BWW Interviews: Cameron Mathison Chats ABC Family Original Movie HOLIDAZE

Cameron Mathison ('Dancing with the Stars,' 'All My Children,' 'Good Morning America') will star in the upcoming ABC Family original holiday movie HOLIDAZE. The actor spoke to reporters this week about the holiday special premiering Sunday, December 8 (8:00-10:00pm ET/PT)!What's your favorite Thanksgiving tradition?

It's funny, because we're a tradition overload kind of family, but most of them are in and around Christmas. I think our Thanksgiving tradition is the traditional Thanksgiving meal. It's turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, but the little twist is that we always buy our Christmas tree the weekend that immediately follows Thanksgiving -- so that we get to enjoy our Christmas tree for as long as possible without infringing on Thanksgiving.

Was it challenging to have your on-screen feelings with Jennie Garth go back and forth so much?

You know, it was in a sense. We had to keep on remembering 'Alright, so wait a minute, what's happened? Where are we now? So we're in love with each other now, this is good'. We always had to go back.

It was almost like two different characters, and the director was very, very helpful with me, especially, because Jennie more or less made a natural progression in her change. Whereas, mine was a black and white change as soon as she went into her dream state/alternate reality state. I was a totally different guy and that was fun. It was a good challenge and, again, like I said, our director was great with making sure that I stayed on top of that.

What kind of process did you have to go through to get this role?

I've got a great relationship with ABC, ABC Family, Disney and it was kind of that once they got their female lead locked in with Jennie Garth, they extended an offer to me because they felt I was a good fit. Jennie and I know each other a little bit and the way we act together. It was just sort of like 'Get your lead female in place and then let's go looking for the guy that would work.' It was a nice phone call. It was a nice offer to get.

What was your reaction when you found out that you had the role?

You know I was thrilled on a few different levels. I was thrilled because I really like the script. I thought the script was very sweet and I enjoyed the different elements. I loved my character Carter McClure.

I really appreciated the decisions that this guy made in his life to stay in a small town. He's very grounded with good values -- he didn't want to follow the big city and the corporate world. He wanted to live a nice, simple grounded life in a small town and stick to those roots, and I really appreciate that in him because I didn't do that.

I went to New York and L.A. chasing the dream, which I'm very grateful that I did. But at the same time, I'm at a phase in my life where I'm probably headed more in that direction. I'm always trying to simplify and find more balance in my life. I loved the script. I loved the character.

I'm a big Jennie Garth fan. I think she's very funny, very good, so sweet, and it was nice to get to know her while working together on this movie. I was thrilled on several levels.

What do you find most rewarding about acting?

I think what I find most rewarding is learning about myself through my characters and the experience.

The more deeply connected you are with the people that you're working with the better the work and the character, and then I think that really translates to life. It will help you in life to be more grounded and genuine.

The more you can get out of your own way and remove the chatter in your head, the more the genuine character can come out and unfold in a spontaneous way. I think that's also great in life to really focus on other people and cherish others, which I align with working as an actor.

I really feel that the best actors out there are very centric. They're really connected. They're not in a 'what about me' state and I think that's a good lesson in life. So I think those are the things that I've taken away from acting that are the most rewarding. There's probably more, but those are the first that come to mind.

How was filming on location for Holidaze?

We filmed in Toronto! I spent half of my young life in and around Toronto, so it was nice and chilly - but beautiful - in January. I love Toronto. I organized my high school basketball alumni game while I was there so I got to see all my buddies. My brother and his family live in Toronto, so I stayed with them for part of it and it was a great time.

Are there any correlations between your character in All My Children (Ryan) and your character in Holidanze (Carter)? How much of your own personality is in this particular character?

First, the Ryan Lavery/Carter McClure connection, I would say that my character Ryan on All My Children had a more troubling background. He wasn't grounded and genuine in that small-town-way in the early stages, but he kind of grew to that. I believe he grew up to be more like Carter McClure in Holidaze, so in that sense, they're sort of connected. I think Carter is just a solid good guy and has stuck by his values his whole life. He really knew what he wanted in life, and I think Ryan was far, far more troubled and made many mistakes in his life.

Second, my connection to Carter, I would say I always bring part of myself into the characters. I really admire Carter. It's the aspect of me that is trying to have more of a balance in a small town feel of a life - but also be able to continue in the entertainment world, which is typically a big city experience. I crave a simple, content, peaceful life. I really, really enjoy that and that to me is the real solution. That aspect in me is probably where I bring in Carter's perspective.

I'm able to find a little bit of balance. For example, I live in L.A., but I don't live right in L.A. I live in the mountains in Altadena so I feel like I'm in this little mountain town and it's a small community, which I love. I'm trying to say no to more jobs so I can be around and coach basketball. There are definitely things about me that are like Carter, but I certainly didn't make that decision my whole life, that's for sure.

Were you able to show any of your co-stars your dance experience after being on Dancing with the Stars?

Jennie and I were on Dancing with the Stars in the same season! And she did better than me by one place - she used to bring it up in a quite sweet and funny way. She came fourth. I came fifth. She beat me by one spot, so if anybody's showing anybody moves, I don't have the unwritten authority to do that. She would lay into me.

Would the two of you ever put your dancing shoes together in film or on the road?

That would be fun! Anything that I can do with Jennie Garth, I would love to do it. I really like her. I got along with her really well and I enjoyed her perspective on life. I think she's really talented and very, very funny.

We did a little skating scene in the movie, and there ended up being a little bit of a dance there, but that's as close as we got to dancing in the movie.

What is your favorite holiday movie?

Well, I'm just going to go back to a classic, It's a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Story are some favorites for me. The animated original version of The Grinch That Stole Christmas is a classic for me. But my modern favorite movies with my family -probably Elf. My kids love Elf. They just think it's so funny.

What is your favorite thing to eat around the holidays?

It's the traditional Thanksgiving Day meal. We even have it every Christmas, too. It's turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. That's probably my favorite meal of the whole year.

Do you prefer to act in dramas or comedies?

I probably prefer comedy. Why? I'm not sure. I feel like the energy of a comedy is a better fit for me. I try to be a happy guy! It seems that most of my life has the energy more for a comedy than for drama. I'm grateful to do both, but I would have to lean towards the comedy side of acting.

Do you prefer acting on television or film?

The movies that I've been doing lately have been mostly for TV - so it's sort of the same thing. I would say movies because you have more time and it feels less rushed. When you're acting for TV, often the budget is more of a concern and you just have a crazy pace. But then again movies also probably shoot like that sometimes. I'm just happy to work!

Do you have a particular attraction or show that you like from any of the Disney parks?

Yes! I would probably say Soarin' is one of my favorites. I think it's 'Soarin' Over California' in Disneyland and it's just called 'Soaring' in Florida.

Space Mountain has got a very special place in my heart. I've always loved Space Mountain. I've got a good story that goes way back to when I was a kid at Space Mountain, so that's just a classic ride for me and I still really, really like it. I think it still holds up. Even with all the roller coasters, I think it totally holds up.