Actor Luke Macfarlane chatted about his upcoming new original film “Moriah’s Lighthouse” on the Hallmark channel. It premieres on Saturday, June 18 at 8 p.m. EST.
American track and field legend Jesse Owens once said: “We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.” Luke Macfarlane is an individual that exemplifies this wise quote by the late four-time Olympic gold medalist.
‘Moriah’s Lighthouse’
“Moriah’s Lighthouse” is based on the book of the same name by Serena B. Miller, and it was filmed on location in France. This movie is a part of the network’s annual “Summer Nights” programming. “I was lucky enough to get to go to France, to travel and do a Hallmark movie there. It’s something we all want to do: to film in a fantastic destination. It was awesome,” he said.
The film stars Rachelle Lefevre and Luke Macfarlane whose characters might find love in a French seaside town.
Synopsis of ‘Moriah’s Lighthouse’
Moriah (Rachelle Lefevre) is a talented woodworking artisan who carefully crafts beautiful creations for her clients in the beautiful French island town where her family has lived for generations.
She dreams of one day being able to purchase the lighthouse keeper’s residence
that had been home for years before being decommissioned and plans to use her skills to lovingly restore it to its full beauty.
Ben (Luke Macfarlane) is an American architect who checks in to her aunt’s
hotel for the summer may be the fly in the ointment. Moriah is shocked and saddened to learn Ben has been hired to design a new home for the new owner; however, the purchaser has an unexpected connection to the island as well as Moriah’s aunt, which may lead to more surprises for Moriah as the summer unfolds.
Playing Ben in ‘Moriah’s Lighthouse’
Macfarlane was drawn to playing Ben for several reasons. “Ben is goofier than some of the other characters I’ve played before so it was fun to explore that aspect of his personality,” he admitted.
“There is some beautiful language in this movie, it is based on a book and we were lucky to have the author Serena B. Miller there with us,” he said.
“Ben doesn’t take life too seriously so that was nice,” he added.
Leif Bristow, Paul Campbell, and Terrence Cunningham served as executive producers. Producers include Agnes Bristow, Borga Dorter, and Hubert Toint. Stefan Scaini directed “Moriah’s Lighthouse” from a script by Paul Campbell and Terrence Cunningham.
“This movie is a chance to go on a little journey to France,” he said. “You get to see some real authentic landscapes, buildings, seashores, as well as some French actors and new faces.”
Multi-movie deal with Hallmark
Macfarlane signed a multi-movie deal with the Hallmark Channel. “Hallmark has been so good to me over the years,” he said. “I am just grateful that they are going to continue to work with me. There is something very comforting as an actor about finding a place where you belong so it is really nice that they have embraced me over there. I am very grateful to them. I hope I get to do a Christmas movie with them, that is always a lot of fun.”
The digital age
On being an actor in the digital age, Macfarlane said, “It feels the same behind the camera. I am actually currently working on an Apple TV show so it’s interesting to see tech companies jumping into it. There is so much out there. Also, there are many more job opportunities.”
Advice for hopefuls in the entertainment scene
For young and aspiring actors, Macfarlane encouraged them to “be kind to everyone.” “Truly be kind to everybody and be prepared because you never know when the opportunity is going to come around. You have no idea what leads to what,” he said.
On the greatest lesson that the acting profession has ever taught him, Macfarlane responded, “Having fun and enjoying your work is when you are able to do your best work.” “I know personally when I am on a set and I am happy, I do my best work, and that’s really something that I try to bring into everything,” he said, prior to noting that a “positive mindset” goes a long way.
If he were to write, direct, and produce his own short film, he revealed that it would be something related to woodworking. “I am an amateur woodworker and I have always been into that kind of creative process: through the journey of making something out of wood,” he said. “My central character would have that hobby though I have no idea what the story would be about. I like the idea of people creating things out of wood.”
He also shared his love for the cello. “I’ve played the cello since I was a little kid,” he admitted. “My first cello lesson was when I was five years old. It’s one of those hobbies that comes and goes but when I have time off, I always dive back into it.”
Dream acting partner
Macfarlane listed Sam Waterston of “Law & Order” fame as his dream acting partner. “I’ve always been a fan of Sam Waterston,” he said. “I just love him, I think he is great in so many ways. I would like to have a career like his. I really like New York theater actors.”
On the title of the current chapter of his life, Macfarlane said, “Optimistically Hopeful.”
If he were to have any superpower, Macfarlane noted that it would be “to teleport himself with the snap of a finger.”
Christmas Con
He had great words about being a part of Christmas Con in New Jersey last winter. “It was great,” he said. “Even though I wasn’t feeling the best, everyone was so supportive and happy to see me. It was just incredibly energized, especially to realize how people are positively affected by these Hallmark movies.”
Success
On his definition of the word success, Macfarlane remarked,” “Success means being loved and cared for by your friends and family.”
To learn more about actor Luke Macfarlane, follow him on Instagram, and check out his IMDb page.
