By Jamie Ruby

12 Dates of Christmas follows Kate Stanton (Amy Smart of The Butterfly Effect, Just Friends) who relives her Christmas Eve date over and over, and has twelve chances to get it right. The film, which also stars Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Saved by the Bell, Franklin & Bash) airs as part of ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas.

The stars of the movie recently talked to the media about the Holiday film.

ABC Family's Q&A Session
25 Days of Christmas/12 Dates of Christmas
Amy Smart and Mark-Paul Gosselaar

December 1, 2011

QUESTION: What was it about the character of Kate that endeared you to the project?

AMY SMART: I really liked Kate because first of all, she has such a three-dimensional character. She's still hopelessly in love with her ex-boyfriend and wants him back so badly. She's stubborn. She's work-driven and stubborn. She just wants what she wants. She has that tunnel vision and doesn't see past that.

What I liked about this project is that I liked that Kate has to go through this transformational journey where she is pushed to her limits and has to keep reliving Christmas Eve over and over and over again until she can start to expand her horizons and see that maybe what she thinks she needs is not really what she's going after. She's given this chance to explore other possibilities that are better for her and her life that open her up and humble her.

QUESTION: Which of the Christmas Eves was your favorite to film?

AMY SMART: I had such a great time working with Mark-Paul. He's a wonderful actor and we had fun ice skating and being freezing at night walking down the street, and decorating Christmas trees, and picking them out. It's hard to say because I really liked so many different scenes. I thought it was also fun when my character kept running into her ex-boyfriend and trying to fix her relationship with him so she can win him over and get him in the next night.

QUESTION: Could you describe the movie in your own words?

AMY SMART: It's about this journey of Kate Stanton who is really set in her ways and trying to make her life right and get her ex-boyfriend back. She journeys and figures out that the way her Type A personality is not actually helping her get what she truly needs in her life. Through the journey she takes, it allows her to see other people's perspective and a window into how other people really are. It's incredibly humbling and enlightening and fun, and a journey everyone takes where you think you know what you want and then something in your life makes you fall on your ... and you can see clearer about what life is really about and what really matters.

QUESTION: What's one of your favorite Christmas traditions?

AMY SMART: I love baking little Mexican wedding ball cookies. I love cooking during Christmas, all smells like the hot apple cider, the hot spiced wine.

QUESTION: In the movie, your character relives Christmas Eve until she gets it right. If you could do over any one day in your life, which day would you choose?

AMY SMART: Wow. That's a good question. It's funny, because in hindsight, we have so much fear and anxiety about our future, the next day, or what's happening in our lives. When you have that 20/20 hindsight that everything was going to be fine, you're going to be okay. I don't know of one specific day, but just trusting more in life and your journey.

I know that sounds airy-fairy, but really just knowing if I could go back and know everything was going to be okay in certain circumstances; not to stress out about it. I think if anything, the best gift we can have is living in the present moment and really enjoying it for what it is; and, not being in our heads and getting sidetracked.

QUESTION: There are a lot of scenes that are very similar but just slightly different. How did you all keep track of all of that?

AMY SMART: We broke it down into 12 different sections. Where is she at this point, this point, this point? It was definitely like a pule because each incarnation she changes, sort of like Groundhog Day where she's back at square one with all this new information and these new purposes and drives. So, it was confusing, but we just broke it down into 12 dates.

QUESTION: Did it get complicated filming it?

AMY SMART: Yes, it definitely got complicated because at some points, more for continuity-wise, like figuring out okay she didn't go there first, and then she went here. So, maybe she's not wearing her scarf here. But, as far as trying to gauge where this character was at each point got confusing at times, but we're able to navigate it. That was challenging, though, for sure.

QUESTION: Well, I love the movie and you guys did a great job with it.

AMY SMART: Thank you. It was the first film that I've ever done where I was in every single scene. I really poured my heart and soul into this film. Honestly, I loved the script. I thought all the characters were so three-dimensional and they all have their own voice. I like any story that starts one place and really takes a huge journey to a whole new place; that people in their life want to take that journey. They want to be able to find things in their [lives]that aren't working and work through them to a new place of change.

QUESTION: How much of your own personality is reflected in your character of Kate?

AMY SMART: I think as an actor, you naturally bring a lot of yourself, as much of yourself as you can in different circumstances. So, I focus more on what the differences are because I'll inherently bring what I can relate to more so. I feel like there are definitely parts of Kate that I completely relate to, but not necessarily the parts where she has lost her mom and she's grieving the loss of that and trying to find someone in her life so she won't feel alone.

But, there were definitely parallels in my life during this film because I'd gotten out of a long-term relationship and fell in love with a new man who I married. So, I could relate to her on that place of spending so much time trying to make something work that wasn't meant to work.

