Rachel Boston is an American actress and producer, best known for her roles in Witches of East End, 500 Days of Summer, and Ghosts of Girlfriends Past.
This New Year’s Day, Rachel will be starring in a new Hallmark Original movie called A Rose For Christmas. She is already a channel fan favourite, with Hallmark viewers having fallen in love with Rachel in previous originals including Stop the Wedding and Ice Sculpture Christmas.
We recently caught up with Rachel to discuss A Rose For Christmas, working with Hallmark and what it feels like to be on both sides of the camera.
Hi Rachel, thank you so much for answering our questions today! Can you tell us about your new movie, A Rose For Christmas?
I play a woman named Andy and my family has built floats for The Rose Parade for many generations. When my father gets sick, he asks me to be in charge, and I end up working with a business guy, and we don’t get along. But throughout the process of working together, we find common ground and end up falling in love. It’s a very inspiring and hopeful film centered around The Rose Parade.
What attracted you to the role of ‘Andy’?
She’s very strong and independent, but in many ways, she’s holding herself back. She’s a very talented painter but doesn’t put herself or her work out there and hasn’t been in a relationship for a while so there is this part of her that is very protective. I enjoyed the journey of finding her strength again.
The Rose Parade is an annual New Year celebration event. Is it something you’ve ever participated in prior to working on this telefilm?
I haven’t been to the parade in person, but I have watched it on TV before. That was a big part of what drew me to this story. I had no idea how much passion and creativity went into the details and designs of these floats. This will be my first year at the parade, and I’m very excited.
What was the most challenging part of making this telefilm?
The schedule was challenging. Our amazing art department would work all night long to get the float prepared for scenes the next day. And we filmed a lot of the movie in a warehouse on Vancouver island so I had a lot of amazing Canadians teaching me how to stay warm.
The movie incorporates real behind the scenes footage that depicts the artistry that goes into creating the elaborate floats. Can you share the most interesting fact that you learnt?
The roses arrive three days before the parade so it’s a race to get the floats completed before the inspections. It takes a lot of very passionate and creative people to bring them to life.
If you were to create your own float, what design would you choose?
Maybe a Hawaiian theme. I love spending time there so I’m going to go with Hawaii.
A Rose For Christmas is part of Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas. What do you love most about the festive season?
I absolutely love Christmas movies. I grew up watching ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ with my family every year. This year I was very excited. I had my Christmas decorations up way before Thanksgiving.
This movie is the latest Hallmark special you’ve starred in. What do you enjoy most about working with Hallmark?
I love stories about hope and faith. When I first started working with Hallmark, I was on a series that covered some really dark material, and I read these scripts on my hiatus that had such a spirit of joy to them, and I wanted to be a part of that too. They make people happy. They are fun to make. And the people who work at Hallmark are extraordinary. It becomes a family, and one I’m very happy to be part of.
You’ve also been an executive/associate producer on a number of your previous projects. What’s it like to be on the other side of the camera?
I really enjoy working behind the scenes and the creative aspects of bringing a story to life long before a cast and crew are involved. It’s certainly a lot of work but it’s very inspiring. The first indie film I produced while I was working on ‘In Plain Sight’ taught me so much about the types of stories I want to share. I also think it helps as an actor. You develop a deeper appreciation for what everyone on the crew is doing around you.
What else do you have in the pipeline?
I’m working on a Christmas project with Melissa de la Cruz who is also the author of the Witches of East End novels. I adore working with her and we are so excited to see this film come to life! Looking forward to a wonderful 2017!
Thank you for your time!
Thank you! Happy New Year!
A Rose For Christmas premieres on Hallmark this Sunday, January 1 at 8/7c.
Check out a preview below.