What really goes into making a Christmas movie that feels both timeless and fresh? Director Jason Bourque (Our Holiday Story, A World Record Christmas) joins me to talk about his latest film Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper, starring Robert Buckley and Kimberley Sustad — a mix of slapstick, sincerity, and small-town heart.From hospital hijinks and escape rooms to the moments that made everyone laugh out loud on set, Jason opens up about:✨ What drew him to Ted Cooper🎬 How Robert Buckley balanced acting and producing💫 Creating that on-screen magic between Robert and Kimberley🏥 The challenge of filming emotional and comedic scenes🎨 The stunning production design 🎁 Why one small detail in the movie will make you look twice🎥 And what he’s learned after directing 12 Christmas movies and counting

🎧 Watch next: Interviews with other Hallmark directors, writers, and stars — only on Heart in Motion Media.📺 Subscribe for more conversations that celebrate the people behind the movies we love.Instagram: / stephanie_heartnmotion Website: heartnmotion.comX: https://x.com/StephHeartnm#hallmark #christmasmovies #podcastTimestamps:00:03:02 – Excitement for directing Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper00:05:06 – Robert Buckley as lead & executive producer00:06:43 – Balancing tradition and new boundaries00:09:43 – Filming the hospital scenes00:13:33 – Buckley & Sustad’s chemistry00:15:43 – Their characters in high school00:17:00 – Working with veteran actors00:21:39 – Balancing slapstick & grounding the story00:22:33 – Why he loves directing these films00:25:19 – Production design with Heather00:27:24 – Designing A Reason for the Season00:29:37 – Favorite moment to watch come together00:31:16 – Funniest on-set moment00:33:30 – Shoutout to Nelson & Graham, the DPs00:34:32 – Most heartwarming scene00:35:20 – Small detail to look for00:36:27 – The escape room sequence00:40:00 – Advice for new directors00:41:30 – Reflections on 12 Christmas films & working with Andrew Walker00:44:30 – Projects to check out (Our Holiday Story, A World Record Christmas w/ Nikki DeLoach, A Reason for the Season w/ Taylor Cole & Kevin McGarry)00:47:40 – Christmas Game: Getting to know Jason