The way I “discovered” the young actor, Callum Seagram Airlie, is rather intriguing. I was rewatching Finding Father Christmas this holiday season, and I looked up the young man who played Mark. It was then that I remembered him from When Calls the Heart and a few other Hallmark productions I had seen. However, when I reached out for an interview, I was shocked to identify yet another connection I had NOT made. Andrew Airlie is his father! How did I miss that one? Regardless, Andrew has been an incredible liaison in getting me in touch with his fiercely talented son, and I am immensely proud to share the chat I had with one of Canada’s finest young actors!
RH: Callum, so nice to chat with you today. Thank you for making the time.

CSA: Hey, Ruth, nice to talk with you too.

I was looking over your credits and I realized I had seen you in more things that I realized. You have an impressive list of credits for your age. 

Yes, I’ve gotten to do a lot of different characters, and sometimes I dye my hair or put on prosthetics, so you can’t always recognize me. And that’s the fun part. When my friends or my family are watching the show, and they say, “Wait, Callum is that you?” And I’m like, “Yes, that’s me.” And they say, “I would never have guessed that.”

That’s so exciting, Callum! So, I know your father is an actor, but how did you decide to get started in acting?

I started acting when I was about six years old. Since my father is an actor, I would sometimes come to set with him. I found my love of acting based off of when I would come to set, I would meet new people, and I would see the new sets and the costumes and all the different parts of the productions, and it just made me have this creative drive in myself. I thought, “This is great! People are all working together to make one project that others can enjoy.” I really wanted to contribute to that, and I wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps because he’s a big role model in my life. I want to be just like him. Personally, I love the creative aspect.

I asked my father if I could start acting and he said that I was a bit too young. I did take that into consideration. However, the next time I went to one of his auditions, I went up to the casting director, Maureen Webb, and I said, “Hello, my name is Callum Seagram Airlie, and if you ever need a young boy to play a role, I can be that guy.” And she said, “Oh, thank you so much, Callum, I’ll contact you if I have any opportunities.” My dad thought it was a bit of a joke, but what happened is I did get an audition, and I went out for it. I prepared the role, and my dad said he could help me a bit. But I said, “Dad, maybe I want to try this on my own. I’ll ask for help sometime, but I just want to test this one out.” My dad was like, “Okay.” I went out for the audition, and I got the role.  I just had so much fun meeting the new people while I was filming, and I just wanted to keep doing it.

When you went up to this casting director, how old were you?

I was about six years old.

That’s what I was thinking! I was just imagining that whole thing, and I was thinking how that was a bold move, and I don’t think every kid that I can think of would have been brave enough to do that.

When I reflect on it, I don’t know how I even said that, but I think that I felt very passionate about it. I’m passionate about a lot of things, and that kind of passion takes over the fear. I thought that this was something I really wanted to do, and I wanted to go all out for it. And I didn’t want to seem nervous or else she might think I’m not a hundred percent in. I had to go deep into the water, and hopefully, I came out.

So what movie was the first thing you worked on?

I worked on The Wishing Tree, and it was not a huge role. It was a small role, and I think I appeared in one or two scenes. The movie is about a group of orphan students that help develop a connection between Evan and his family. I played a boy who was just at this wishing tree, a tree where you put little notes on it as a wish. One of the main characters had a little fit out there and got frustrated. And I was the boy who asked my mother, “Mom, why is he doing that?” It was a small role, but I’ll take any role because to me, it’s not how big it is. It’s about meeting the people and participating on it. No role is just a small role. All roles are important. I take that into consideration going into every audition. Hopefully, if I get the role, I will be able to work on the set and really make the character come alive.

Callum, I love your attitude. I fully agree about there not being any small roles. Every role is important, and that’s something I’m very passionate about as well. I know about the same time as The Wishing Tree, you are also listed as being in the cast of Love At the Thanksgiving Day Parade. 

Supernatural

Yes, that was my second film. That role was a slightly bigger role. I had more scenes, and this time, my character had more of a storyline.  That was new for me, and I realized I had to base my acting off multiple scenes, unlike my last role. In this film, I played this one boy in my class where everyone believes in Santa Claus, but I don’t. Over multiple scenes, I start to realize, “Well, that’s Santa Claus right there.” And that role was extremely fun to work on ’cause everyone on that set was extremely kind, and they understood that for some of us–for the kids–this was our first or second role, and they helped us out a lot. It was an experience that I’ll never forget.

