Comedy legend Tommy Davidson and actor Geoffrey Owens join director Noel Calloway to discuss their festive film, "Mr. Santa Christmas Extravaganza." In an interview with with myself, they explore themes of holiday cheer, fatherhood, and heartfelt family connections. Davidson reflects on holiday nostalgia, while Owens shares his unique approach to embodying Santa. Calloway highlights the profound impact of father-daughter relationships, inspired by his own experiences. Together, they emphasize the importance of love and hope in reviving the Christmas spirit. "Mr. Santa Christmas Extravaganza" premieres in theaters on December 6th.
Key Takeaways
Holiday films rekindle happiness, hope, and childhood memories.
Embracing personal experiences enriches storytelling in movies.
Parental relationships significantly impact personal growth and creativity.
Continue reading or watch our interview here.
The holiday season is synonymous with joy, warmth, and cherished traditions. In the midst of this festive period, the dynamic trio of comedy legend Tommy Davidson, actor Geoffrey Owens, and director Noel Calloway have joined forces to bring audiences a dose of Christmas spirit through their new film, Mr. Santa A Christmas Extravaganza. This thoughtful dialogue explores their shared love for holiday films, the transformative effect of fatherhood, and the historical power of television storytelling.
Embracing Happiness Through Holiday Films
Holiday movies act as a bridge to childhood, evoking nostalgia and joy long cherished during festive seasons. Tommy Davidson, a familiar face in holiday cinema, explains the unending appeal of these films. "Because it's the holidays that…keeps us coming back to happiness, man," he reflects, succinctly capturing why these festive films are perennially beloved. In holiday movies, the promise of gifts and the controlled chaos of childhood are distilled into symbols of "happiness in one package."
Davidson riffs on how this happiness manifests across iconic films: from "the Grinch" to "the Charlie Brown Christmas special," reinforcing the universal allure of Christmas stories. These films not only entertain but revisit the joy and hope that permeate childhood experiences—an essential element that keeps audiences returning each holiday season. This tradition is more than cinematic; it is a cultural beacon that offers solace and unity during the festive season.
Redefining Santa: An Actor's Journey
Stepping into a role as iconic as Santa Claus can be daunting. For Geoffrey Owens, however, embodying Santa in Mr. Santa Christmas Extravaganza meant focusing less on pressure and more on authenticity. Owens reveals, "I wasn't intimidated as I did the film…I just thought about the script, my scenes, my lines," describing his method to delve into character naturally and sincerely.
Rather than directly compete with the array of established portrayals, Owens aimed to infuse personal insight into his interpretation of Santa. "I won't even say I made it my own," he admits. Instead, he focused on what he, as Jeffrey, would do when faced with similar circumstances. This approach not only highlights the timelessness of Santa's character but also underscores the actor's craft—a delicate balance between reverence for the past and innovation in the present.
Fatherhood as a Catalyst for Creativity
The conversation takes a poignant turn as director Noel Calloway discusses the profound thematic core of father-daughter relationships woven into the film. Calloway, drawing from personal experience, shares, "Well, it's my life…I'm not the same person" since becoming a father. His unique bond with his daughter deeply influences his work and personal life, underscoring the transformative power of parenthood.
Tommy Davidson, himself a proud "girl dad," echoes Calloway's sentiments, finding universal themes of love, patience, and growth depicted through these connections. Parenthood, they both argue, bestows "superpowers" on those willing to embrace its demanding, yet rewarding, roles. This perspective enriches the film, offering audiences a glimpse into the heart of family dynamics and its potential to inspire artistic expression.
The Everlasting Gift of Christmas Films
In the festive spirit, Davidson reflects on the lasting impact of Christmas and creativity. The beauty of holiday films, he observes, lies in allowing individuals to "extend…happiness into streaming," creating endless opportunities to share joy. It’s about more than observing a single day—December 25th—as a special event. Far from myths packed away yearly, holiday films remind us to cherish joy beyond the calendar.
Noel Calloway adds another layer by appreciating TV and film's role in his life. Growing up in Harlem's challenging environment, TV opened windows to a world of possibility, molding his ambitions to chase the narratives he saw and loved. "Let your kids watch TV. The right TV," he asserts, celebrating the lasting influence of positive storytelling, even citing beloved characters from "In Living Color" and "The Cosby Show."
In a world where darkness and division often overshadow hope, holiday films stand as radiant beacons of happiness, love, and unity. Mr. Santa A Christmas Extravaganza isn't merely a piece of entertainment; it’s a call to reconnect with the innocence and excitement of the festive season. Embracing holiday magic, understanding the profound influence of parenthood, and celebrating the transformative power of film and TV—these conversations between Davidson, Owens, and Calloway remind us all of the miracles that emerge when past meets present in the spirit of Christmas cheer.
See 'Mr. Santa A Christmas Extravaganza' IN THEATERS Decemeber 6th!
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