Because I have so many friends in Vancouver who act for a living, there are numerous occasions where I recognize various names and faces even before they become popular on the Hallmark Network. Dave Collette happens to be one of those people. Until I saw Ali Sweeney tweeting about his inclusion in her new mystery series Chronicle Mysteries, I couldn’t have told you when or where I had seen him, but there was something familiar about him. I reached out for an interview, and he was quite willing to have an engaging chat about a wide variety of topics, including this new series. In anticipation of tonight’s (2/17) premiere, I am honored to share him with my readers!
RH: Dave, I am so glad it worked out for us to chat!
DC: Me too, Ruth. Thanks for reaching out.
I hadn’t realized until I checked your credits how much of your stuff I have seen.
That’s great, Ruth, nice to know.
I’m so excited for Chronicle Mysteries. The mystery series on Hallmark are really my favorites. My mom and I watch them together. I grew up watching Perry Mason, Matlock, Murder She Wrote, and all those great mystery series. And it’s nice to see that Hallmark is continuing to come out with so many new ones.
There’s a ton, eh? There seem to be at least four or so that are starting up around the same time. And I’m glad ours is a part of the new ones.
Yes, I’m so excited to see them doing well and the viewers are really enjoying them. The network started a few years back with Garage Sale Mystery, and now these series have just taken off.
Yeah, my buddy Kevin {O’Grady} plays the detective on that series.
Yes, I’ve talked to him a couple of times, and he is one of my favorite people to talk to. It’s always an entertaining interview when I get to talk with him.
He’s a really nice guy. He’s a pretty zany character. I’ve known him since around 1997/1998 from my very first acting school called the Actor’s Working Academy. And he was always super funny and really charming. What’s true about Kevin is that he can play drama really, really well, but he isn’t always given the chance to do that genre because he’s so funny.
You know, I don’t think I’ve seen him in any dramas, but I can certainly imagine him doing just about genre or character because he’s definitely that good.
I didn’t even know that he was a regular part of Garage Sale Mysteries until he was working on their tenth film, and he started talking about being on this series for the past couple of years.
Now, you’ve been on a few Aurora Teagarden films, right?
Arora Teagarden: A Bone to Pick
Candace Cameron Bure, Lexa Shmexa Marilu Henner, Miranda Frigon Peter Benson Dan Payne Sonya Salomaa, Daniel Bacon Dave Collette
Yes, I think I’ve been on at least three of them at this point. I play the town lawyer, so I’m not super involved. But the last one I did {Reap What You Sew}, I was the red herring. So I had a much more significant part. Usually, I’m just the happy-go-lucky town lawyer who helps with the legal stuff. That series has been going on for a while, and I remember when it first came out, it was an interesting situation for me.
I hadn’t done a Hallmark movie before, and I really didn’t know what it was. I just got this part for this lawyer, and it was written almost like he was Southern. Or at least it felt really Southern when I read it. So I made the choice that I was going to be from the South, and I came in with a full accent, and I was this big, animated Southern character. My character’s name is Bubba, after all.
So I got the callback, and I walked into the casting studio, and on a big piece of paper, it said, “No Accent.” {laughs} And I was like, “Oh, I’ve got to relearn how to do this.” So I walked into the room, and the producers are there, and I tried to do it without an accent, but the accent kinda snuck in. It was the only way I had been practicing. And the producers were like, “Great. Can you do it again, but with no accent at all?” So I was like, “Okay, I’ll try my best.” I did it again, and I was awful! I felt super flawed. So as I was leaving, I was saying to myself, “Well, I didn’t get that one.” But I got it! Which is just so bizarre!
Now what made everything harder is that the whole cast is made up of some of my best friends. Like Peter Benson is one of my very best friends. And Dan Payne is another of my best friends. And Daniel Bacon is one of my best friends too. So my first scene I had to do was this funeral scene, and when I was doing it, they were all standing there just laughing at me, and I was like, “Oh man!” {laughs}
Well, you must have been able to do what they wanted since they gave you the part and they keep bringing you back.