Supernatural

From there, what was your next role? 

Well, I was in Supernatural and Arrow around the same time in 2013, and I think I did Supernatural first.

I think that’s so cool that you got to be on Supernatural so early in your career because that show has such an incredible following. And I think it was your first regular show, right?

Yes, Supernatural was my first non-Hallmark show, and I could definitely see the difference.  It was more mature. I know Hallmark is really great because it’s family-friendly, and it’s something I can watch with my whole family. Supernatural is still “PG,” but it’s the first role where I experienced more action on set. And there were fighting scenes and big, bloody gashes on my face and prosthetics on my face.  That was my first role where I got to see more art in film. I got to see the painters on the set and all the different, cool underground dungeons and the libraries. I really saw what I saw on all my father’s sets. I really saw in that project what I wanted to do in acting. And that was honestly one of my favorite experiences in acting. Meeting the cast and meeting people who I still know today and I’m good friends with…it’s something I’ll never forget.

Supernatural

What you’re saying makes perfect sense. This show has been going on for so long, and it is more mature content for sure. But they have more resources and more money available than they do with something like Hallmark that is often lower budget, which is not necessarily bad of course. But there is definitely a difference. 

Arrow

And then I was on Arrow around the same time. I remember that going from Supernatural to Arrow, there were a lot of similarities but some differences. But it kind of also captured what I was looking for in acting. It was action-packed and had amazing, new sets. Unfortunately, while I was really looking forward to it, I never got to see the Arrow costume in person. The funny thing is that the Arrow is actually in one of my scenes where there’s a break-in and I have to hide under a chair and there’s a man with a machine gun looking for me. Then the Arrow busts through the window and saves the day. I never got to see the Arrow costume which I really wish I took a picture with. But what really mattered to me on that show was I got to meet Stephen Amell and so many other people. I do know those people quite well, and we built a lot of memories and jokes with them that have helped shape my character to this day.

So skipping ahead a bit, I believe your first recurring role was Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce. 

Yes, I played Luco in that show, and he’s the son of the character played by actress Beau {Garrett}.

Arrow

What did you appreciate about having this recurring role?

As I’ve said before, I love to be social with people, and that’s something I love about this business. You get to see a lot of the same people over and over again, and you get to build that relationship. I know I worked with some people on Supernatural who I also worked with on Arrow. But for this first recurring role, I got to see these same people quite a bit. I was in quite a few episodes of that show, and it was great for me because it was a new genre of shows for me. I’d never really been on a romantic comedy, and that was also one of the sets where there were other kids in the cast. In fact, being on When Calls the Heart right now is really great because I get to be with other kids. But Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce was the first set where I got to work with other kids. So I got to play different sports with them, and it was a really great experience. I loved it.

I believe you were also in The BFG. I realize it may have been a small role, but as you said, the size of the role is not a big deal. Can you tell us a little about what it was like working on that film?

Working with Steven Spielberg on The BFG was a great experience. I remember I kept asking my father when new people would come in, “Dad, is that him?” I had never seen Steven Spielberg before, but my dad told me he’s a very kind director. Finally, my dad said, “That’s him.” And I introduced myself, and he just gave me the biggest smile, and it’s a smile that I’ll never forget. He was unbelievably kind to me. He facetimed with his family to me, which was quite funny. Working with him and talking with him and having conversation with him about past things he’s directed and produced was amazing. On that project, I built a new appreciation for the industry. I build an appreciation that it’s not only being able to work on it; it’s the process behind it. So really the part of acting and showing more emotion really came into effect when I met him. He was one of the wisest people I’ve met. He taught me so much, and I’m grateful to him for that knowledge.

