes Bristow our Writer and Producer are people I have worked with before (most recently The Dancing Detective: A Deadly Tango) so this really felt like one big happy family project to be a part of. We had so much fun and we have a lot of mutual respect and
rapport on and off the set.
What do you think makes this movie so special and captivating and what do you hope audiences take away from watching My Sweet Austrian Holiday?
I love how easy our characters fall in step with each other in this film. Unlike the usual clash or awkward meet-cute, it’s pretty obvious that David takes a shine to Charlotte and is interested in her story right from the get go. I feel we captured a really warm hearted journey of two people learning to experience the Christmas Holidays together, getting to know each other and overcoming professional obstacles that threaten to drive them apart or even pit them against each other. Hopefully we have provided a fun family Christmas Holiday film with great locations – we filmed in Ottawa and Budapest and have great footage from Vienna and of course lots of wonderful mouthwatering chocolates!
What was it like working with the rest of the cast on set?
We had a really great cast on this! Filming often involves long, crazy hours in stressful situations and it’s important to have
talented and kind people around you. I love working with Brittany as I mentioned and was thrilled to meet and work with Richard Sheridan Willis and Catherine Disher – we had a lot of laughs on set. Suzanne McKenny, Brian Oaks, Jinesea Biacnac Lewis and the rest of the cast were all awesome team players and it was so lovely to see Toni Ellwand again after we were in A Not So Royal Christmas together last year.
What can you tease about your character Journey?
David comes from a family that travelled a lot for business, he went to boarding school and was not very often with his parents for Christmas so learning about how close Charlotte is to her roots and her Christmas traditions along with seeing how far she will go to save her Grandmother’s chocolate shop from “ruthless developers” is immediately fascinating for him. David questions where he is in life and feels the weight of constantly seeking for his Father’s approval. Ultimately, my character learns that he will have to become more responsible, pay more attention to business details and take charge of running what is now his company. He takes an inventive chance to fix a problem against the odds, because he cares about the people affected, and by doing so ends up getting the love and approval he has always craved. (Along with a lot of sampling of chocolates!)
What was your favourite scene or moment while My Sweet Austrian Holiday?
So many! Some of my favourite comedy moments on the Ice didn’t make the cut sadly but getting to go back to Budapest to film
was really special. We filmed on a boat moored on the Danube with the Museum in the background which was pretty
magical. It was or final scene (with chimney cakes!) and just after cut was called thunder and lightening broke out across
the sky. It was quite a spectacular moment. (Spoiler alert) Brittany and I also managed to squeeze in a waltz too which was great fun and choreographed by the brilliant JeanMarc Généreux who I have worked with on Christmas Waltz and The Dancing Detective. He is always so much fun!
Can you tease something about your next projects?
I’m very excited that El Turco, an epic Ottoman Empire period TV series, has officially been announced recently and looks set
for a global release early next year. I play “The Dragon of Vienna” the nemesis opposite Actor Can Yaman in the title role. It’s the first English language project for Turkish production company Ay Yapim and they assembled an eclectic international cast of very talented Actors to work with. Lots of period coctumes, big sets, horse riding, stunts and sword fighting – all of which I love! Along with this I
continue to broaden my Executive Producing opportunities and have several films and TV shows in development, some for me to star in. Fingers crossed for another Christmas Movie next year too!
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Desirèe
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