Interview with Thomas Cadrot on It's A Wonderful Lifetime's Merry Liddle Christmas Wedding
Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Actor Thomas Cadrot on his role as “Tyler” in Lifetime’s Merry Liddle Christmas Wedding. Premiering November 28th 8/7C, Merry Liddle Christmas Wedding is Lifetime’s first-ever holiday sequel to its original debut, Merry Liddle Christmas. The premise, “Tyler” (played by Thomas Cadrot) along with “Jacquie Liddle” (Kelly Rowland), are planning their dream destination wedding when things quickly go left when Jacquie’s family gets too involved and her invasive wedding planner abruptly quits in protest. The sudden change of plans forces this beautiful couple to have to improvise gracefully while also testing their commitment to one another.
When asking Thomas what his experience was like playing this role and what things we could look forward to in the sequel, Thomas shares that he was absolutely ecstatic about doing a part two to the film and gives kudos to Kelly Rowland for being a great partner to work with in the process. Thomas shares that this sequel, he believes will top the original as there are even more comedic moments and allowed more of the characters to be seen in depth. Along with new characters that join the cast this time around, Thomas says that we will get an opportunity to see more closely in to some of their pasts which adds more layers to the storyline. He also goes on to say that his role as Tyler was a very easy one to get into! Thomas says that the characters intentions and manner of fathering is very close to his own — Although not a father yet in real life, he shares how closely connected he is to his own niece and nephew.
The chemistry between these two characters along with the collaboration of all the remain cast members is one that absolutely stands out to me as a first time viewer. Seeing the interaction of this family gives the impression that their family is my family. It is filmed in such a manner that invites us all to the wedding retreat and builds anticipation for the big day! Thomas shares that Kelly was very intentional about that type of feeling coming across on camera and was more important than the need to follow the script by the letter. Additionally, I got a chance to chat with Thomas about why he feels that this time of TV programming is so important right now amidst the pandemic…
He shares that even if it’s for an hour or so, people need an opportunity to escape from what’s happening and rediscover hope. We talked about how it’s really never too early to broadcast Christmas films as we’ve all witnessed 2020 “Zoom” by without our permission. “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime”, he says, “hits the spot!” Another very cool thing I learned about Thomas Cadrot is that he is French. Currently living in Vancouver, Canada, Thomas traditionally goes home to France for like a month to reboot and bring in the holiday with his family like a big kid. With all of the restrictions due to Covid and the fact that France is currently on a hard lockdown, he is unsure whether or not that will be possible.
Along with Merry Liddle Christmas, Thomas Cadrot plays a role in several episodes of Netflix’s upcoming Firefly Lane (based on the novel by Kristin Hannah) starring Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke. In addition, he has been keeping busy shooting a TV show called “Debris” which will air on NBC in 2021, as well as doing some motion capture work for an upcoming project.
For more information on Merry Liddle Christmas Wedding and the 2020 It’s a Wonderful Life Lineup, please visit https://www.mylifetime.com/christmas-movies. Thomas Cadrot’s IMDB is www.imbd.me/thomascadrot.
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Interview with Keshia Knight Pulliam on Her Role in Lifetime's 'The Christmas Aunt'
Recently, I got a chance to speak to Keshia Knight Pulliam about her role as “Rebecca Miller” in Lifetime’s upcoming film, The Christmas Aunt. This film is set to air on Lifetime Sunday, November 1st at 8/7C. The Christmas Aunt is a charming story centered around the character of “Rebecca Miller” who is a high-demand art dealer in a museum in LA. Just are things are booming in the art gallery, Rebecca receives a call from her sister asking her to return home to Nashville, Tennessee to watch her niece and nephew while their parents are traveling out the country. Seeing that her niece and nephew are pretty bummed about their parents being away for the holidays, Rebecca decides to plan her own upbeat version of “The 12 Days of Christmas” to lift their Christmas spirit!
When speaking to Keshia Pulliam about how this film resonates with her personally, Keshia shares that she has had the privilege of doing holiday films with Lifetime for several years now and that the role comes naturally as she absolutely loves Christmastime, enjoys spending it with her family and having a 3-year old daughter of her own, she can relate to the need of making the season memorable! We also talked about how some people feel the holidays are too rushed commercially, but in reality, 2021 is just around the corner. We discussed how important it is to push out film programming such as “It’s Wonderful Lifetime” with the intention of sparking hope and inspiration in people’s hearts particularly now more than ever before!
