Well, this is yet another milestone. Welcome to my sixth interview with Paul Greene, a Hallmark favorite who undoubtedly needs no introduction whatsoever. And each time we chat, he raises the bar (which is totally mind-boggling), and I find that I respect him even more than I did before. Indeed, this most recent chat is no exception. While many of the fans are disappointed that he will not be seen in a regular Hallmark Christmas movie this season, he will be appearing this weekend (December 8th) on the big screen in the colossal film, Buttons, as well as on the Hallmark Channel on December 25th in the premiere of When Calls the Heart:The Greatest Christmas Blessing (which will concurrently be shown on The Super Channel Heart & Home on the same date).

RH: So nice to be chatting with you yet again, Paul.

PG: Same here, Ruth. Thanks for reaching out.

How have you been?

Things are great.  A lot is going on, of course. I recently did some ADR for one of the When Calls the Heart season six episodes, which happens when they have to correct the audio and voice in the episode. I just love living in LA. There are lots of exciting things happening all the time. In fact, I can say this is probably the most exciting period of my life so far in terms of opportunities.

Katie {Austin} and I are doing a year-long program through Landmark Education. There are a thousand people around the United States in every major city, and then a hundred thirty of us in LA that are holding each other accountable to our goals and our commitments. Every quarter we do a project, and that’s why last quarter, I did a short film. In the program, you learn how to work in teams, so you’re not just doing it by yourself. It’s the same way I did all my ALS fundraisers. Landmark gave me the training and development to fulfill all my dreams without wearing myself out. It’s the most powerful thing I’ve ever done. It’s giving me the framework to go after just about anything I want to in a way that really leaves people inspired and building a team. And it always leaves people better never worse than I found them, so I’m really excited about that.

That sounds fantastic! I remember you were working on that short film. So is that film going to be something you end up submitting to film festivals? 

Photo Credit: Kate Austin

Yeah, it’s finished, but I’m just working out a few things on the legal end of things. I am learning about some of those challenges, and I want to make sure I do everything right so that if I do submit the film to film festivals, I do it in the right way.

I know that I’ve talked with many independent filmmakers, and these short films can be a very long, involved, and complicated process at times. 

Yeah, I built a team around it and had somebody do it for me, but due to a variety of things, including time and schedules, it didn’t get done in such a way that it seems seamless.  But it’s done, and I’m super proud of it. Actually, one of the When Calls the Heart editors did the editing for me between episodes of shooting the show. It was on her own time. Then my buddy Ken{dall Johnson}, who you interviewed, composed the music.

Well, I guess the most important thing is you did it and it was a good learning experience if nothing else. And maybe you’ll do another one. But we’ll hope that the potential issues with this short film of yours all get worked out.

Oh for sure, and I’ll put it out some way or another. I can’t put it out until it premieres at a festival or I will get disqualified for those festivals. Once I work out the legal issues, then I’ll be good to go.

No doubt you saw the messages from your fans who were disappointed that you didn’t do a new standalone Christmas film this year. You’re only in the When Calls the Heart  Christmas movie. 

I did see those messages, and here’s what I’ve learned. As actors, we have to watch that we don’t get pigeonholed. I don’t automatically do everything I am offered. You have to be really smart about what jobs you take and what ones you don’t. If you don’t put thought into it, then you might find that you are offered the same type of role over and over again, and there’s no variety in your roles.

I think that’s very smart, Paul. And that is the way successful working actors I talk to approach their careers. 

Sure, you don’t want to oversaturate yourself. Last year, I think I did three Hallmark movies. I love the fact that people are excited about the movies, but for me, I have to pace myself or I might find myself doing the same role over and over again without exploring those diverse roles I just love as an actor.

Saturday, December 8th, is, of course, the day we’re all excited about. Buttons comes out, and I am so glad I got my tickets! My whole family is going. 

Oh, that’s great. Well, the cool thing about the film is…while I don’t have the biggest role in it, this film is gonna be a monster. It’s gonna be one of those Christmas movies that gets played every Christmas. It’s an instant classic because of Dick Van Dyke, Angela Lansbury, Robert Redford narrating. And then there is the association with the autism foundation that I am excited to support. I have a feeling it’s going to be one of those special movies. It’s a musical and has Dick Van Dyke dancing and singing at the age of ninety-three. Tim Janis is the director, and he’s a composer who has a massive following on YouTube.

