Canadian actor Matt Hamilton chatted about the new film “Campfire Christmas,” which premieres on Saturday, July 16 on the Hallmark Channel.
Hamilton stars alongside Tori Anderson, Corbin Bleu, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman, Caitlin Stryker, and Alec Santos. This movie is a part of the network’s annual “Christmas in July” programming event.
“Campfire Christmas” is produced by Muse Entertainment. David I. Strasser directed the film from a script by Anna White. “This movie was a lot of fun to do,” he said. “It was cold and chilly in Vancouver Island in April when we filmed it but it was a fun time.”
Synopsis of ‘Campfire Christmas’
Peyton’s (Tori Anderson) parents decide it’s time for them to retire and will be selling the summer camp they run where so many memories have been made. First, they host one final Christmas in July celebration that was a beloved camp tradition, for all their alumni and their families. Peyton is thrilled to reunite with friends Beckett (Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman), now a Broadway star; now-married camp sweethearts Janice (Caitlin Stryker) and Dave (Matt Hamilton), and Chris (Alec Santos).
She is much less excited to see Thomas (Bleu), her former boyfriend who broke her heart when he ended their romance after high school. As the friends spend time together during traditional outdoor camp activities, crafts, and Christmas pageant rehearsals, they reconnect and reminisce.
Peyton, Thomas, Beckett, Janice, Dave, and Chris help each other take stock of where they are in their lives and gain insight into what paths they want to take next as they start on their own happily-ever-afters.
Hamilton was drawn to playing Dave for several reasons. “Dave is scared to take the next big step. He likes his life where it’s at, he is comfortable, and his business is thriving He is scared to take the next chance so for him, it’s about finding the courage to do so,” he said.
“This film is an ensemble piece, with six main actors, it’s fun and I think it’s really funny,” he said. “There is a lot of comedy in it and the cast is terrific.”
The digital age
On being an actor in the digital age, he said, “The digital age creates more opportunities, there are more avenues for shows and movies. Everybody is trying to keep up with the next person. The more opportunities the better for me, I will take it.”
For young and aspiring actors, he said, “Get comfortable with being rejected. Get used to it, it is going to happen. Don’t take things personally. You can’t control most of the reasons where one gets rejected for a role.”
On the title of the current chapter of his life, Hamilton said, “Happiness.” Right now, I am very happy,” he admitted.
Hamilton defined the word success as a “balance of being happy in his personal and professional life.” “I’ve had a good year and I want to keep the train moving,” he said.
To learn more about Canadian actor Matt Hamilton, check out his IMDb page, and follow him on Instagram.