It’s so wonderful to hear that these big names in the industry are exactly as you imagined. Sometimes they don’t live up to expectations, and they don’t end up being nice. But it’s good to know that Steven Spielberg lived up to and probably exceeded your expectations. {pause} While I know you are on When Calls the Heart, I really noticed you on Finding Father Christmas and then Engaging Father Christmas this year. I was very impressed with your performance in those films. Now, were you in When Calls the Heart before getting the role on Finding Father Christmas?

Yes, that is correct.

Do you remember what the audition process was like for When Calls the Heart?

I can’t remember it too well, but I remember coming out of the room and thinking to myself, “This is a project that I would really want to work on because with the little bit of auditions that I saw with this character, I thought I could do a lot with this character.” I knew I could show different emotion and I knew there would be other children on the set. I thought this would be really cool to work on this project because I would get to meet new children and work with them. And that was really what pushed me and why I wanted to do the audition the best that I could.

Once you got the role and showed up to set the first day, did you know anyone? 

Yes, I did. I already knew a couple of the camera operators from the past and other Hallmark movies, and I’ve seen a lot of the crew. But for me, it was mostly a new cast. And I went on from meeting Erin {Krakow} to working with her on Finding Father Christmas and Engaging Father Christmas. And then I came back and continued on When Calls the Heart.

With When Calls the Heart, was this the first time you had done what is called a period piece?

Yes, this is the first time I’ve worked on a period piece. It’s much different, not only in the costumes, but the sets and props are very cool. While it’s cool to work on movies that are up-to-date,  working on a show that is set so far back in time really makes you think about what happened back then. Sometimes when you go to the set, you forget that you’re in 2017. But when you hear, “Action! Rolling!” and things like that, you realize, “Okay, I’m transported back.”

Now with the other kids on set, who do you tend to hang out with the most?

Well, Christian {Cooper}, Jaiven {Natt} and Carter {Ryan Evancic} are three young gentlemen who are absolutely so fun to hang out with. We actually have a lot of the same interests. We are all interested in sneakers and we all like to do some of the same things, like play basketball. So it’s cool meeting these boys who have the same interests as me. In our downtime, we like to talk, or if we’re waiting on set, we can always pick up some fun conversation.

I can see you being a part of that group because those are some great boys. It’s fantastic that you’ve bonded with them as you have. Now with Finding Father Christmas, did you have to go through a regular audition process for that film?

Yes, I did.

Anything special you remember about the making of that film?

When I worked with Erin and Niall {Matter} on it, I could see the chemistry between the cast and the crew, and it was a really well-functioning set. It was great to work on it, and things went quick. Niall is a tremendously funny guy, and he’s a great person. I have been recently catching up with him–he had a baby not too long ago. He’s been telling me all about her. When you know the people you’re working with on a personal level, you feel more connected to their character. And that is something that is really useful for me when I am acting.

Callum Airlie, Erin Krakow, Nevis Unipan Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman

I’m curious. Did you know or did you suspect that there was going to be a second movie in the series this year?

I definitely did think about it and I definitely was hoping for it. It was a great movie and had potential to be a movie series. It was something I really wanted to come back on and make a sequel. And after making the sequel, I’m so glad we did. It’s great to look back and see how I have grown from the two movies, and it was great to catch up with the people.

It was fabulous seeing everyone come back this year. And with your character, you were able to bring something different this year and add some more depth. I noticed that especially in one of the scenes your character had with Erin. You had a conversation with her, and I thought, “Man, he has really matured.” And I was thinking how you’re starting to look like your dad.”  Now while I know there’s nothing official, everyone I’ve talked to who is connected with the film seems to think there’s a good chance for a third film next year. 

I completely agree. I hope there’s a third film too.

Ava Cooper, Liam Hughes, Kadence Roach, Hannah Zirke, Genea Charpentier, Imogen Tear, Jaiven Natt, Callum Seagram Airlie Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

You’re also going to be a part of the When Calls the Heart Christmas film, too. Isn’t that correct?

Yes, and I can’t say any spoilers, but what I can say is it is something that you do not want to miss. If you are a big Hearties fan or even if you’re a first-time viewer, you should definitely watch it.

Well, you can count on it. We’re all pretty excited to see it on Christmas Day. Anything else you have coming up that you can mention?