Buttons

It was Tim who actually reached out to me personally because I was in the process of changing agencies, and so when he couldn’t get a hold of me through them, he sent me a private email through IMDB, and I didn’t think it was real. Someone out of the blue offers you a movie with Dick Van Dyke, and you wonder if it’s for real. I couldn’t believe that they had been making this movie for several years. So my piece with Abigail Spencer and my role…we open the film and we close it, so it’s a very important role. I don’t want the viewers to think that I’m in it for the whole film. It’s an important role, but it’s a parallel story to the main story. But it’s beautiful though. It’s a period piece as well.

Buttons

Well, when I found out about it and saw that it was coming to our area, I told my entire family they were going. They didn’t have a choice. But we’re all excited. And for me, it’s a film I would have loved anyway, but having you, even in a small role, is a bonus. It makes it more fun.

I really appreciate you supporting it and me.

Well, of course, I do tend to do that. And with some, like you, I go out of my way to support things you’re in. I wouldn’t do it for everyone, but definitely for you.

Thank you, Ruth. I get that about you, and I appreciate that about you.

You’re welcome, Paul, and I’m glad to do it. Now, since this movie is being shown using Fathom Events, I do know that if there is a great demand, there might be additional showings offered. I know some say it’s not coming to their area, which I know can be tough. 

Buttons

Remember, Saturday is just the first release. I imagine that around Christmas or at least by next Christmas season, it should be more available. I’m not sure of all that, of course, but I just tend to think they might end up doing a DVD release or stream it. I guess we’ll see.

I think the biggest thing people need to realize is that if they have a chance to see it near where they live, they should go see it. The more people who see it, the better. It may only be in a select number of theaters now, but that can expand. I see that kind of thing happen all the time.

I’ve only seen parts of it, but it’s beautiful. And the trailer looks beautiful.

I agree with you there! The trailer is amazing!

And what a cast. The list goes on and on, and I know people are going to recognize so many of them.  I know it’s going to be amazing.

Then we have When Calls the Heart season six coming up. I know I’ve talked to some of the other cast members about this, but it’s interesting how you shot season six before you shot the Christmas movie.

Yes, it means it was nice to have colder weather for the Christmas movie. And then they had to also figure some things out with the spinoff series, When Hope Calls, which I wish I could tell you more about. There’s a lot of talk about that.

I can imagine. I know they introduced the leads at HFR, and then I heard it was shooting up in North Bay. And that’s all I’ve heard right now.

Yeah, I really want to share more about what I know, but for now, there’s nothing else I can say. As soon as anything can be shared about the spinoff, I’ll make sure the fans know.

So the Christmas movie for When Calls the Heart will be out on Christmas Day. What can you tell us about your role in that?

With Andrea Brooks and the Hope Valley kids

There’s lots of adventure and a lot of new characters. In fact, the new characters actually have a lot of screen time. The Christmas movie is a two-hour movie, so it’s not like a normal episode. There’s mystery and a big storm. People get lost, and other people go and try to find them. It’s got lots of kids, and the kids are amazing.

Is there going to be any music in the Christmas movie? 

Yes, there’s lots of singing in the Christmas movie. There’s some caroling, and I know the kids sing.

With Johannah Newmarch and Kayla Wallace

What about in season six itself?

Wouldn’t that be nice? Every single person sings, and we keep trying to get Hallmark to do more music in the show, but so far, it hasn’t really happened. We all want to do a live camera program from Hope Valley with music, and I think that would be great. Where it’s broadcast live, and the stakes are crazy high. I’m not saying it can’t happen, but so far, it hasn’t.

I know exactly what you’re talking about because I know the fans want a musical episode. It was mentioned at HFR as a matter of fact. We fans want it, so hopefully one day it will happen. Now, let’s talk about season six and Dr. Carson. Is there anything you can tell us specifically about your character in season six without revealing too much?

With Andrea Brooks

I know the main thing people are always asking about is the romance. And I don’t think it’s a big secret that Nurse Faith and Dr. Carson have a lot of scenes together and there seems to be something between them. They are friends and co-workers after all. Our characters definitely have a lot more to do this season. So I’ll say that Andrea {Brooks} and I have a lot of scenes together this season, and everyone can fill in the blanks about what they think that means.

With Andrea Brooks, Martin Wood, and Ben Rosenbaum

One thing to know is that we have a very large cast, and while that’s not a bad thing, it means that sometimes we don’t get to spend as much time as we would like with certain cast members. Thankfully Carson and Faith still do a lot together, but remember, there are new characters and a lot of different storylines going on. And there are times our storylines are more prominent, and other times, other characters are more prominent. That’s part of having a large cast.

With Andrea Brooks

There are some really compelling storylines in addition to these new characters. New technology comes to town. And there is a big discovery of something in the town that makes people act surprisingly towards each other. The town kind of loses its way for a bit, but they find it again. So keep an eye out for the technology protagonist that really changes things in Hope Valley. People forget to be a community for a bit and start living for themselves, and they have to find their way back.