QUESTION: As an actress, is there a particular comic inspiration for your work? Or, is there a particular actor that you draw influences from; especially in regards to taping this new Christmas classic, 12 Dates of Christmas?

AMY SMART: Honestly, there are so many wonderful female comediennes that I love. But I'm not necessarily trying to copy any one. I feel like it really has to be an authentic experience yourself as an actor. So, I really find a lot of humor all over life. I love more than anything watching people be scared or trip and fall. I don't know why, maybe it's a bad thing. So, for me, it's not necessarily that I'm trying to imitate or copy other amazing actors. But I just try to have the experience myself.

QUESTION: Is there a particular actor [or] actress that really makes you laugh out loud?

AMY SMART: Lucille Ball, who is so incredible and so over the top, but who could just hold that stage in all these funny, ridiculous scenarios. I think she was such a great woman to really bring comedy to females to start it off. There are tons of others. I thought Bridesmaids was such a funny female-driven comedy where all the women that you truly believe; they are such good actors because you really believe that they were living this hilarious journey.

QUESTION: If you had to tell viewers one thing to get them to watch the film, what would it be?

AMY SMART: I think what's endearing about this film is two people keep missing each other, who are meant to fall in love, but things keep going awry. It's this funny tale about two people wanting to connect and they always keep missing each other.

QUESTION: Have you ever been on a date that you wish you could relive?

AMY SMART: That's funny—not really. There's dates that I would have liked to pass on.

QUESTION: Did you have any issues with mixing up what you say in different scenes because they are so similar?

AMY SMART: Again, that got really technical because it was the director, myself and the script supervisors really making sure that we – yes it was hard because there were just so many, it was written really well. So in the story and in the dialog, it's all mapped out. But as far as the attitudes and where she was at emotionally at that point, it was definitely challenging, too, to switch gears so many times.

QUESTION: This is your first married Christmas. I was wondering what you're looking forward to that's going to be different from previous years.

AMY SMART: I really feel like this year we had a gorgeous, beautiful wedding. I'm really looking forward to njoying the Christmas spirit, not about being materialistic, just about the celebration of friends and family and cooking and singing and enjoying each other; just using this time to really enjoy our new marriage. That's pretty much what I'm looking forward to.

QUESTION: How did you get involved with the movie?

AMY SMART: I actually got offered this role. I read the script and I really, really loved it and wanted to do it. Then, I was so happy that Mark-Paul signed on to do it afterwards because I think he's so talented. Everyone's a huge Zack Morris fan. So, that's how I got involved.

QUESTION: Is there something about this character that you admire or a quality that you wish you had?

AMY SMART: I think that because of the film, it kept opening the character Kate's eyes to other people. She was pretty self-absorbed. Each time she opened herself up more and more to a different character in the film, and their lives, and their stories and how she could maybe make their lives better.

I admire that because I really do think that life is all about balance. You have to obviously take care of yourself. But, then it's so important to give back and find ways of being generous and thoughtful with other people. I really liked that about her toward the end of the film.

QUESTION: What's your favorite holiday film?

AMY SMART: I have a few that I love. I really like A Christmas Story.

MARK-PAUL GOSSELAAR: This is Miles Meyer from ABC Family. I have a question. Can you elaborate further on how talented and handsome your co-star, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, was?

AMY SMART: Mark-Paul is one of the nicest people I've ever met. He is such a generous actor, so caring. He definitely is a male. He's not a boy. He's a man.

MARK-PAUL GOSSELAAR: Oh, really? He's a man. Yes. Oooh, that sounds so sexy. I mean the man has the nicest butt in Hollywood. Did you ever get a look at it?

AMY SMART: No. I did not. I'm sorry.

MARK-PAUL GOSSELAAR: Was he wearing snow pants?

AMY SMART: No. He wore jeans most of the time.

MARK-PAUL GOSSELAAR: Does he have nice feet?

AMY SMART: Honestly, I did not check out his feet.

MARK-PAUL GOSSELAAR: Yes, he's got great hair, too. He's just the perfect man.

QUESTION: What was it like working with James Hayman?

AMY SMART: He was wonderful to work with. He really has such a great sense of comedy. That helped me tremendously. I trusted him so much because what I like about this film is it is a romantic comedy. You want to laugh and you want to play and enjoy.

He has such a great way of giving notes and expressing himself, and an eye for comedy. So it was fun taking it to all these different levels. He helped to push me farther and farther. So I hope I can work with him again.

QUESTION: Amy, I think we have a mystery guest. The previous caller was actually complimenting himself.

AMY SMART: Are you serious?!

QUESTION: Mark-Paul Gosselaar has just surprised us on the line. Hello, Mark-Paul. How are you?

MARK-PAUL GOSSELAAR: Hi, Amy. It's "Miles Meyer."

AMY SMART: No way! I was like "Who is this crazy guy who wants to be Mark-Paul?"

