Annie and Tom Clark throw a holiday party every year, “Clarkmas.” Over the years, it’s become the go-to holiday event for their ragtag group of friends. When chronically single Natalie and Logan continue to run into each other at the party year after year, they begin to wonder if maybe they’re meant to be together…
SEE YOU NEXT CHRISTMAS was written and directed by Christine Weatherup and produced by Beatriz Chahin and Matt Enlow. The film stars Elizabeth Guest (AP Bio, Superstore), AJ Meijer (Heathers the musical original Broadway cast, Sneaky Pete), Christine Weatherup (Watchmen, Grey’s Anatomy, Bread and Butter), and Vin Vescio (Chicago Med, For the Weekend). Giant Pictures will release SEE YOU NEXT CHRISTMAS on digital platforms on November 9, 2021.
Christine, What was your source of inspiration for “See You Next Christmas?”
I’ve thrown an annual holiday party for the past fifteen years. Over the course of that time, I’ve enjoyed watching how the lives of my friends have changed and grown — people getting in and out of relationships, starting families, and all the bad haircuts in between. And many of these friends I only get to see once a year, and so it made me think about how it would be fun to have an eclectic group of friends much like my own that an audience only witnesses once a year. And, I’ll confess, I’m a sucker for a good romantic comedy. What if my very own party was where someone found true love? From there, I fleshed out the story and wrote the screenplay.
How is this different from other holiday films?
A lot of holiday films center around going home for the holidays and spending time with family. And while many of our characters may do that off-screen, this is a film about chosen family. It’s about friendship and love. I wanted to make something that was relatable and that we don’t always see depicted. So much of Christmas as a young adult is defined by the time you spend in your new environment and less about the time returning home. But most importantly, I wanted to make something that felt authentic with characters we recognize and that reflects my experience as a young city dweller. While I love a good, glossy, Hollywood Christmas movie, I wanted to make something that felt more grounded and rough around the edges. It’s not a Pinterest-perfect Christmas party, but instead one thrown by your friends where they run out of beer or burn the cookies.
Do you have a favorite scene?
Oooh, this is tough! Every time I watch the film (which has been a LOT at this point!) a different scene emerges as my favorite… I do love when characters who wouldn’t normally interact get a chance to share the screen. In the fourth year of the film, Logan (our romantic lead) is stuck at a table with Nina (the baker of the friend group). What starts off as an awkward scene trying to make conversation ends up being a really touching, sweet one. And, of course, the final scene holds a special spot in my heart — it’s the most classic “rom-com” kind of scene and a nod to one of my all-time favorite films When Harry Met Sally.
Are romantic comedies part of your DNA?
In a word, yes. While I love a variety of genres and seek out many kinds of films, it’s the genre I could watch any time, any day. I love the work of Nora Ephron, Richard Curtis, Albert Brooks, and Richard Linklater. All these filmmakers explore relationships and romance while infusing them with humor and reflection. It’s a relatable genre that explores human behavior. And let’s not forget, they’re a delight to watch! It struck me when Bridget Jones’s Baby came to theaters and I was there on the opening weekend, that this was my Marvel movie. While many people will see every installment of a superhero franchise, Bridget was my superhero.
What did you enjoy the most about this film?
Every part of the process has its rewards and challenges, from development all the way through post. But since I’m at the moment of release, I’ve been so astounded and touched by the positive responses the film has been getting. It’s a labor of love and very personal, so each audience member who has gone out of their way to tell me their reactions has meant so much. So if you’re reading this and have watched the film, please reach out! Seriously. I’d love to hear what you think. It truly means so much.
How important is diversity to you?
I’m really glad you’re asking this question — I think it’s something important that artists need to think about, both in front of and behind the camera. With film being a collaborative medium, the more varying perspectives you can bring in, the richer your film is for it. Casting is always a puzzle piece, especially in an ensemble film like this one, but my team was mindful of seeking out a cast that reflected the diversity of the world we live in. It’s something we were intentional about and an ongoing conversation as we assembled the cast. And behind the scenes, in addition to racial diversity, I sought out gender parity on-set, with many of our departments being led by women. In my years working in film thus far, I’ve seen these changes slowly taking shape but often being led by the indie film world.
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