At the end of the day, it was fine.
How did you get started in acting?
I started in high school in grade nine. I was in an acting class. It was one of my electives, and I loved it. I think I was even doing it in elementary school. I would do the school plays. And there was a place in Vancouver that was this creative arts school, and my mom sent me to that for clowning and acting classes. I always loved it.
In grade eleven, I started getting more serious about it. But I also played basketball because I’m really, really tall. In grade twelve, I wanted to go out for the lead in the high school play, which was Hair, and my basketball coach told me I had to do basketball or the play because they ran at the same time. And I chose the play. That was like my declaration that told everyone that this was what I wanted to do.
After high school, my friend and I went to the Actor’s Working Academy in around 1997, and it was a beginning training program for film and television actors. From there, I kept going and going and going. And now I’m forty.
As far as being a working actor, you’ve done well, I think.
There’s that weird, awkward phase for men when you’re in your twenties. I am so tall. I’m 6’5″/6’6″. It’s that stage when you’re like a man-boy. You’re tall, but you still look like a kid. I was never the “CW-looking” guy. It was an awkward age, and I think that’s when a lot of people drop out. But if you keep going and you get better and better, when you get into your thirties, it opens up the game for you.
I think there’s a lot of truth to that. I have interviewed several young actors who have gotten cast as high school and college kids long after they are out of their teens. It can be really tough as you wait to mature a bit into other kinds of roles.
Yeah, you get into your late thirties, early forties, and you finally can get cast as the perfect detective. You are finally taken more seriously, and you look a bit more like the boss. But if you are an actor, you’ve got to hang with it to get there.
I have a great deal of respect for actors like you that stick it out and keep going. It would be so easy to give up, but I’m so glad you didn’t. As for Chronicle Mysteries, I know this month they are going to show three of them together. Kind of following the same pattern Garage Sale Mysteries started a couple years ago when August became Garage Sale Mysteries month.
Yeah, that’s great that they’re showing these in blocks. I know consistency is best, and Hallmark seems to know what they’re doing.
Well, they have done it successfully the past two years with Garage Sale Mysteries. They did three Hailey Dean mystery films last year in the month of June. I know they’re planning to do four Aurora Teagarden films in one month later on this fall. People seem to like this format. It becomes like a mini-series.
Well, that’s good to know. I hope it keeps working well for all the mystery series, and of course, ours as well.
Chronicle Mysteries
I know we are very excited to see Chronicle Mysteries because we loved Murder, She Baked. And I’m so glad Ali Sweeney is back with another mystery series. I just love anything she does, especially for Hallmark.
She is the best! She is an awesome person.
I agree completely. So this leads well into us discussing Chronicle Mysteries. I know you are a regular cast member along with Benjamin Ayres and Rebecca Staab.
Yes, Rebecca is kind of the gossip columnist. She’s the socialite in the town and knows everybody in the town. Rebecca is a fantastic person and really nice.
I agree with you completely. I’m so excited that these films start airing tonight (February 17th), and they continue for this week and the next two Sundays after that. At some point, I’ll be interviewing Ben. But this first one that comes out is actually directed by one of my friends, Jason Bourque.
Oh yeah, he’s great. A really, really artistic guy. He is such a filmmaker kind of guy. When you watch him work, he’s a really calming presence on set. And the way he directs is beautiful. The shots he creates, the movement of the camera. Watching him compose shots is lovely. Some directors, it’s not like that. But with Jason, you can tell he’s very focused on the aesthetic. He’s also one of these guys that knows how to get a solid performance. It was the first time I worked him.
Chronicle Mysteries
And it was his first Hallmark movie, so I’m very happy for him since I have followed his career for a while.
I had known about him for many years, but I had never worked with him. So I was really excited to get to work with him. He is a wonderful human being.
I know Jason only directed the first one, but who directed the second and third ones?
The second one was directed by Terry Ingram, who I’ve worked with a lot on Aurora Teagarden. Terry is so fantastic; he’s such a professional. He is the master of control on the set. Everything is under control and marked well.