Keshia went on to share with us how important it is to showcase the diversity of Christmas and the beauty of how all people celebrate it their own way. She says that Lifetime in particular does a fantastic job of demonstrating diversity in its programming including black people, LGBTQ and the whole variety. Prime example, in the film, there is a scene where the aunt takes the kids see Black Santa. Likewise, Keshia shares with us how she traditionally has a Christmas brunch with her family every year and they have a black Santa to come to the brunch to celebrate the holidays. It’s so important to see people who “look like us”, she states.
At one point in this film, Rebecca spontaneously runs in to her old hometown friend, Drew, and finds herself having to come to terms with her own unresolved feelings for him while also balance giving her niece and nephew the best Christmas experience possible while her parents are away. Needless to say, the entire film will warm your heart and pull you in from start to finish! I also got a chance to ask Keshia about her other business outlets such as her love for cooking and curating meals with love. She shares with us about her beloved Kitchen Collection Seasonings including an All-Purpose Seasoning, Meat & Poultry Seasonings and a Holiday Sweet Seasoning to come! In addition, she also has a unisex clothing line for babies & toddlers via peachesandlola.com.
For more information on The Christmas Aunt and other programming “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” programming times, please visit, https://www.mylifetime.com/christmas-movies-full-schedule. Keshia Knight Pulliam’s Seasonings and special recipes are also available via www.keshiaskitchen.com.
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Lifetime’s Annual IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFETIME Holiday Programming
Lifetime kicks off it’s annual It’s A Wonderful Lifetime event starting October 23 - December 5th with 30 new movie features! This year in particular, Lifetime stands firm on its commitment to offer a wide variety of filming goodness by expanding its storytelling platform. With that in mind, viewers who adore holiday films can expect more inclusivity for example, as the network introduces its first ever LGBTQ romance, The Christmas Setup. Along with that, there will also be a heart-warming film featuring a lead actor with a disability called Christmas Ever After as well as movie centered around a Chinese-American family called A Sugar & Spice Holiday.
There will be 10 weeks slammed with non-stop holiday television that you absolutely do not want to miss! Stay tuned to DressLikeAGent.co for special interviews and insights!
For the complete schedule lineup and airing dates, please visit mylifetime.com/christmas-movies-full-schedule.
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Pivoting During a Pandemic: The 44th Annual Atlanta Film Festival
In spite of the complexities of hosting annual events such as film festivals, etc., which have a reputation of drawing large crowds amidst a global pandemic, The Atlanta Film Festival has done their thing brilliantly to pull together it’s 44th Annual Film Fest kicking off tonight! This year’s film festival is a virtual, drive-in format + Creative Conference featuring educational programming, panels, workshops and Masterclasses. The drive-in venues for this year’s fest are:
▪ Pullman Yard (225 Rogers St NE, Atlanta, GA 30317)
▪ The Plaza Theatre Drive-In (1049 Ponce De Leon Ave Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306)
▪ Dad’s Garage Theatre Drive-In (569 Ezzard St SE, Atlanta, GA 30312)
Like past years, this year will have shorts, documentaires, première shows, animated films and more. The only difference is that it will be available either virtually or at one of these super cool drive-in locations. What I appreciate about ATLFF is that they never fail to do things with absolute excellence and with stellar professionalism. Tonight, after attending one of the opening night selections; SOME KIND OF HEAVEN at Pullman Park, I left equally impressed at how well they facilitated the drive-in experience. It was definitely one not to be forgotten.
For more information on virtual showings, drive-in shows and Creative Conference events, please visit www.atlantafilmfestival2020.eventive.org/welcome.
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SAG & GRAMMY WINNER Danielle Brooks Selected to Play the Lead Role in Robin Robert’s THE MAHALIA JACKSON STORY!
Following the highly acclaimed success of The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel biopic, Lifetime partners with published journalist Robin Roberts, to release another great Gospel-infused biopic Robin Roberts Presents: The Mahalia Jackson Story! Robin along with Tony Award-winning director Kenny Leon, will “WOW” the world with another very intimate, in-depth film that follows the life of Gospel singer Mahalia Jackson! EVP of Lifetime and LMN Tanya Lopez, says “Adding Danielle Brooks as Mahalia is icing on the cake. This team is committed in celebrating the legacy of Mahalia and reintroducing her to a world that needs her spirit more than ever.”
This colorful film will examine the revered NOLA-born Mahalia Jackson and the extensive influence of her music during the Civil Rights Movement. Mahalia Jackson not only captured hearts with her inspiring musical voice, but was also an active supporter of the Civil Rights Movement including the March on Washington in 1963 alongside Martin Luther King Jr. with the intention of using her music to inspire racial equity.
Stay tuned for further details about the release date and more.
