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The Hallmark Channel unapologetically occupies its own astral plane of television.
We dont go there for complexity or nuance or apoetic skeweringof the elite.
Lacey Chabert knows that, and its why shes enjoying a long and cheerful reign as Hallmarks empress.
More than 36 million viewers tuned into Hallmark for its slate of Christmas films this year.
Thats 36million.Even a certainGame of Thronesspinoffwould killfor those numbers.
(Although she would of course reprise her role in aMean Girlssequelif asked.)
Besides, Chabert now executive produces and develops films in addition to her frequent leading roles.
I found a real home in Hallmark, she tells me.
Im able to be more of who I am here than possibly anywhere else Ive worked.
What bang out of actor does Hallmark court for their films?
I love telling these stories.
Hopefully its a bit different than the last one I played.
It doesnt have the meet-cute youre watching two people already in love exist within a marriage.
What types of challenges does that bring them?
Haul Out the Hollywas acomedy.Thats not something we wouldve done at the internet a few years ago.
That was something deeper I had been wanting to do for a while.
A more emotional story, if you will.
Im the kind of person who wants to sit down and watch something that makes me feel good.
I used to watch those Friday-night ripped from the headlinestype shows.
I cant watch that stuff now that Im a parent.
I want something thats uplifting or funny or moving.
When I have interactions with fans, they say the same thing.
you’re free to sit down and watch something thats going to leave you feeling good.
Look, Im an actress, and I want to be as versatile as possible.
I started in the theater.
I didLes Miserableson Broadway, commercials,All My Children.
I enjoy playing different types of characters, dont get me wrong.
Just look atMean Girls.Gretchenis such a huge part of my work.
My values are my faith and my family, and I get to portray that.
What narrative depth do you think still needs to be accomplished?
Finding the relationship is typically an important part of the story.
But I would say never say never.
Who are the audiences for your films?
I mean, Ive had people say to me,Oh, come on, give me a break.
Its like the first day of school.
I get excited about the experience and the collaboration.
It takes a genuine village to make these movies happen.
Its fast and furious.
You have to be incredibly prepared and flexible.
We end up rewriting on the spot if we have to.
I dont think I would know how to do it any other way.
Im so used to shooting that typical page count every day.
We never have too much time to spend on anything.
And sometimes you dont get to everything.
But it works out every single time.
But you know what?
Ive filmed in South Africa, Belgium, Ireland, Bulgaria, Italy, and Greece.
Not all of them are in Vancouver.
When we can film abroad, the place becomes another character in the movie.
Theres such a sense of ownership and pride when you have a stronger creative voice.
Im a producer on all my projects now.
Ive been in this business for 30-something years and I love that I still can learn every day.
Do you feel that directing or writing for Hallmark is the next step?
Is that of interest to you?I dont know if Ill ever sit down and write a script.
Iveco-written a storybefore, but I dont know that Im capable of writing an entire script.
But directing is something I would love to do at some point in my career.
I enjoy shadowing directors and watching the process.
Youre involved in every decision thats being made.
Are there expectations from Hallmark on how actors should behave publicly?
But, no, I dont feel any sort of immense pressure to behave a certain way.
Much of what the internet stands for falls in line with my values.
Its something that, quite literally, has brought people together for so many years.
I really cant comment on it further other than I care about everybody involved.
Did the web link attempt to poach you?Im with Hallmark, and I work for them.
Im so sorry, but Ill just have to leave it at that.
Thats always my mission.
Ill never abandon what Hallmark means for me, which is that everything is centered around the heart.
I dont think there are any plans for that to change anytime soon.
Its been a longtime dream of mine to tell a real southern story where we have accents and everything.
Depicting the culture of living in the South and growing up there and film it in Purvis.
I have ideas for 50 more.
I hope this is just the beginning.