David Weaver directed the third one. He’s done some Hallmark in the past, but I think this may have been his first mystery film with the network.
Now, Toby Levins is part of the cast as well, right?
Yeah, he is. Toby’s awesome. I think you might see a bit of a love triangle between his character and Ben’s.
I was so excited to discover that he was a part of these because he was in Murder, She Baked, and I am glad he’s back. Kind of a mini-reunion. I’m so glad Ali brought him back.
I think Ali is like that. She’s really supportive of those she respects and has worked with in the past. That’s how I got this role. It was purely because of her. It was because of a Christmas movie I did where I didn’t even get to act with her. Christmas At Holly Lodge. She was producing it, so she got to see the dailies. She liked what I did, and that’s exactly how I got this role. In fact, on our very last day, she came to me and said, “Hey, I’ve been watching your dailies. You’re pretty funny.” And that was it. I just said, “Thanks.” And that led to my role in Chronicle Mysteries. It was such a nice surprise when someone finds your abilities good and that I had what she wanted in terms of that specific kind of flavor. I’m this big, funny guy, and it was perfect timing.
I bet this series will make you much more recognized amongst the Hallmark fans. People probably have an idea of who you are, but now you’re going to be in this mystery series and be one of the more significant characters. I bet Hallmark viewers will begin to make the connections about where they have seen you before.
In Chronicle Mysteries, I am definitely the comedic relief. Hopefully, it lives in the genre well. But I’m definitely having fun with this role.
I think that’s great because you need that in these mysteries. Without that, it can be too serious and dark. Hallmark mysteries are cozy mysteries and need a lightness and some humor to them.
Behind-the-scenes
Chronicle Mysteries
I’m glad to be there for that. In fact, Ali even lets me play. This is her baby, and she lets me do my thing, which is amazing. She’s very supportive. I’ve been on a lot of sets where they don’t let you do that, you know? They want to keep you very close to the script and play it just one way. But with Ali, she wants us to have some fun, and she lets me do my thing. She’s really fun to act with because she’s really good at improv. With her, Ben, and I, there’s such a great chemistry already. We would hang out at lunchtime all the time, and we were always hanging around during breaks, making each other laugh. I feel like we all feel really comfortable with each other, so when it comes down to the scenes with all of us, everyone has a playful energy, and I think that makes it really fun.
You guys filmed this in the Vancouver area, right?
Yeah, Vancouver, and then all the surrounding suburbs. There’s one scene we shot out in Port Moody on this dock set-up because one of the stories takes place in a dock setting. We shot on a real dock on the Fraser River. It was raining and had really amazing lights, and it looked so beautiful. And in that same episode, we shot in this huge sunflower field where the sunflowers are fifteen feet tall. And on that day, it was a beautiful blue-sky day with some big, fluffy clouds. I remember it looked so cinematic. The locations have been awesome.
So my understanding is that there are plans to shoot more of these Chronicle Mysteries films so that the series will continue after these first three.
Well, I hope so! I’m thinking it sounds like a good idea to me.
I’m hoping for twenty episodes as that seems to be the magical number with a lot of these new mystery series starting up. I can’t imagine the ratings being bad or anything, and I’m sure as long as Ali and the cast want to do it, it sounds like a good idea to me. I can’t see Ali not wanting to continue these.
Chronicle Mysteries
I think you’re right. I think she’s got a pretty good connection with her writing partner. I think they’re really close friends. And I know that Ali is really into podcasts, especially true crime podcasts. So considering the show is based on a podcast, basically, the ideas are endless. I think that excites her. The fact that we can go anywhere and go into any kind of world is pretty exciting. In movie number three, we actually go on a road trip out of our town to solve a crime. And that’s cool that we can go anywhere, and any kind of storyline is a possibility. We all would go have lunch with Ali in her trailer–me, Ben, and Rebecca–and we would talk about all the potentials. We can go anywhere and go solve a crime anywhere.
Sounds like you guys could go international!
Oh, wouldn’t that be amazing?
