I don’t know if the typical Hallmark fan realizes just how special the upcoming movie The Secret Ingredient is, but as an early supporter of Hallmark Publishing, I believe this movie fulfills the dreams of every author, editor, and others who founded Hallmark Publishing. As the first movie to be based on a Hallmark Publishing book, The Secret Ingredient is a movie that boasts a cast list, which I have delighted in perusing and subsequently reaching out to various actors involved. Aidan Moreno happens to be one of those, and since Saturday’s premiere (February 15th) will mark his debut with the network, I am ecstatic to introduce him and his indisputable talent to the fans!
© Brett Ida
RH: How/Why did you decide to pursue a career in film/TV? What kind of training have you had to prepare you for this career?
AM: I was always fascinated by playwrights and consequently also the theatre, yet my passion initially focused upon the written word itself, which led me to eventually pursuing literature at University in London, England. During my studies, from high school through to college, literature came hand in hand with the theatre and allowed an exploration into the words being lifted off the page onto the stage. This is when I first had a true taste of acting, which built up to becoming a tremendous hobby. Upon graduation, I landed a few minor roles in England and Spain where I divided my time living between the two countries.
Opportunities and auctions eventually brought me across the pond. My first role this side of the Atlantic was for an American History Channel special on MLK {Martin Luther King Jr.} as a Scotland Yard Investigator, and from then it was a gradual but consistent booking of roles that led to joining the cast of some great shows from 2019. Definitely feeling blessed for the journey so far and seeing that preparation teamed with opportunity truly can be a shining light.
What was your first on-screen professional credit, and what are your memories of working on that job?
Here, it would have Justice For MLK: The Hunt For James Earl Ray on American History Channel followed right after by Guillermo Del Torro’s FX The Strain. My first significant role came a while after when I appeared on CW’s Supernatural.
Supernatural
According to IMDb {Internet Movie Database}, most of your well-known credits are listed for 2019, and I am unfamiliar with most of your work before that. So what would you say are a couple of your more significant/memorable works before last year and why do those stand out to you?
I think every project to me has been important, regardless of the size of the role or the success of the film/show. It’s so important for me to treat every experience with an open mind, one that is there to learn and grow as an actor and as a person. Each one has made me gain skills, professionalism and a positive attitude from the good, bad and ugly and how to channel that into teaching yourself how to learn from it all. Not only for my career, but for life too!
Murdoch Mysteries
I am familiar with Jann (though I’ve never seen it), but I have seen you in both Murdoch Mysteries and Blood and Treasure. Since these are all listed as more “significant” works for you in the film/TV world, please tell us a little about your experiences on any or all of the three.
Blood and Treasure was an epic production shot in beautiful Montreal! I always feel at home in that city, it echoes Europe ’round every corner and I think why they picked it to film as their location.
Murdoch Mysteries
Murdoch Mysteries is such a global show. I’ve grown up watching that show with my grandparents back in Europe, and it is shown as wide as Australia. To be lucky enough to get that exposure is amazing. Beyond that, watching a show that is now in its thirteenth season, the crew at Murdoch are a family. To see such kind and humble people in this business can be a rarity and was truly a pleasure to be a part of from start to finish.
JANN
Jann was a laugh a minute. Female-written, showrunner and amazingly talented writers. The show dealt with such a serious issue, but through comedy allowed a very important conversation into people’s homes. It was Canada’s number one comedy of 2019, so they definitely did something right!
I notice a movie in your works called Stand! that sounds fascinating, but it looks like it may only be a Canadian film as of now. First, what was your role in that film and what did you enjoy about it? Secondly, do you know where the film might be available both inside and outside of Canada?
Stand! is a musical movie set around the workers’ strikes in Winnipeg in 1919. A time of mass immigration into Canada, and with it lots of discrimination, racism, and xenophobia. Although set one hundred years ago, it is a film that definitely resonates in today’s climate. I played an immigrant worker and the film sees characters from all backgrounds coming to a new country to start a new life, something I think we all deserve and sometimes can forget. The film premiered at Cineplex Cinemas across Canada in November and is due for a larger release later 2020.
We are about to see you in your first Hallmark film, The Secret Ingredient. What did you know about Hallmark before making this film? Why do you believe this network is growing so rapidly?
Maneet Chauhan Credit: ©2020 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Steven Ackerman
Hallmark! Wow! Films with heart, with a message, with humanity. Things I find we often discount and quickly look to separate and divide. Hallmark reminds us and allows us to escape and see the pure essence of our existence–to love and be kind. Something all the family can watch and receive messages on all levels, from the kids seeing kindness to marriages showing compassion and respect, it captures the heart in all of us.
Please tell us a little about your character and how he fits into the overall story of the movie. Any memorable moments from filming?
I play Chef Collin, one of three judges who are overseeing and yes, getting taste all of the baking contestants’ efforts. I may have gained a pound or three during filming 🙂
Shot by @mckjames
Memories of the shoot…without giving too much away, we shot the film in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and it was -30 degrees Celsius {-22 degrees Fahrenheit} for the shoot, and I actually couldn’t feel my face when I stepped outside after wrapping each night. Working with my fellow judges and all the cast and crew was a delight and warmed me up from the cold outside. The amazing cakes and treats also didn’t hurt either 🙂 Each take we got more and more which was never a bad thing. Tibor {Takács} was a fabulous director and so kind, and guest star Maneet {Chauhan} was a giggle a minute and not only a fabulous chef and presenter, but now she’s also an amazing actress. I really can’t wait for you all to see this on Saturday!
Any other upcoming works you can mention?
Actually working on something right now, but my lips are firmly sealed, unfortunately. Coming up later this year is a film I shot in Calgary Let Him Go where I got to share a scene with Kevin Costner. I also shot an episode of Netflix’s Trailer Park Boys, a new series set for release late this year.
What is your favorite go-to dessert to eat and/or to bake yourself?
I definitely have a sweet tooth. If push came to shove, I’d have to say Lemon Meringue Pie or my grandma’s Rhubarb Crumble with Devonshire Custard, yum yum!
Without a doubt, not only does Aidan deliver talent, experience, and an incredible work ethic to this upcoming project, but he also provides an element of diversity that thrills me to no end. While I’m a champion of diversity in general, I applaud Hallmark for their decision to include within their casts a wide variety of people, ethnicities, backgrounds, and more while not sacrificing story, inspiration, engagement, and a family-friendly viewing experience. Now that an actor the caliber of Aiden has joined the network (in one of the most highly-anticipated movies of the season), I can hardly wait to witness the on-screen persona and rapport he will bring to this movie and (hopefully) future works with the network. He definitely seems like the sort of person who fits perfectly with the tenets and values of the network and those who work with them.
I hope that everyone tunes in Saturday, February 15th to the Hallmark Channel or the W Network to watch this historic film for the network, The Secret Ingredient. In addition to this, I hope that my readers make a point to check out Aidan’s links below and consider following him where applicable. While this movie marks Aidan’s first foray into the Hallmark universe, I cannot imagine this will be his last, and I, for one, greatly anticipate all the opportunities that are bound to come his way in the days, weeks, months, and years to come.
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