Erica Deutschman and I met when we were 14 years old at Centauri Summer Arts Camp. Since then, Erica Deutschman landed roles in movies and TV shows, including the lead in Hallmark’s A Cheerful Christmas. It wouldn’t feel like the holidays without Christmas movies! It was great to catch up and learn about Erica’s acting career.
If there was a movie about your own life, what would it be called?
Meet Me at Red Lobster
Name a celebrity crush who you wish could be your co-star:
Larry David or Zac Efron
Which programs did you do at Centauri Summer Arts Camp? What did you learn as a camper that you can apply to your acting career now?
Shout out! I went there for so long; I feel like I tried a bit of everything. I started out in theatre. I did dance, writing and I even tried painting (spoiler alert: I’m no good). But my favourite was the film program. I guess I enjoyed it so much, I decided to do it for a living!
I bet that you grew up watching many romantic comedies, so what was it like to create movies such as A Cheerful Christmas and A Christmas Crush?
It made me enjoy the genre more. Shooting these kinds of movies is such a treat, especially when you love the genre already. It really just reinforces that every time I get to be part of one, it’s a blast.
How has starring in a Hallmark Christmas movie impacted your career?
I met some amazing people that I had the opportunity to work with again and I hope to continue to do so in the future. I would also like to say that the outpour of positivity from the Hallmark fans has been overwhelming. To hear such amazing things from viewers when you put something out in the world is truly humbling. Getting that recognition and encouragement has been really special.
I loved your pink coat and that red dress in A Cheerful Christmas! I’m curious about the fashion and beauty side of making movies. What can you tell us about the process for your hair, makeup and wardrobe in A Cheerful Christmas?
Thank you! I agree, that red dress was incredible and a lot more comfy than you’d think! On a practical note though, I think a lot of fashion, hair and makeup decisions come down to the weather! That pink coat was super cute but you did not see me wearing it for scenes with heavy exteriors because it was mid-February in Ottawa. So freezing! So, for the big outdoors scenes I got to wear a heavier jacket. And shout out to Sami and Maddie who did hair and makeup. They did such a beautiful job despite the very challenging climate. And let’s just say there was a lot of hairspray and Chapstick used on those windy winter days to tame flyaways and dryness.
I work at a gaming studio and I read that you filmed commercials for Ubisoft and Gameloft back in the day. Worlds colliding! Plus, you recently starred in The Office Games. Are you a big gamer? If so, what’s your favourite video game? How does filming something about games compare to something with more romance?
I have to say, I got way back into the Sims during quarantine and I got to try my friend’s VR Oculus, which was mind blowing. But not a huge gamer other than that. Office Games was fun! I would say the energies on a gamer movie versus a romantic movie are very different. Fun nonetheless but extremely different tones on set and on screen for sure.
What would you do if you’re having a bad day or not feeling well, but you’re required to be on camera?
This is going to sound weird but I find being on set to be a real mood booster especially when you’re working with an awesome crew. Sure, if you’re not feeling a hundred percent, it can be a bit more tricky to perk up and look alive, but I’ve always liked a challenge. In fact, I booked my first leading role in my elementary school play when I had a temperature of 102! It’s a hustle, but you make it work.
How do you approach your social media presence as an actor?
I post something I find fun once in a while but I do realize how important a social media presence is and I think I might make a New Year’s resolution to try to do a little better with that in 2021.
What is the best way to support the entertainment industry during the pandemic and in the future?
Just keep watching! I think streaming services and Hallmark movies have been keeping us all afloat during these challenging times, so as long as people are still watching, we get to keep making things.
A Cheerful Christmas is now free to watch on Rogers on Demand in Canada for a limited time. Check the Hallmark Channel for more showtimes. To get more details about Erica Deutschman, check out her IMDB page or Instagram.