Well, it’s not out of the realm of possibilities. Hallmark does these location movies, so why not have Chronicle Mysteries be the first mystery series shot overseas?
Okay, we have to pitch that to someone! That would be great!
It sounds to me like the viewers are really going to like this series. I’m definitely excited about it. And the fact that this series is a little different in that it’s dealing with podcasts…that is so current!
I hope the viewers will love it. I think they will.
Chronicle Mysteries
behind-the-scenes
And I’m even happier that we’re seeing this series in February instead of March like they originally planned.
It’s funny when you’ve worked on something that seems so long ago, and at this point, I’ve seen just a little bit of it…Really, I kind of forgot about it over the months since we did it, and tonight, the audience will see the first one and we can see if they like it. I hope they do!
I hope that one of the Canadian networks picks it up as I don’t see a Canadian premiere date as of yet. The W Network has picked up some of the other mystery series, so I hope they will with this one too.
I hope so too.
I think that Christmas At Holly Lodge aired on the W Network this past Christmas, so here’s hoping this series will too.
I think that the Hallmark network has been growing so fast that they have to step things up now because the demand is so strong. Not just in the U.S. but in Canada as well.
Now, one thing I would like to put out there is that I would love to do one of the comedy romance movies on Hallmark. That’s something I haven’t done as of yet. I would love to play the funny best friend. It would be great to be the friend who watches the lead guy on his love journey, and I can be the one to come in and make fun of him a little bit like the best friend does.
Benjamin Ayres Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Dean Buscher
Oh, I could definitely see that. I hope it does happen. Maybe your role in Chronicle Mysteries will help that happen for you.
Even in Chronicle Mysteries, there’s one scene where I get to kind of make fun of Ben for coming in and being awkward with Ali, and that’s one of my favorite scenes.
Well, maybe since you have a more significant role in Chronicle Mysteries, they will realize what you can do and give you a shot in one of their romance movies. After all, they announced that they are making 103 movies this year.
Wow, can you imagine?
I know that they are shooting these films all over, but Vancouver is still their main place to shoot, I would say.
Speaking of cool ideas, I was on Twitter the other day, and I saw this idea someone mentioned. The idea was to cross platforms with these mystery series. Like the CW shows all have those shows where they cross platforms? Well, someone mentioned that the mystery series should cross platforms and get involved in each other’s mysteries.
Oh my goodness, I have talked about that with some of my friends! Can you imagine a crossover episode with Garage Sale Mysteries and Aurora Teagarden?
That would be amazing, right?
I mean, we’re talking about two of the stars of Fuller House with Lori Loughlin and Candace Cameron Bure! Two Hallmark queens!
It would be huge!
Rebecca Staab, Dave Collette Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Farah Nosh
I really hope one day the network gives it a try. I think it’s a fantastic idea. The logistics might be tough, but I bet if there’s enough interest for it, the network will try it one day. Now, Dave, it’s nice getting to chat with you because usually when I interview actors on these mystery series, I find out later on that I’m interviewing the murderer!
Well, when you see me on Chronicle Mysteries, you’ll definitely know I’m not the murderer. I’m just a guy trying his best. The backstory for my character is that I worked at the steel mill, and it closed, so I was lucky enough to find this job at The Chronicle. So I’m basically trying to do anything I can to be useful. Whether it’s fix a lightbulb or grab some coffee. Whatever Ali and Ben need, I do. I’m just running around trying to be helpful.
I figured you couldn’t be the murderer since you’re a recurring character and are in all three movies. I really like the way these Hallmark mysteries are written. Sometimes I figure them out, but if I don’t, I’m happy too. It’s just fun trying to figure out whodunnit.
Dave with friends
I think you’ll find that these are well-written. Melissa Salmons is the writer, and these mysteries are really good. She’s done a great job.
I love the fact that so many of these Vancouver actors are in these great Hallmark movies, even though they have also been in things that are not Hallmark-friendly. In fact, you might be surprised to know that I saw an independent movie you were in a couple of years ago.
