I think it’s safe to state that I have followed Brittany Bristow’s Hallmark career, even before I knew her name. Her presence on-screen has been something quite distinctive, and she consistently engages her fans on social media in a remarkably positive fashion. Even though she is still fairly young, her success within the industry has entertained Hallmark viewers notably in films like Love On Safari, Royal Matchmaker, and most recently, Christmas At the Palace. Last year, I had the opportunity to interview her before that dynamic movie she and Lacey Chabert shot in South Africa, and now, in anticipation of her most recent Hallmark film, which premieres tonight (February 16th), I am honored to present an up-to-date conversation she and I recently savored.

Brittany Bristow Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Marianne Grimont

RH: Brittany, it’s so nice to chat with you again!

BB: Same here, Ruth, it’s always nice to chat with you. It’s been a while, I think.

Yeah, you’ve been so busy! I can’t get over all the stuff you’ve gotten to do. The last time we talked was after you filmed Love On Safari.

Oh, yes!

Brittany Bristow Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Maritz Verwey

Which was great, by the way. It was such an amazing film.

Yes, it definitely was an amazing experience.

In fact, my daughter, who is not a fan of Hallmark movies, watched part of that movie because of the animals. While the acting and story were wonderful, the scenery and the animals made that film so special.

I agree. There was something really magical about it.

And the young man I interviewed, Xabiso Ngqabe, who was a part of that film was so kind to come back even recently and thank me for the interview again. That meant a lot.

Jon Cor, Lacey Chabert, Brittany Bristow Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Maritz Verwey

I’m so glad he did that and you were so touched. He is such a sweetheart.

I am hopeful that Hallmark will go back there and film again. And it would be really cool if they went with the same cast for some kind of sequel.

Gosh, that would be so cool. I would love to go back to South Africa.

Then this past Christmas, Christmas At the Palace premiered on Thanksgiving here in the U.S. And that film was one of Hallmark’s best-performing Christmas films if I remember right.

Yeah, you’re right, it was. It was received very well.

And what was neat about that film for me is that…sometimes I admit I get tired of the royal films. I feel like I’m seeing the same story over and over again. But this one had a unique way of telling the story. and your character had a great storyline.

Thank you! I loved that storyline and my character in that movie too.

Photo: Brittany Bristow Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Cos Aelenei

Remind me of where you shot that movie.

We shot that in Romania.

That’s right! I knew it was over there in Europe somewhere. I knew it wasn’t Belgium because that’s where your upcoming movie was shot. 

Right, Love, Romance, and Chocolate was shot in Belgium.

I think it’s so cool that Hallmark keeps sending you to all these wonderful places to film. You seem like the go-to person for these destination films.

I’m so okay with that!

Christmas At the Palace with Nicholas Banks

But back to Christmas At the Palace. What I loved about your character is although you were a supporting character, you had your own romance and an opportunity to show that you were this strong woman. You didn’t leave all of your dreams behind for him. He actually came and followed you. 

I know! I loved that story! I love that he showed up in New Jersey and stayed there with her!

That was a surprise. I wasn’t expecting that. And when it happened, I thought it was cool, and I read a lot of comments where people were saying similar things. Traditionally, in romance films, the woman gives up everything for the man. And I think we all feel it’s time for the guy to give up some stuff and follow the woman he loves. 

I agree!

Were you also in a Lifetime movie this past Christmas?

No, actually it wasn’t Lifetime. I had a small role in a Freeform Christmas movie called No Sleep ‘Til Christmas.

Oh, yeah, that’s right! I actually saw that one. It was a really cute film.

Yes, I was right at the beginning and halfway through. I played the ex-girlfriend. I’m glad to know you enjoyed it.

Yes, I did. And if people missed it, I’m sure it will be around this coming Christmas since Freeform tends to replay the movies that have appeared on their network in the past. {Or you can watch it on Amazon Video, Google Play, or possibly other streaming services.}

Photo: Brittany Bristow Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Cos Aelenei

And speaking of Hallmark movies, it’s great how much those movies get replayed. Whether it’s Christmas movies or Royal Matchmaker or any of the ones I have been in, I get these lovely messages where people tell me that they saw me in this or that movie. And that’s just great!

Also, I don’t know if you’ve heard, but every Thursday and Friday this year, Hallmark is showing a Christmas movie in the evening, so I think there is a chance that Christmas At the Palace may get a showing at some point. Or even Christmas Next Door. It’s all to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the network’s Countdown To Christmas.

That’s fantastic! Please let me know if either of my Christmas movies happens to get scheduled!

