A very special Christmas project

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This article was published 24/11/2020 (1962 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Averie Peters is proof that Christmas wishes can come true.

The 10-year-old St. Vital residents stars in Hallmark’s Project Christmas Wish, which was shot in Winnipeg and Carman, Man. recently.

According to imdb.com, the film — which is written by Joie Botkin an directed by Jeff Beesley — also stars Travis Van Winkle and Amanda Schull.  

“I play a little girl named Max,” Peters told the Lance in an email interview recently. “My mom passed away a few years ago and I make a wish to have a Christmas like it used to be.”

Peters said she loved the experience of making the film, which was shot between Oct. 19 and Nov. 6. She was involved in 12 of the 15 shooting days. Winnipeg locations for the shoot included two homes and a store on Academy Road.  

“It was the most amazing experience. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to be part of (the film), especially during a pandemic. The director, executive producer, cast and crew were all wonderful people and I loved going to set every day. I enjoyed the entire process of making a movie. I miss everyone already,” Peters said.

“What I love most about acting is being able to become a different character and meet different local and non-local people like the amazing Travis Van Winkle and Amanda Schull. I really got to work with so many talented people, made many friendships and I hope to work with them all again soon.”

No stranger to the acting life, Peters is also an extra in another 2020 Christmas film — Hallmark’s Christmas by Starlight and she was an extra in Hallmark’s New Year, New Me in 2019. As well, Peters was scheduled to appear in Rainbow’s Stage’s production of The Wizard of Oz in August, and the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre’s production of The Sound of Music in December. Both shows were cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic.

Peters said she hopes to continue on her acting journey, and maybe one day her name up in lights. This could include combining her loves of acting, singing and dancing.

“Since I was really little I have always wanted to be on Broadway or the big screen. I thought 2020 was going to be a big year (fulfilling) theatre goals for me after booking roles on Rainbow Stage and RMTC. But, then COVID happened and both were sadly cancelled. Then, I auditioned for this part and I got it. I like to say when one door closes, another really great one will open. And it did.”

And now, as Peters looks forward to her annual tradition of watching Christmas movies with her family, the experience will take on a whole new meaning when the family gathers to watch, among others, Hallmark’s Project Christmas Wish.

Visit hallmarkmoviesandmysteries.com for more information, including scheduling details.