I’m not gonna lie. One of the things I adore about the Hallmark network is that they regularly employ the most talented kids, and very often, those children’s work on Hallmark is amongst their first credits and regularly leads to a plethora of more opportunities. Therefore, when I watched Christmas In the Air a couple weeks ago, I was overjoyed to see the delightful and enchanting Trinity Rose Likins, and I was even more ecstatic when she agreed to do an interview with me!
RH: Trinity, thank you so much for chatting with me today.
TRL: Happy to be here.
Now, how old are you?
I’m eleven.
Really? I was thinking you were older than that. You sound older and more mature than eleven. Did you get to see Christmas In the Air yet?
Yes, I got to see it!
Trinity Rose Likins, Nyla Alleyne Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
That’s great! We got to see it too, and we really loved it. We thought it was a great little film. While I enjoyed everyone’s character, yours really stood out to me, and I kept saying, “Yeah, I’m gonna talk to her soon!” My mom actually kept the film because she wanted to watch it again later.
That’s so nice. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for the support.
How did you get started in acting, Trinity?
Well, I did a program called Premiere Program in Orlando, Florida. I had already done it in Vancouver; this group goes all around the world. Kids get involved with this program and perform monologues and other stuff like that for talent agents.
Did you always like acting? Was performing something you always did when you were little?
Yeah, definitely! {laughs}
Where did you usually perform as you were growing up?
I used to perform plays around the house for my family. I also would do the school play every year.
Did you take any kind of lessons for acting, dance or music? I know some young people do.
Kind of. I have wanted an agent ever since I was little. I would always ask my mom for one. I did take some dance lessons, but that was it.
So how did you get an agent?
While I was with Premiere down in Florida, I signed with my current agent.
How long ago was that?
It was this last January.
Did you go on to book commercials? I know a lot of people start out that way.
Actually, no. Christmas In the Air was my first role!
Trinity Rose Likins Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
Really? Oh, wow, that is really something! That doesn’t usually happen. They threw you right into things. So had you been doing a lot of auditions?
I actually had only done two or three auditions before booking this one.
My goodness, it sounds like you are just a natural-born performer.
I kind of think so. Thank you.
How long ago was this movie shot?
It was shot this past spring.
Did you know anyone when you showed up on set for the first time?
No, but I met them pretty quick.
Jesse Filkow, Eric Close, Trinity Rose Likins Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
The boy who played your brother, Jesse Filkow, did you hit it off with him pretty well right away?
Yeah, we were friends pretty quick.
Any special memories from behind the scenes?
When we were filming the scene in the Christmas store, that was actually filmed at Home Depot. There were all sorts of Christmas decorations around and Christmas trees everywhere. We kept falling off the cart as it was getting pushed around the store. We had to do that scene a lot.
Before we were filming, we were just in the store, running over the scene. During that time, the store was actually still open. So one of the ladies who was a customer in the shop came up to the director {Martin Wood} and said, “Excuse me. Where’s the soap?” She couldn’t find it with all the Christmas stuff around. I guess she thought our director worked there or something. {laughs}
Eric Close, Trinity Rose Likins, Jesse Filkow, Catherine Bell Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
How many days were you filming on set?
About three weeks.
So you were there the whole time! You were a major part of this film, so that’s pretty cool. {pause} I know you don’t get Hallmark in Canada, but how familiar were you with the network and their movies and shows?
I had heard of Hallmark before, but I hadn’t really watched any of the movies, but I had watched some of the shows, especially Good Witch.
So you were familiar with Catherine Bell then. What was it like to work with her?
She is just as great as everyone says. She’s so lovely and so nice. And she was really good at acting. I think I could say she was kind of like a mentor.
Trinity Rose Likins, Eric Close, Jesse Filkow Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
And what about Eric Close?
I had so much fun working with him. He is so down-to-earth and normal.
I’m curious. Is there anyone else in your family who has been involved in acting?
No, I think I’m the first one.
Well, that’s great! It sounds like your parents are very supportive too.
Yes, definitely.
Since you were on set for those three weeks, how did that affect your schooling?
I got to tutor on set. We had a teacher come to set, and she would do schoolwork with me and Jessie. I think we did school for maybe four hours every day. I don’t remember exactly. Something like that.
You didn’t have any problem keeping up with school?
Well, kind of. I fell behind a bit. But I got caught up later.
Since this was your first film, are you planning to do more? Have you been out auditioning?
Yeah, I have been. I’ve done quite a few auditions, and I sure hope to do more movies. I haven’t gotten any other roles yet, but I’ll be sure to let everyone know when I do.
Are you on social media?
I am on Instagram. {link below}
That’s good. Have people sent you messages on Instagram about your movie?
My friends have said it was really nice, but other than that, I haven’t heard from too many.
Well, hopefully after people read this interview, that will change. They probably don’t know where to find you and they may not even realize your new to Hallmark and acting. {pause} So when you have downtime, what do you like to do?
We live in a little town near Vancouver and Whistler called Squamish. I can ski and hike and bike and stuff like that.
That’s just great, Trinity. Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me today.
Well, thank you, Ruth. I really enjoyed doing my first ever interview! Thank you to all the fans for their support too.
Trinity Rose Likins Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
Well, in my humble opinion, with the inclusion of Trinity, I believe Hallmark has another budding starlet on their hands. The fact that she rapidly and almost effortlessly booked a role and was such an integral part of filming…not to mention how amazing she was as Amelia… that merely demonstrates her innate abilities for acting and performing. While she is still young, chatting with her demonstrated to me what a level head she has on her shoulders and just how exceptionally grounded she is. I have no doubt that her first movie was a bit of a surreal experience, but she is all ready to dive into whatever comes her way next.
So please take a moment to check her out on Instagram and possibly leave her a message detailing just how much you enjoyed her performance in Christmas In the Air. And if by some chance you missed the film that premiered earlier this month, be sure to check your local listings so you can watch it as soon as possible. I promise you won’t be sorry! Additionally, let’s give Trinity a huge Hallmarkie welcome and send all our good wishes her way for a bright and scintillating future. After all, if we want more positive youth like her, it is essential that we motivate and inspire the “good kids” like Trinity who make smart choices and follow their passions and dreams.
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