I will, or I’m sure the fans will if I don’t happen to notice it. Speaking of Chrstiasmas At the Palace, weren’t you filming in Belgium when that movie premiered?

Christmas At the Palace with Lacey and India Fowler

{laughs} Yes, that’s right. I think I was up at 4 AM or something like that. But I was like, “There is no way I’m going into this movie without watching and tweeting with everyone.” I was going to find a way. So I drank a bunch of coffee and was struggling to keep my eyes open, but I stayed up and tweeted and was on Instagram.

I remember that. 

I was dedicated!

Brittany, that was pretty impressive. I remember how the fans very much appreciated that you did that. People really did notice that you were doing that.

You know what? Honestly, much of what makes working with the Hallmark family so much fun is the extended family. I always joke that the extended family is everyone who watches the movies. It’s something you want to watch with everyone. And part of the excitement is seeing how excited people get when watching these movies. It’s so fun watching the tweets come in as everyone wonders what’s gonna happen. I love being able to engage with the fans in that way. I really want to make sure that no matter what’s going on in my life, I always try to be there. It’s so nice to be able to interact with people who are watching the movie. I really enjoy doing it, and I’m glad that it’s appreciated.

Oh, it is definitely appreciated. And you know, sometimes the cast and crew just don’t realize how much the fans appreciate and enjoy tweeting live with them. I’m regularly encouraging actors to live tweet if they can. But it’s great that you do realize it. 

Brittany Bristow Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Marianne Grimont

I’m only here ’cause the Hallmark fans like me. I’m lucky. I owe it all to everybody that watched the movies and likes what I’m doing and responds well to me. They think I’m funny or have done something good. At the end of the day, I have fans to thank for where I am as well as the amazing people at Hallmark. But the fans play a really big part in that. I want to make sure everyone’s happy! {laughs}

So this movie that premieres tonight–Love, Romance, and Chocolate–was filmed in Belgium. What was it like filming that movie?

with Lacey and Will at Hallmark TCS’s 2019

I was so excited to be reunited with Lacey Chabert and Will Kemp for this movie. I had so much fun being with both of them again! I love Lacey. She is one of my best friends on the planet. She’s one of the most exceptionally kind and wonderful people I’ve ever encountered. And Will…we always joke that he’s like my big brother and my little brother at the same time. {laughs} He really drives me bonkers, but at the same time, he’s the one I go to for advice. We have a big-brother-big-sister, little-brother-little-sister relationship going on between us. Which is really special. And I love him very much.

It was also really fun because both of their families came out, so I had a chance to meet Will’s family. He’s got a beautiful family. Lacey got to bring her husband and her sister and her daughter. And it was sweet and so much fun to spend time with everyone.

What can you tell us about your character in this movie and how she relates to the overall story? 

Brittany Bristow Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Marianne Grimont

I play Marie Gruben, a Belgian woman who owns an inn. This is the inn where Lacey’s character comes to stay while she’s in Belgium. My character runs a chocolate store. So this is partly a Valentine’s Day romance, and she does a tour of all the best chocolatiers in Belgium. She takes all the people who have come to Belgium for Valentine’s Day on a huge chocolate tour. While the chocolate tour is going on, there is also a competition that is happening. Lacey’s character comes to Belgium alone because her boyfriend broke up with her just before Valentine’s Day. One of my character’s best friends owns a chocolate shop. So I instigate a little so these two can meet “by chance.” I help by pushing them together a little bit. I’m kind of a quirky, lovesick person. I love love. I love chocolate. I love everything that has to do with romance. My character always wants to see everything turn out like they do in the movies.  She has such a knack for seeing the beauty in romance. She’s fun and cheeky. {laughs}

They certainly picked the right spot for chocolate. I learned about Belgian chocolate from a former school friend who went with her husband to Belgium as missionaries. Until that time, I didn’t realize how amazing Belgian chocolate was. 

with Lacey in Belgium

Yeah, it’s something else, that’s for sure!

This was your second film for Hallmark where you went to Belgium, right?

Yes, my very first movie for Hallmark, Love Blossoms, was also shot in Belgium. But it was a different area. We shot that one in Liège. I have to say as beautiful as all of Belgium is, shooting in Bruges and shooting right in Brussels…it’s just something else. Bruges is probably one of the most serene, beautiful, old cities I’ve ever seen. There’s swans everywhere. There’s boat rides on the canal. There’s beautiful, old buildings, and they decorate it for Christmas. We were shooting right up until the twenty-first or twenty-second of December. So we were there when all the Christmas markets were on. Oh, it was like a snow globe! It was so beautiful!

