A little over a year ago, I requested an interview with Callum Seagram Airlie without even realizing who his father was (Andrew Airlie–I will also be posting an interview with him very soon, so watch this space!). Chatting with Callum was an incredible experience, and after officially meeting him at the Hearties Family Reunion this past October, I knew I had to do a follow-up interview to promote his more current works. It is my honor to finally be able to share the chat he and I enjoyed at the end of last year soon after the premiere of Marrying Father Christmas. 

Callum Seagram Airlie Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman

RH: Callum, it’s so good to chat with you again.

CSA: Thanks, Ruth, happy to chat with you again as well.

Callum at HFR4

And I loved meeting you at HFR. In fact, when I first saw you, I was thinking, “Why do I know this kid? He looks familiar.” And then I was like, “Oh, it’s Callum!” You’d gotten so tall that I hardly recognized you! And I also got to meet your mom too, which was great. I told her how impressed I was with you and how professional you were. You went out of your way to talk with everyone. 

Thanks. It was a lot of fun. There were people from all around the world there. It was amazing! People from Australia, Denmark, Germany…it was amazing!

I agree. I wanted to tell you also that Marrying Father Christmas was just wonderful this past holiday season. 

Thank you.

In fact, the Hearties all got to see it early if they were at the convention. The Super Channel did a special showing just for us.

That’s nice!

Nevis Unipan, Callum Seagram Airlie Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman

I have loved the whole series. It’s been fantastic. And you have grown up so much. 

It was a lot of fun filming that one and the whole series. It was great working with Erin {Krakow} on When Calls the Heart and the Father Christmas series. It’s been great to get to know lots of people and build relationships with them through the years.

I know a lot of the fans are already requesting more from the series. I know Marrying Father Christmas is supposed to be the last one, but there are fans who would like more movies. They don’t want the series to end. What do you think about that?

I think that’d be great if it worked out. I would love to make a couple more. It would be so much fun. I think there’s a lot of potential in the story. And I understand the fans are excited and asking for more, so I wouldn’t mind if it happened. It would be great to get back together with the cast.

I kind of figured you’d be in favor of it. I know that the premiere of Marrying Father Christmas broke out all sorts of records. Hallmark was very happy with it. When it came out, it was the highest-rated movie for the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries series so far that year. I think some other films may have even gotten better ratings later on, but still, that’s pretty good. 

That’s great to hear. We loved getting to see it in Canada too. We had to wait just a little bit longer than you did in the U.S., but we were very happy with it.

Nevis Unipan, Alvin Sanders Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman

I realize we didn’t see you that much in this third film, but with your experience in the business, you’re able to take a role like that and really make the most of it. You are definitely noticed when on screen.

Thank you, that’s good to know. I thought my character, Mark, was a much more dynamic character in Marrying Father Christmas, so that was great.

And now the When Calls the Heart season six premiere has just happened. 

Yes, I’m so happy about that! Unfortunately, I couldn’t be in the Christmas movie this past holiday because I was away during the time they were shooting. But I’m glad that Harper has returned for season six. I was somewhat sad that I missed the Christmas movie because what I remember about filming the last one was how everyone came into the saloon, and there were like a hundred cast members in that Christmas movie!

Wow! 

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

And it was so great because it was like a big reunion. And as hard as it was to get all the proper camera angles and manage everything, it was great because everyone was there, and everyone could appreciate the moment.

Well, you were missed in the Christmas movie from December, but I’m glad Harper is now officially back in Hope Valley. 

I’m very excited for Harper in season six and just very excited for season six in general. From what we filmed and from what I’ve read in the script, it’s gonna be a really fun season, and I’m excited to share it with the Hearties.

Well, if episode one is anything like what we can expect from future episodes, I think it’s going to be just wonderful. Now, the big news is the addition of these two characters played by Chris McNally and Kevin McGarry. Did you have any interactions with them on set?

I didn’t have too many interactions with them on set, but I was on set the same days as them. And they are two very genuine and really kind people. It was great to meet them, and I’m super excited for these new characters in season six.

Let me also say that Harper does get a little more love in season six and a bit more of a storyline. And so do all the kids. We all get to do a little bit more, which I really love. I think it’s a great dynamic contrast to the story.

Hope Valley Kids viewing party
season 6

That’s great to know, Callum! Without giving us any spoilers, what can you tell us about your favorite parts of filming season six?

Without revealing any spoilers, I got to work with a very talented actress–I won’t mention her name–but we had a couple of scenes together. She’s very kind, and I’m so excited for her character to be introduced to When Calls the Heart. I can’t really say any more than that.