MARK-PAUL GOSSELAAR: I love how you didn't want to take it at all. You're like, "I have the feeling that you're trying to get me to say really risqué stuff." I was like, "Yes, I am." Oh, man.

AMY SMART: Oh, well, if it's you.

MARK-PAUL GOSSELAAR: What do I call this? It's like a photo-bomb, but it's like an interview bomb.

QUESTION: Mark-Paul, what was your favorite part about filming this movie?

MARK-PAUL GOSSELAAR: Well, it was a pleasure working with Amy. My co-star that I'm currently working with now worked with her and always spoke very highly of her. Working with her was a pleasure. So, the reason I came on board with this film was because she was attached to it. So, for her to follow through with all the high praise that she's gotten from so many people that I know was something that I appreciated. Yes, I think it shows on the film, too, that we enjoyed each other. We had a great working chemistry.

QUESTION: What has been the best date that you've ever had?

MARK-PAUL GOSSELAAR: I don't know. I haven't dated a lot. I can't really answer that question, but I would say that the date that my fiancée went on was pretty damn good and that's why we're still together now. Yes. I would say the date that I had with her.

QUESTION: What are your favorite Christmas traditions?

MARK-PAUL GOSSELAAR: Usually decorating the tree after Thanksgiving. We just did that with the kids. I love the way the house smells during the holidays. We try to light as many scented Christmas-y candles as possible, the pine cones. We'll put on the stove cinnamon and cloves and heat those up. I like the music, too. I just like the atmosphere of Christmas.

QUESTION: How do you deal with a bad date? Have you ever been on a blind date and do you have any advice for people that have gone or will go on blind date or a date and how to deal with it if it turns south?

MARK-PAUL GOSSELAAR: I don't like confrontation. I've been on a few bad dates, but nothing horrible, but knowing there was no chemistry there. I have such a hard time letting that person know that this is not going to work, unlike your character in the movie who was very honest and said this isn't going to happen.

I tend to just put my head into the sand and hope it goes away, which sometimes makes it even worse. It elongates the issue. But, I tend to just turn my back and hope that the scary thing goes away.

QUESTION: Amy, how about yourself?

AMY SMART: I, again, haven't had as many dates because I've been in long-term relationships, but I just remember this one date I went on that I had no interest. So, he was nice. But I think it's worth being kind to the person that you're on a date with, but also being pretty honest so you don't lead people on.

QUESTION: If you could portray any Disney character, animal or human, in an upcoming remake what character would it be?

MARK-PAUL GOSSELAAR: Oh, wow. Amy, you got something off the top of your head while I think about that one?

AMY SMART: I'm sitting here thinking, you have The Little Mermaid.

QUESTION: Yes, "Little Mermaid." Absolutely. You could be Ariel.

AMY SMART: I would be Ariel. I love her.

MARK-PAUL GOSSELAAR: I'm trying to think. They've done The Jungle Book, right? They've made a remake of that.

QUESTION: Well, if you like Mowgli, you could definitely do that if you wanted to.

MARK-PAUL GOSSELAAR: Yes. Mowgli—no, Mowgli has his shirt off. I don't want to have to work out. Gosh. We'll do The Little Mermaid together. You can be Ariel. I don't even remember what her name was though.

AMY SMART: You could be Prince Eric.

QUESTION: Ariel and you could be Prince Eric. How about that?

MARK-PAUL GOSSELAAR: What was it? It was Eric, really? Wow, look at that.

AMY SMART: I have to say I've thought of my favorite Christmas movie that I love to watch almost every Christmas, which is Christmas Vacation.

MARK-PAUL GOSSELAAR: The best. All right, Amy. I've got to go.

AMY SMART: All right. See you next week.

QUESTION: Thanks for talking with us, Mark-Paul!

MARK-PAUL GOSSELAAR: All right. Cool. Thanks for letting me interview bomb you.

QUESTION: Amy, you've been in so many different roles. Do you have a dream role or part that you would love to play?

AMY SMART: I don't have a specific dream role that I would like to play. I always yearn for new roles that have incredible actors and great writing that challenge me, that push me out of my comfort zone. So, for me, I really enjoy going back and forth through all the different genres from drama to horror to comedy to doing some—I always am drawn back to comedy to be honest. I love doing comedy. So, that would be probably my first thing. But, I would love nothing more than to work with the most incredible actors on some great piece of film.

QUESTION: Can you talk about any other projects you're currently working on?

AMY SMART: I actually just finished working on a horror film that the Japanese director Takashi Shimizu directed. We did The Grudge. It was with Leslie Bibb and Ryan Kwanten and a bunch of other great actors. It all takes place in an airplane. That comes out next August, I think.

Then, I had a re-occurring on the second season of Shameless. That's really fun to work on.