Even though this movie premieres after Valentine’s Day, it’s still February which is the month of love. So it’s still gonna work.

Oh, absolutely, I agree!

I have no doubt people will tune in. This is Lacey’s movie, and it’s shot in Belgium. You’ve got chocolate and love and romance…I can’t think of a better trio for the month of February. 

Behind-the-scenes
Love, Romance, and Chocolate

Absolutely, those three things are February! And pretty much anywhere you go on the premiere date, chocolate will be on sale! The day after Valentine’s Day, everything associated with the holiday is fifty percent off. So everyone can go get bags of chocolate. I urge everyone to buy chocolate before you watch this movie because if you don’t have chocolate in your house, you’re probably going to have to leave your house and make an emergency trip to the store and buy it! {laughs}

I have no doubt that when we see Lacey and Will eating chocolate, we viewers are going to be wanting chocolate. There’s something about seeing people eat chocolate that makes you want to eat chocolate. 

Yeah, it’s immediate. It’s ridiculous! I want chocolate. Do I have chocolate? I’m going to eat chocolate. I must have chocolate. Whenever we were on set and they were eating chocolate, I would be like, “Hey, are there any extra chocolates?” There was this really wonderful guy who was working with the art department who was in charge of all the chocolates…his name was Charlie. And I’d always be like, “Charlie, did you get me any chocolate?” And he’d always sneak me a piece. Charlie, if you’re reading this, thank you!

That’s good. Nothing wrong with having a little extra chocolate. 

I so agree with that. If I could just have an advent calendar for every month counting down to something and have my piece of chocolate every day, I would be happy.

I know what you mean. Not a day goes by that I don’t have a piece of chocolate in some shape or form. If I haven’t had chocolate for the day, you know something is wrong. Now, you also were in Iceland for a period of time shooting something. Isn’t that right?

Yes, I was. I got home from filming in Romania. I was home for three days. I actually got into a car accident on my way to the airport going to Iceland. So I had to fly out the next day. I went to Iceland and shot a movie. Then I went straight from Iceland to Belgium. So I had this whirlwind of three months living out of a suitcase quite literally.

The movie in Iceland that I was working on is a psychological thriller. I got to work with such a wonderful crew. I mean, the crew that I worked with on that film, I will keep in my heart forever. They were such incredible people and so inspiring to watch in their work ethic and their determination to make the project happen. So it was just really lovely working with that crew. And the other actors were really great too. I got to work with John Rhys-Davies again. I don’t even know how many movies I have done with him at this point. And he’s just a giant bundle of joy. He’ probably the funniest person alive.

filming in Iceland

So this is an independent film?

Yes, an independent film, and it’s being done by an Icelandic director. It’s a small, independent film, and I would call it the little engine that could. I have big hopes for it. I think it will be a while before it’s released. I have a feeling they’d like to do a festival circuit with it before it’s released. I’m sure they’ll try to get it into festivals and see what kind of attention it can garner. We’ll see, but I’m looking forward to seeing what happens with it.

Well, I guess you never know what can happen. Sometimes these independent films can really take off. I always am reminded of Sharknado. Who would imagine that would become such a phenomenon and have a franchise that releases a film every year on SyFy? 

Very true. I am hopeful that our film will do really well in the film festivals and get some good attention.

I know you also have two seasons of Wildlife Quest on Netflix.

Yes, and I’m hoping for a season three. But we’ll see. It depends on what Nat Geo thinks. We’re still waiting to find out, but I’m hopeful. I would love to go on an adventure again. Learn more and see the world.

Absolutely! I hope the Hallmark fans will go check it out and let Nat Geo know that we’d love another season. So is there anything else coming up that you want to be sure to mention?

Well, I am shooting another film, and while I’m not sure how much I can say about this film at this point, I can tell you this much. I’m shooting this film this month here in Toronto. It’s an independent film, and it’s a true story. But other than that, there’s nothing else coming up. I know it might sound like things are calm, but it’s been madness.

I know you’ve been busy! Thank you for making time to chat. I will mention that we Hallmark fans are still waiting for your first lead role. 

I would love to do a lead in a Hallmark movie. I know the network has been really wonderful about supporting me and giving me great roles. I’m positive that when they feel it’s the right time for me to have a lead, it will happen. I’m so excited for that day hopefully coming. For now, I just love being a part of their films, but I would so love one day to be the lead in a film and carry it. It would be fun to actually be the face of one of their movies.

While I’m not one who can predict the future, from what I know of other actors who have worked with Hallmark for a few years, I think you are on the path to an eventual lead. I’m glad to see they’ve given you a lot of diversity in your roles. And you’ve played some very strong women. And you’ve got the fans on your side.