What about the new guys in town, Chris McNally and Kevin McGarry?

With Kevin and Chris

Those guys are great. Everyone loved them right away. They’re really funny. It was interesting having them the whole season, and then for the Christmas movie, we were like, “Where did they go?” And we realized when we said goodbye to them that they weren’t in the Christmas movie because the Christmas movie happened earlier. They’re terrific guys. We’re really fortunate on the show that we all get along really well and enjoy working together. I didn’t have a ton of scenes with them. Again, it’s a big cast. There’s like ten or twelve leads. We don’t always get a lot of screen time with each other.

I realize it has become big, but I think we’re all hopeful that ultimately everything will work out for this season, and that the show can be around for many more seasons. But I know we’ll be watching to see if Carson and Faith develop a romance. 

With Erin Krakow

Yeah, and I think we’ve got to replace some of the romance that is missing since Jack passed. I really think the fans are going to be happy overall with the Christmas movie and season six.

So I understand you’ve pitched a movie to Hallmark.

Yeah, it’s probably going to be a Valentine’s Day movie. Katie and I have a really great writing friend, Gorm, who has been a writer at Disney for thirty years. I sent him a few of my Hallmark movies, and he was like, “Let me write one.” So he wrote it, rewrote it, and kept tweaking it, and I recently sent it in as a pitch to Hallmark. Fingers crossed I’ll get to produce that one and have a lead role in it. It’s a really cool story. We’re still working on the director and some of the other characters.

Picture Credit: Laurent Levy

You have not been a producer on one of these Hallmark films yet, have you? 

Not yet. I have only produced my short film.

That’s what I thought.

It’s my third year with Hallmark. I’m moving in the direction of producing a film with them. And I want to direct sooner than later, and that’s why I’m making these other projects. I’m trying to establish my credibility so I’ll get the chance to direct. In the long-run, that’s what I really aspire to do.

From what I know of you Paul, I could definitely see you directing. You could certainly handle it. And I notice you are always challenging yourself and trying new things. I very much relate to that. I’m also always looking at what the next thing is I’m going to do.

Yes, I’m always trying new things. I just got ordained as a minister about eight months ago so I could marry my friends in the South of France.

Oh, that is cool! I hadn’t realized that. 

France

It was great. I mean, I grew up in church. I was a worship leader. And then to grow up and be able to officiate the wedding ceremony. It was an intense ceremony. I didn’t realize there was so much work involved in performing a wedding ceremony. It was a beautiful wedding.

So I understand you also have a book deal in the works. 

Yeah, I’m still in negotiations for the distribution of that, but I’ve been working on a book for years called 52 Ways To Be the Dad You Wish You Had. There’s a deck of cards that every week reminds you of a certain parenting hack and a way to connect with your kids in a way where they really feel like they have been understood. I was taught from my own father and my coach and one of my big mentors and then my own son. It’s nuggets of truth I have received over the past sixteen years of being a dad and the forty-plus years of experience with my father, my high school principal, my coach, and one of my teachers who taught me so much as well.

with his son, Oliver

So there’s two things. One’s a deck of cards, which is like a stocking stuffer or a Father’s Day gift. Then there’s a guidebook that reminds you every week how to be connected and present with your kids of all ages. And there’s some really cool shortcuts from Oliver and what he taught me and from my own dad. I’m quite far into it. I’m just wrapping up the deal by choosing the right agent, but it should hopefully be soon.

Picture Credit: Laurent Levy

I’m really excited about this. I know I can make a difference with dads. A big passion of mine is family and giving people some tools to help them. Not everyone is taught by their parents. Unfortunately, not everyone was raised by awesome parents. I’ve had such great examples. We quite often just parent the way we were parented. And I just want to help the next generation know how to be better parents. Better dads. And there’s a lot being done around it. Like an app. And I’m building a whole YouTube series around it. It’s an exciting conversation for me.

With Tim Janis

That certainly sounds promising. You’re also writing a new album, I understand.

Yes, I’ve been working on that for a while. I found a producer, and this Carnegie Hall thing…actually, let’s talk about that real quick.

Tim Janis, the director of Buttons, after we worked together, we were talking about music. I invited him to check out my YouTube video of “Hallelujah”. He loved it, and he offered me from that video to sing with a two-hundred person choir and a full orchestra at Carnegie Hall singing that song. I also got to sing a verse of “Oh Holy Night.”