Yes, I am on the second season of the show Travelers. That comes to Netflix soon. It’s already been on Showcase up here in Canada. I got to see the episode that I was in, and it was really cool to see the storyline. It’s really cool to see this show from filming and now to see the finished product with the visual effects and how everything has paid off. You’ll be able to see me in two episodes, and I hope everyone will check the show out.

I also recently finished working on a film called William, which was really fun to work on. This was my first movie with a lot of prosthetics on. I can’t say anything, unfortunately, since it’s in post-production, but I can say it was a role that not only shaped how I think of acting but also who I am as a person. And it’s something I feel very passionate about and I’m very proud of.

Remind me of how old you are.

I’m thirteen years old.

Do you go to regular school when you’re not working?

Yes, I do.

When you’re on set for an extended period of time, have you found it challenging to make up your missed work?

I think it’s been a big difference from elementary school to high school. I find there’s a lot more homework in high school, but it’s not only homework. It’s the amount of homework based on an experience that happened at school. So if I miss a discussion, I won’t be able to do the reflection on the discussion. Or if I miss the science lab, I won’t be able to do the follow-up for the science lab. So a lot of those things I’m not able to do. But even though I miss some cool experiences at school, I don’t regret missing that day because of acting at all. I’m glad that I worked that day, and I hope to catch up when I get home or when I have time on set.

So when you have free time, what do you like to do?

I’m a huge basketball fan. I love to watch it. I love to play it. I love everything involved in it. So one of my biggest passions is basketball. I recently made our school team, and I will be doing a lot more practices then. So I’ll have to balance acting, schoolwork, basketball, soccer, electives…my schedule’s gonna be jam-packed. But when I do have free time, I’m a really sporty guy. You give me any sports equipment, and I’ll be having fun for hours.

Callum, you are such a well-spoken young man, and I’m so glad you took this time to chat with me today.

Ruth, thank you. I had a great time talking with you, and I hope all the fans enjoy When Calls the Heart season five.

As I mused on my conversation with Callum, I was absolutely dumbfounded by his insight, maturity, and poise. He is easily one of the most professional young actors I have had the opportunity to interview. When I asked him questions, it was apparent to me that he was pondering his responses on a profound level. I was able to sense his intrinsic passion for every part of the industry, and to be able to detect this in a young man who is but thirteen years old renders Callum as a bit of a prodigy, at least in my opinion. While his father has been there supporting him every step of the way, I have no doubt that Callum is a rather independent young man with an adoration for the business that transcends the commitment that some actors have within this sometimes turbulent world of entertainment. Callum recognizes the work and fun that go into creating these projects, and he speaks with reverence and gratitude as he reflects on every experience he has had to this point. No matter the size of his role, no matter the network, no matter his coworkers…Callum gleans something from each role he has ever received, and he is fascinated with all elements that intertwine to create a film or TV show.

Additionally, Callum is a “go-getter.” He doesn’t merely think about or talk about doing something; he actually gets in and invests the time and resources to accomplish his goals and dreams. He is self-motivated (something uncommon for young people his age), and it is that kind of dogged determination and initiative that I believe could lead him to a career beyond his wildest dreams. He possesses the innate qualities required to pursue the career of a Hollywood A-lister if he so chooses to take that path one day. Or he can make the choice to be a solid, much-sought-after working actor, a dynamic director, a writer extraordinaire…the possibilities are practically endless. Indeed, I am convinced that Callum could do anything that he literally set his mind to, and that kind of perseverance is a rare trait, especially in this day and age.

So please tune into the Hallmark Channel on Monday, December 25th (or in Canada, the Super Channel on December 26th) for When Calls the Heart: The Christmas Wishing Tree. Also, if you haven’t watched Finding Father Christmas, Engaging Father Christmas, or any of Callum’s other works, I would invite you to check those out as soon as possible. I rarely make predictions about young actors, but in the case of Callum, I maintain that his star will continue its upward spiral and undoubtedly exceed the accolades for which many in the business strive. At his age, he has attained an impressive list of credits, and as long as he remains humble (which is a trait I know his dad has instilled within him), he is on that narrow road to achieving every fantasy and intent within his heart and mind. And we Hearties (as well as his other fans) will have the honor of cheering him on every step of the way!

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