Oh, thank you, that really means a lot.

Brittany Bristow Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Maritz Verwey

And I think it’s a positive sign when they give your supporting character a love interest. You aren’t playing the other woman or just the best friend with no love in her life. I remember the fan response when you didn’t have a love interest in Royal Matchmaker. 

{laughing} Oh, I remember the messages and responses I got on Instagram and Twitter. I remember people were demanding justice for my character and a romance for Britney. There were all sorts of hilarious hashtags I saw. It was so funny and so sweet. I love that they were so upset!  I mean, not that I want people to be upset, but how neat that they took such an interest in my character.

Brittany Bristow Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Maritz Verwey

Well, I’m thinking maybe Hallmark paid attention and made sure you had a love interest in one of the next ones. In Christmas At the Palace, you had a love interest.

Yes, I had my very own romance.

And truly, Brittany, I love seeing you on-screen, and it’s just incredible to interact with you online and to see how you interact with the fans. You are so patient about answering fan questions. You truly go above and beyond the call of duty, and it’s noticed and appreciated by the fans. And I tend to think the network knows and appreciates it as well.

Thank you, Ruth, that means a lot. And thank you to all the fans. Hopefully, everyone saw the TCA’s and the press for the film that I did. It was great to see Lacey down in LA. I even got to celebrate my birthday there.

I hope you get some downtime at home.

I have such an incredible support system. I’ve been helping my parents move, so we’ve been packing boxes. But I’ve got a friend’s wedding coming up that I’m really looking forward to. It’s very nice to come back and take a look at the life that surrounds you when you stand in one place for a minute. I know I have some decisions to make coming up soon about where I want to make my home base, but I am so lucky to be where I am and have such amazing opportunities and wonderful people around me.

Best wishes with everything, Brittany, and we can hardly wait to see you in the movie tonight!

Thank you, Ruth, I’m excited too. I’m looking forward to tweeting with everyone!

Hallmark TCA’s 2019

I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to observe an actor in today’s film/television industry who recognizes and publicly acknowledges the fact that she is only here because of the fans. Of course, she has had to invest her time, resources, talent, and more in developing the career she is now enjoying, but without the fans, she knows she wouldn’t have all these astounding opportunities. The dedication and determination that Britanny demonstrates on a regular basis is something that sets her apart from many of her contemporaries. In today’s society, young people tend to behave in a rather entitled manner, and that mindset even inundates the entertainment industry to a certain degree. Young people begin to experience success, and sometimes those accomplishments negatively impact them adversely and they forget where they came from and who helped them arrive at the place where they now stand. 

Not so with Brittany. Each step of the way, she pours her heart and soul into every role and every fan interaction, regardless of the size or scope of the role or opportunity. Her limitless buoyancy, her authentic humanity, and her radiant effervescence saturate every part of her being, and she continues to maintain her positive outlook, no matter what criticism or negativity happens to be cast her way. She exemplifies the values and ideals of Hallmark as well as the best of the world around her, so it stands to reason that the network would continue to invite her on these astounding adventures clear across the world because she can be trusted to not only do her best work, but to be the quality of ambassador they need for propagating the essence of what the network represents. Indeed, Brittany is a true professional in every sense of the word, and there is no task she would not attempt and no role she wouldn’t undertake to inspire, encourage, and uplift others all around the world. It is rare to see someone of her generation with such poise, dignity, and benevolence, and I am immensely grateful to Hallmark for introducing me to such a phenomenal actress and artist such as Brittany.

I hope that everyone tunes in tonight to the Hallmark Channel (February 16th) for the premiere of Love, Romance, and Chocolate. (I don’t see it listed in Canada as of yet, but right now, it is the only February premiere not listed, so I tend to think it will show up very soon on the W Network or elsewhere.) Additionally, if you feel so inclined, please take a moment to visit Brittany’s links below and consider following her where applicable. She is remarkably reciprocative with her fans, and she routinely responds with a genuine spirit of courteous attentiveness, so I tend to think that is something that will encourage all her fans to follow her on their preferred form of social media. I am tremendously thrilled for all of Brittany’s successes so far, particularly in recent months, and I simply cannot wait to see what the rest of 2019 brings her. As far as supporting cast members are concerned, Brittany is undoubtedly one of the most deserving in the business, and it boggles the mind to actualize all that is on the horizon for this amazing human being in the weeks, months, and years ahead. I promise you, dear readers, you DO NOT want to miss out on the singular sensation that is Brittany Bristow!

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