From the Carnegie Hall Benefit Concert

What an exciting night it was. A Christmas concert in New York City for Kate Winslet’s Golden Hat Autism Foundation. All the proceeds go to that. They have done this for a couple of years.

I am so honored to do that, and as I was preparing for the show, I decided it was time for me to write a new album. I’ve done two albums in the past. It is time for me to get some organization for my music. I’ve got a company that’s going to get my old albums up on Spotify and iTunes so they’re available because people ask me quite often about where they can find my music. So I’ve been working on this album, and in three months, I’ll be done with it. Same with the book. The book will be done in three months as well.

Wow, Paul, how exciting for you! I mean, as a musician myself, I know Carnegie Hall is every musician’s dream. 

It is so exciting. And it’s come out of this work I’m doing with Landmark for these last three years. It’s learning how to really show up for others in a way that makes a difference. Not just for myself, but how I can add value and really make a difference in other people’s lives.

My music has been such a real way for me to connect with God in the past, and I was just hungry to reconnect with God in that way. And when I asked for that guidance, the answer was music.

So that is what my music will be about is that journey from fear to love in my relationship with God. That’s the main part of the album. I’ve learned this concept that just like there is a journey from fear to love in parenting, it holds true in my relationship with God. I had a big epiphany when I went to India on my motorbike. I realized I had to replace fear with love as I was there for a month on my motorbike.

And this work I’ve been doing has only helped me accomplish all that I want to do. Every quarter, I do a project. This quarter, I’m doing two. Last quarter, it was the short film. And that’s what’s driving this all is the team management leadership program at Landmark. That’s really giving me structure so I can fulfill all my dreams and have my life make a difference for others and not just have me succeed but have everyone around me rise up as well.

Paul, thank you so much for your inspiration. And your support over the years has meant so much to me. I look forward to Buttons and When Calls the Heart and everything else you’re doing.

Thank you, Ruth. I hope everyone goes and sees Buttons this Saturday. And don’t forget When Calls the Heart. Thank you Hearties!

________________________________________________________________

When I reached out to chat with Paul, my primary purpose was the promotion of both Buttons and When Calls the Heart, but per usual, Paul delivered more than I could have imagined. He shared his heart, his vision, his very essence, and his persona all while detailing the vast array of projects he is committed to completing as well as the dreams he will ultimately accomplish. In the time that I have known Paul, I have witnessed his incredible devotion to the people and the causes he genuinely cares about as well as every project to which he has lent his multi-faceted gifts. When I consider the immense amount of time Paul invests in the projects that fuel his soul, I have no idea how he doesn’t lose his focus nor become overwhelmed with the pressure that consistently attempts to steal his joy, his peace, and his passion for living. And yet whenever you see Paul, he meets all with a smile, and he is especially personable and entirely down-to-earth. In his position, a man could become haughty, egotistical, and/or rude, but all those characteristics are the total antithesis of Paul Greene. No doubt, he has his faults (I think Kate has mentioned those on her occasional Instagram post 😉), but he never strays far from the values that his family instilled deep within him from an early age. While he hasn’t always lived an idyllic life, there is no doubt that the life he is living now is one that is touching an innumerable amount of minds, hearts, and lives forever. And that is one of the main reasons I cannot help but support this man with every ounce of my being (and I know I’m NOT alone in that conviction).

Please take a look at all the links below and if Buttons is coming to a theater near you, consider purchasing tickets and joining us on December 8th for this film that will feature the incomparable Paul Greene and a host of glittering stars, both past and present. I would also invite you to tune to the Hallmark Channel on December 25th for the premiere of When Calls the Heart: The Greatest Christmas Blessing in order to see what Dr. Carson might be up to this time around. And of course, season six of When Calls the Heart will start in early 2019, so keep your eyes peeled for that as well. Additionally, please check out Paul’s links and the bonus videos at the end of this post. Paul is one of the most sincere, engaging, caring actors on social media (and sure, he’s talented and handsome too), and supporting Paul’s career continues to be an honor for me as I watch him make his dreams come true in his own determined fashion while maintaining his authenticity and groundedness. And I can hardly wait to see what he accomplishes in 2019 and beyond!

FOLLOW BUTTONS

Website (for purchasing tickets and everything else you need to know)

With Kate Austin

FOLLOW PAUL

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

IMDB

MY PAST INTERVIEWS WITH PAUL

Interview With Actor Paul Greene

Interview With Actor Paul Greene, “When Calls the Heart”

Interview With Actor Paul Greene, “My Favorite Wedding”

Interview With Actor Paul Greene, “Christmas In Angel Falls”

Interview With Actor Paul Greene, #ARTforALS

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