HFR4

I know there have been some additions. We saw one new character in season one, but I know there are still more to come. So we’ll watch for this special actress you got to work with. Another question that Hearties would like to know is since this is the first season without the character Jack, how do you think that affected the season?

Well, we all really loved Daniel {Lissing}. He’s such a nice person. He’s really wholehearted and so much fun to be around. His character interacted so much with us kids, and it was amazing. So of course, we missed him on set. He was always this bright, smiling guy, and he was always very funny. So there definitely was a change on set without him, but I think with the new additions to the cast, we were able to find some new love for people on set. Sure, we all really miss him, but we have been able to move on. Just like you do in life when someone moves on or passes away.

I know I read that he misses the friendships on set, so I think it’s a mutual thing on his part. But he’s still been very supportive of the show even though he is not a part of it anymore. I do know that Elizabeth has a baby now. Did you have any interactions with the baby on set?

Unfortunately, I cannot say. Hearties will just have to watch and see what happens.

HFR4
Photo credit: Bettina Strauss

Okay, well we’ll keep a lookout then. I do know that Finding Father Christmas is on Hallmark’s streaming service in the U.S., Hallmark Movies Now. So people can always look that up and watch it. And both Finding Father Christmas and Engaging Father Christmas are available on DVD. There is a good chance we might see the movies throughout the year since Hallmark has been showing Christmas movies every week here in the U.S.

That’s great to know, Ruth.

Do you have anything else coming up that you can mention?

Actually, there is something that is supposed to come out this year that I worked on quite a while ago. I really can’t say too much about it, but it is a movie called William, and it is supposed to be coming to theaters hopefully this year. Tim Disney is the director and writer, and it is a diverse story about history and how it affects the modern age. I know that’s a bit vague, but make sure to keep your eyes and ears open for it. The plan is for it to hit the theaters soon.

I remember when that film was being shot a couple of years ago. One of the actors I interviewed, Christian Convery, is in that one. He couldn’t say much about that movie back then, but now it sounds like it might be finally coming out!

I’m pretty excited to see it. I’m sure they’ll announce more about it pretty soon. At least, we hope so.

What grade are you now in school?

I’m in grade nine.

So you’re in high school now. Have you been able to keep up with all your schoolwork and your classes this year?

Yeah, it’s been really great. All of the kids who come onto set–we all work together to get our homework done. It’s a really good community. It’s pretty helpful those days that we miss from school how we’re able to do it with people we’re great friends with.

With Gracyn Shinyei

Personally, I think it would be kinda fun to do your homework with your friends on set. Sounds like a truly great atmosphere to me. Probably even more fun than going to regular school sometimes. 

It really is a great atmosphere. I enjoy it.

What other activities are you involved with when you’re not acting or doing your schoolwork? 

I’m a big fitness fan. I like to eat healthy and I work out every day that I can. It’s a big passion of mine. I also love to play basketball. Green juice and bench presses is part of my day-to-day routine.

Callum, that just sounds amazing, and I thank you and your parents for helping to get this interview set up. I loved chatting with you again, and I’m so excited for this season of When Calls the Heart to continue!

Me too! Thank you, Ruth, for taking the time to interview me. I really appreciate it. And I hope that everyone loves season six as much as we all loved filming it.

Photo Credit: Desiree Nelson

When it comes to Callum, there are two things of which I am convinced that make him a rather distinctive young man within the film/television community.

First of all, his enthusiasm is genuinely effervescent and infectious. He cannot conceal his obvious excitement and interest in the other people with whom he is interacting, whether fans or co-workers. When Callum is in his element, it is apparent that there is no other place he would rather be.

Secondly, Callum’s maturity in speech and presentation is something that highlights his professionalism and prowess. Rarely do ninth graders have the kind of poise and authenticity that Callum manifests on such an advanced level. While I know his parents don’t tend to take credit for the way in which Callum conducts himself, I believe that their willingness to permit him to be who he genuinely is rather than dictating his every action is the main reason Callum has continued to grow into such a responsible, talented, focused artist, and I can hardly wait to see what the future holds for him.

I do hope that everyone tunes into the Hallmark Channel or Super Channel Heart & Home for the next nine Sundays as we savor the remainder of season six of When Calls the Heart. In addition to this, if you are interested in Callum’s other works, be sure to visit his IMDb link below. I cannot guarantee that he will be a world-renowned superstar in the industry one day, but I certainly do think that if he persists on his current path while remaining humble, teachable, and enthusiastic, the possibilities for Callum are endless. As he continues to follow his dreams in whatever direction he chooses for his future, I am ecstatic to support his endeavors, and I hope that the Hearties will do the same.

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