Which one?
Candiland.
Oh really? How did you happen to see that one?
I was working with a publicity company and had the chance to interview the two leads and review the movie. It was definitely outside my comfort zone, but I reviewed it pretty positively because I thought it was very well done.
It was very well-acted and quite intense.
I recognized a lot of Vancouver actors in that one. But it is not a movie that everyone would want to watch. Definitely not Hallmark-friendly. Really, the only genre I don’t watch is horror films unless they are on the mild side.
I don’t really watch horror films much either. I really like romantic comedies. I like those kinds of films that are light and you can just laugh, and then the couples come together and you can have a little cry. I’m right now really into the show Parenthood. That’s my show. Every episode, I have a good cry. I’m a parent; I have two kids. Every show is dealing with something I can relate to.
Sounds like it would be perfect for you to get to do more Hallmark stuff so you guys could all watch together.
Definitely, I would love that. In fact, it would be great to do something with Ben. I’d love to play his sidekick in a romantic comedy. That would be the best.
with Ben Ayres
Well, yeah, Ben has done some Hallmark stuff.
Yeah, he did one where he was a doctor, and he fell in love with one of his patients. Then he did another one that was a fall romantic comedy. And I tell you, Ben is such an awesome leading man. He’s a really strong actor. I have gotten to see him in action so much because I’ve known him practically my whole life.
Now, I want to make sure. Do you have anything else besides these three Chronicle Mysteries films?
Probably nothing that would appeal to the Hallmark audience. I am on another show called You Me Her, but it’s not really Hallmark-friendly.
Well, it’s good to know because I’m always amazed at how diverse the tastes of the Hallmark audiences are. So at least if people are interested, they can look that show up. I am familiar with the show, but I have never watched it. I do have a daughter who is a teenager, and she watches some of the edgier things. She is not into Hallmark. But my parents and I love Hallmark movies.
You know, when I was growing up, I watched a lot of television. Probably an unhealthy amount, come to think of it. During the time I was growing up, it was Matlock, Simon & Simon…shows that might have been a little edgy, but not really. A kid could watch it, and there’s no blood, no swearing. There was a crime, and Matlock had to solve it.
With Peter and Ben
Which is why I am so glad mystery series like Chronicle Mysteries are on Hallmark now. It’s like a throwback to those shows. I know people like to criticize the network, but they must be doing something right because they continue to experience unprecedented growth.
I agree with you there. Of course, we don’t have any of the Hallmark Channels up here in Canada, but I feel like from what I see on Instagram–my main source of information for Hallmark–it seems to me like the mysteries are looking more “filmicky”–kind of smoky and dark. I think they seem more like movies. I would say the quality of filming has increased.
I know what you mean, and I think you’re right. I know the writing has gotten stronger, and they have only been making these mysteries since around 2013 or 2014–somewhere in there. But I think the network is figuring out how they want to shoot these films as well as the formula for them to work. The regular Hallmark films look bright and cheery, and the mysteries do appear darker, which is what they should be. I continue to see the quality of their movies improved.
I know you’re right. The newsroom for The Chronicle in our mystery films…the office where we all live…it looks amazing! Drew’s office, it’s supposed to be a newspaper, right? They actually built a 3,000-square foot room for her office. And it looks amazing! Some days we’ll shoot there, and the sun is just right because it’s dusty because it’s supposed to be a bit of an older paper that’s on its way down so it has that feeling like it’s not what it once was. I like to hang out and watch the scenes that I’m not in. I’d rather be there than just sitting alone in the trailer, so I like to watch the actors and directors work. And it looks awesome. It looks very filmic. You’ve got the nice lights shining through the curtains and Ali’s big blue eyes on camera and her and Ben working together solving cases. It looks really cool. I’m there on the day, and I’m impressed. I think when people see it, it’s gonna look pretty cool. It’s definitely a world that doesn’t feel like some sort of set. The set decs who built that did a really good job.
You know, Dave, I was already excited for the series, but after chatting with you, I’m even more excited!