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Angela Birchett on Her Role as “Jacky Clark Chisholm” in Lifetime’s The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel
More recently, I got a chance to speak with the dynamic Angela Birchett about her role as “Jacky” in the Lifetime film The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel! Angela Birchett is not only an actress with a vast array of experience in both film and stage performances, but she is also a published Broadway performer, vocalist and recording artist. When I asked Angela about playing “Jacky” in the film and what the experience was like for her, she shares how much of a blessing it was to just get to know Jacky Clark Chisholm leading up to filming. She shares how sometimes as actors playing the roles of legends, they are left to learn these individual’s lives through research, other people’s accounts, etc., but that she was fortunate to be able to connect with Jacky 1:1 and learn more about her as a person.
The two both have a lot in common which made her acting as Jacky more realistic and authentic on film. Prime example, they both grew up in Detroit, came up in families where the siblings are all singers, both are the eldest children of all girls, and more. I could tell by the way that Angela was describing her interview with Jacky that she is a very intentional professional especially when it comes down to bringing these characters to life. She is intentional about studying them, their sensibilities, their mannerisms and anything else which would add to the character implementation. Additionally, I was really impressed by how Angela’s genuine respect and appreciation for the Clark Sisters was the fuel to her effectively playing Jacky’s character in this film.
Without giving any spoilers from the movie, you’ll find that Jacky Clark Chisholm is tasked with many different things that she manages to handle with grace, such as working as a medical professional, being the primary administrator for the group for so many years and just being a “Clark Sister” always showing up and ready! In fact, there are several delightful scenes where we find this character pulling it all together and keeping the ladies grounded. Angela shares that she wanted to be sure to play this role in a way that gives Jacky voice so that she is not the overlooked sister, but that who she is and what she has accomplished is well defined among viewers. We also got a chance to speak about how this film will likely spark conversations among the church and the non-churched communities as some scenes might come across as highly relatable or either controversial — The most important thing, is the message of giving honor where it is warranted and bringing light to the Clark Sisters’ story including who their mother Mattie Moss Clark is/was.
Angela Birchett has done theater and concert tours throughout the country, done background vocals for several big named artists and is actively working on many other creative projects of which we will see emerge in the days to come. She is certainly a wiz in her element and has the track record to prove it. Yet, she is humble and tremendously grateful for the doors that God has opened up for her to do what she loves on a full-time basis. For more on Angela Birchett, please visit www.angelabirchett.com. Lifetime’s The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel, is set to premiere Saturday, April 11th at 8/7c!
*Photos Courtesy of Lifetime and L. Morgan
Singer/Actress Christina Bell on Her Role as “Twinkie Clark”
Recently, I got the opportunity to interview the beautiful and gifted singer Christina Bell on her latest role as “Twinkie Clark” in the upcoming Lifetime film The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel. I’ve got to admit, I was super geeked to speak to her 1:1 and find out more about her experience in taking on such a huge part for this film! Christina Bell from Shreveport, LA., has been singing gospel music for nearly two decades including stage shares with some of the industry’s highly-acclaimed artists like Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin, The Clark Sisters, Marvin Winans and more. Christina has an ability to captivate and empower her listeners through song by ministering to core issues in a way that brings healing, courage, freedom and hope. It only makes sense that she would be the elected to play Twinkie’s role in this movie!
One thing that really blessed me when speaking to Christina about preparing for this role is the fact that she was so studious about learning Twinkie Clark first-hand wanting to make sure she did her part justice on camera. Christina shares how she was very strategic about studying who she is and what she does even to the point of learning chord structures and sitting like her at the keyboard. During the process of learning her parts, she explains how she intentionally got with her acting coach to master this character. Prime example, Christina naturally talks much faster than Twinkie and therefore had to focus on slowing her speech down to match the character. She had to learn the art of being slow to speak and practice being careful about her words just as Twinkie is in real life. She even asked Kierra Sheard (Twinkie Clark’s niece) how Twinkie laughs and chews gum.
I asked Christina Bell in what ways she felt that this film parallels with her own life and how she relates to it. Particularly, she says that artists of all of genres should really know their value and not be so quick to sell away their rights for the sake of money or what may appear to be a great opportunity. She encourages artists and creatives to consult legal advice or speak to unbiased parties for wisdom before making brash decisions. Currently, Christina Bell is working on producing more great music in addition to her recent electrifying single release entitled “Going”. She has her own vocal training company called VocalBells, has a t-shirt line to be released in the near future and “yup”, we will likely see much more of Christina Bell on the big screen in the days to come!
For more on Christina Bell, please visit www.officialchristina.com. Lifetime’s The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel, is set to premiere Saturday, April 11th at 8/7c!
*Images Courtesy of Lifetime & Naff Harlow Entertainment
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