Jenni Melear
Jenni Melear is the creator of Build-a-Prince: A Royal Christmas Love Story.
Tell us about Build A Prince in 10 words or less.
A quirky, feminist twist on the royal Christmas movie genre.
Can you tease something about it that will get us to listen if we haven’t already?
The reluctant princess who longs to be a regular girl? This ain't it. Adelaide is a brilliant bad ass and wants to lead her country. Her problem has to do with marriage -- but a man won't be able to solve it.
What was the inspiration for Build A Prince?
I was fully cracking out on TV Christmas movies a few years ago and dreamt the plot for Build a Prince. I know that's kind of a lame answer but I legit had one of those insanely detailed dreams that mapped it all out and immediately called my best friends and writing partner and said "this is what we're writing next." I have a feeling it was a reaction to the standard "regular girl meets fancy prince who sweeps her off her feet" storyline and my brain was craving something spicier.
Why is everyone so obsessed with that Royal / Christmas combo?
This is such a good question!! Maybe it's the combo of two things that make us feel like there's real magic out there. They're both heightened worlds where anything seems possible. So put them together -- bam. Kid in a royal Christmas candy store.
What’s your favorite Christmas movie?
I watch Love Actually and White Christmas every year. If you're not on the White Christmas train -- get on it! It's SO GOOD and the dancing and costumes will light you on fire. As far as the made for TV type Christmas movies -- I have very strong opinions on these. I couldn't possibly pick a favorite but will say this: the lead actors being good and having chemistry is EVERYTHING. If the female lead is authentic and full of life and the guy is delicious and not boring and they seem to genuinely be drawn to each other -- it's magic. We'll accept sometimes less than stellar writing and lower budget sets and questionable plot points if those key elements are in place. If one of them is off, it's probably a dud. For example -- the ones with Kimberly Sustad and or Vanessa Lengies or Sarah Drew are all pretty dang good because those actresses are great and charming and make us feel something.
What Christmas movie is overrated?
Keeping on the made for TV movie theme -- I hate to say it, but last year's Lindsay Lohan movie Falling for Christmas fell flat for me. I was SO excited for it and saved it until Christmas Eve. She's always pretty interesting and watchable but there was just no chemistry. If I'm not literally DYING for them to kiss under some mistletoe...I kinda tune out.
Fill in the blank: You will like Build A Prince if you like ________.
Jane Austen, Gilmore Girls, elite early 2000s rom coms, those cheap frosted cookies with sprinkles in the grocery bakery section, and very warm, very fuzzy blankets.
You’re new to podcasting. What was your favorite thing about creating one?
I'm obsessed. Shooting film and tv can be incredibly tedious. You'll spend a whole day on one scene and 10 different angles and insert shots etc etc. We got to record the ENTIRE script in a day and it was electric. Actors don't often get to perform a piece straight through and really stay in it, and writers don't often get to hear their work that way.
What are your hopes and dreams for the podcast?
I'd love to have the opportunity to produce a bunch more of these for next Christmas. And of course, Build a Prince was always meant to be a feature film, so fingers crossed that's what's next.
If you were going to make another podcast, don’t worry about the logistics or whether or not anyone would like it, what would it be?
Well, the sequel of course -- Build a Baby. And I have an idea for another royal Christmas love story that involves a fighter pilot. Sounds weird but trust me, it would be delish.
Is there anything I didn’t ask you that you want to say?
If you listen to Build a Prince and don't fall in love with Billy Flynn -- you do not have blood pumping through your veins. I often complain about genital-less Ken Doll-type dudes in these movies -- kind of bland and lacking charisma. Billy is truly an artist and just so interesting. Seeing him bring this character so fully to life was such an incredible delight for me, and I think it will be for you too.
Self-care ritual: I work constantly and have a three-year-old -- self care for me is literally like...sitting in a chair and staring at a wall for a few minutes a day, if I'm lucky.
Thanks, Jenni!