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Brantford's own Hailey DeDominicis is the screenwriter behind Netflix's newest holiday rom-com Our Little Secret which stars Lindsay Lohan, Ian Harding, and Kristin Chenoweth.
After discovering their significant others are siblings, two resentful exes — Avery (Lohan) and Logan (Harding) — must spend Christmas under one roof, while hiding their romantic history. The movie is set to premiere on the streaming service on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
We spoke with Hailey ahead of the premiere about growing up in Brantford, how she got started in screenwriting and her favourite scene in Our Little Secret.
Tell us about yourself?
I was born and raised in Brantford. I attended Greenbrier Public School and North Park Collegiate before going to Western University. I spent 13 years in public relations and marketing roles before taking the leap to screenwriting full time late last year, just prior to the filming of Our Little Secret. I now live in Paris, Ontario.
How did you get started in screenwriting?
I always loved film and knew I wanted to be involved in the industry in some meaningful way. So, while I was working in my corporate jobs, I would take classes online to learn the craft, but never had the time to really dig into it, until the pandemic. Not commuting, I was able to get three hours of my day back, and on new year's eve 2021, I made a resolution to use that time to write. In the first couple months of 2021, I wrote Our Little Secret.
What do you enjoy most about being a screenwriter?
Movies were such a big part of my life growing up. There are films I have seen 30+ times because they're wonderfully comforting, familiar and nostalgic. I love the idea that something I could dream up could be that for someone else. In a weird way, it feels like purpose driven work; being an outlet of laughter and lightness when you just need a bit of an escape. I do what I love now, and that is such an incredible feeling.
Is there anyone in particular who has inspired or mentored you?
My mom gets a lot of credit here for watching COUNTLESS movies with me growing up. She's definitely where I got my love for film and Christmas. I also owe a lot to my producer, Lisa Gooding, and Netflix Execs, Harry Lacheen and Christina Rogers, who totally embraced the fact that this was my first film and mentored me through it. It was the most wonderful experience from beginning to end.
What’s your favourite scene in Our Little Secret?
Oh gosh, there are so many fun moments! And a lot of that is thanks to the incredible comedic performances from the actors. But if I had to choose one, it has to be the final Secret Santa scene. It's such a great ensemble moment!
Is there anything else you’re working on right now that you’re excited about?
Yes! There are a few scripts I have a lot of heart for that we're pitching right now. I've really leaned into the romantic comedy space, because it's just so much fun.
What’s your favorite thing about Brantford?
I live a town over, in Paris, now, but Brantford will always be home. I love walking by the river, my parents' neighbourhood (where they've been since the year I was born) and... the pizza. Maria's, Mercasa, Luciani's ... we have a lot of great pizza in Brantford!
Watch the trailer for Netflix's Our Little Secret:
Photo Credits: Touchwood PR; Netflix Canada
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