From what I’ve seen, it’s good. I’m pretty picky. Whatever I’m in, I want it to be the best it can be. And from what I’ve seen, everything looks really good. All the directors have made a huge effort to make it very filmic and grand. There’s a lot of camera moves. I think everyone is doing a really good job. And you will see Peter Benson in one of the episodes, which is neat to have Ben and Peter and I together since we’re all good friends.
As far as Ali goes, from watching her on this series, she is hands-on. She’s quite an incredible decision-maker, and her ideas are amazing. She’s an amazing problem-solver. I’ve got a lot of respect for Ali. I didn’t know her before. I didn’t grow up watching soap operas. I actually remembered her from The Biggest Loser. But my mom watched soap operas, so she knew who Ali was. But I had no preconceptions about Ali, so when I met her…you couldn’t ask for a more down-to-earth leading lady. She’s super supportive and has amazing energy. That makes everything wonderful. You know, it wouldn’t be enjoyable to have a leading lady who wasn’t having a good time and wasn’t really into it. And she’s the exact opposite. She is so into it, so positive, and so supportive of us all to be our best. So I’m looking forward to getting back on set with her and Ben.
Well, let’s hope you guys are all back on set filming again sooner rather than later.
I really hope you’re right, Ruth. That would be a dream come true.
Dave, I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to chat with me today. I have learned so much, and I cannot wait to see Chronicle Mysteries tonight and over the next two weekends as well.
Thank you, Ruth, for taking the time. I’m looking forward to seeing what everybody thinks too.
with Ben
While Dave is typically cast in roles that might appear to be the “comic relief,” to be honest, he is a much more profound person and artist than that. He is decidedly humble and wouldn’t consider building himself up, nor stealing the limelight from anyone else, but there is no doubt that he is an absolutely marvelous actor as well as a fantastic human being. The very idea that he and Ben have been cast together in this series opposite the phenomenal force known as Ali Sweeney already has set the bar immensely high for this series. I was convinced months ago that this series would be entertaining and engrossing with just the right amount of edge to satisfy Hallmark viewers who crave a bit of mystery (like my mom and me), and this chat with Dave has only solidified and intensified those initial impressions. The injection of Dave’s comedic timing is the ideal thing to ensure that this series has the right kind of rhythm and charm that will make it an instant hit with the potential for a steady, lengthy run within the Hallmark family. After conversing with Dave, I am hoping that Hallmark does consider making Chronicle Mysteries the first mystery shot on location (how about going to Mexico or France or Italy or even Fiji?), and it would appear that the possibilities are endless.
The thing I appreciate most about Dave is that he is an engaging conversationalist. He doesn’t spend the duration of the chat addressing how fabulous he is, however. Instead, he discusses how incredible all of his friends are, and he took quite an interest in me and my views as well. When the interviewee invests meaningful time in getting acquainted with his interviewer…I cannot tell you how that warms my heart. While Dave may not ever be a household name within the film/TV community, he has certainly earned a special place in my heart, and he can count on my continued support no matter the trajectory of his career.
I invite everyone to tune into the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Network tonight (February 17th) for the premiere of Chronicle Mysteries: Recovered (followed by the next two installments on February 24th and March 3rd respectively). I would also invite my readers to visit Dave’s links below and consider following him (He’s more active on Instagram than anywhere else). My fingers are crossed for him regarding more Chronicle Mysteries films and maybe even that romantic lead as Ben’s sidekick. And I do anticipate the day that a crossover episode happens for these mystery series as well. (I hope Dave is in that. I’d be heartbroken if he wasn’t!) I cannot think of a more endearing, more talented, more enchanting man than Dave, who deserves nothing but success and joy in his life, and it is an honor to get to support someone as authentic and as gifted as he. He is the kind of guy I’d love to sit down and have coffee with some time in the near future, and I am grateful that he was so forthcoming and encouraging during our chat. I can hardly wait to see him in Chronicle Mysteries, and here’s to many more years with this remarkable human being involved in a variety of productions with Hallmark and beyond!
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