It is time for an additional interview with one other beautiful castmember of Hallmark’s Good Witch.
We had the possibility to talk with Marc Bendavid, who performs Donovan Davenport, the Blairsville mayor, and Abigail’s romantic curiosity.
Since his arrival, he is been an integral participant on the sequence, and Donovan has captured the hearts of viewers.
The enjoyable of it’s that he did not actually know what he was entering into when he first joined the beloved sequence.
“I would labored for Hallmark earlier than, I would completed a bunch of films for them, however I would by no means been within the TV realm, it is all new for me. I knew it was going to be alongside the strains of Hallmarks aesthetic, and their content material, however I actually did not know something about it.
“In actual fact, I assumed the Good Witch title instructed that it was quite a bit witch-ier than it ended up being. However I feel it may need been within the early seasons, truly; I have been informed that it was quite a bit witch-ier earlier on.
“However, Catherine Disher is sort of a Canadian TV icon, so I used to be tremendous enthusiastic about working together with her. And I would labored with a bunch of the administrators as properly.
“It is humorous, with all the tv that is produced in Toronto, there’s truly a finite variety of individuals working within the trade, so you find yourself after some time, working with the identical crews, and the identical administrators of pictures, and the identical props individuals and stuff.
“So, it is nice going again house for work, for me, as a result of I am assured to know individuals already earlier than even beginning work.”
What Marc likes about taking part in Donovan is what attracts us to the character, too. “There’s a whole lot of battle between Donovan and Abigail, even after they’re getting alongside. Each of them have this status for being a little bit bit renegade of their respective worlds.
“Abigail, throughout the Merriwick household, and in Middleton, and Donovan with regard to his dad and mom, and of their world has a status for marching to the beat of his personal drum.
“I like that, it permits me, and I feel the identical goes for Sarah, to be free and impulsive and mischievous after we’re working. It is what’s known as for with these two characters, I like that. He is at all times acquired a smirk in his eye, there’s at all times a little bit plan that he is cooking up, and it is uncommon that I am going to simply say one thing straight up.
“It is often couched in all types of backhanded methods. There was a second this season when Abigail actually simply wished some consolation and a few reassurance, and Donovan was not capable of give it as a result of he is simply doing his personal factor the entire time. That, for me, is a superb a part of the position; it retains it actually sudden and recent.”
Donovan’s perspective and his relationship with Abigail have been obvious from the primary second Donovan Davenport rode into Middleton on his motorbike. “Yeah, that was enjoyable. I wished them to let me do some motorbike driving in that episode, however they have been very adamant that, except I had a motorbike license, I used to be not allowed to tear away.”
After we spoke with Sarah Energy, she talked about that Marc is her husband’s greatest good friend, and Marc thinks it is fairly humorous getting their friendship and onscreen relationships all entangled.
“I do not know if it is enjoyable, as a lot because it’s humorous. There’s positively an awkwardness that would come; like I mentioned, she’s married to my greatest good friend. I’ve identified her for in all probability 10 years. After I first moved to LA, she was residing upstairs in the identical home that I used to be. She was an upstairs neighbor, so we’ve a protracted historical past.
“However with these items, it is so prescribed, and so particular on set while you’re doing intimate stuff, that we, most of the time, simply have suits of giggles and laughter. There are even occasions when her husband has come to set.
“I’ve identified her husband for 20 years, and he involves set, and all of us get a hoot out of the truth that we’re taking part in make-believe in such an intimate method. It is truly been surprisingly straightforward in that regard; there hasn’t been any weirdness round that.”
It is by way of Abigail and Donovan that viewers handle to get out of Middleton, particularly now, since they’re on a quest to search out clues that would result in the tip of the Merriwick-Davenport curse. Marc shared with us some ideas of his favourite location shoots.
“There was a farm within the Halloween film final yr the place the hay bale competitions and all that stuff occurred, which was actually lovely. It was a farm about an hour exterior of Toronto; it was that lovely time in late Summer time, early Fall when the corn is ripe, and the sector remains to be actually lush, however you’ll be able to sense Fall coming within the air.
“We spent a few days out at this farm, and the odor of the hay, it was simply magical in that method.”
“One other place that we shoot a whole lot of stuff currently, is that this mansion, once more, about an hour exterior of Toronto, that Martha Tinsdale ended up shopping for.”
“That is truly an unlimited mansion, that at one time was a convent, after which it went to being a metropolis council workplace, then it fell into disrepair. It is this large property up on a hill exterior of Toronto that is principally used for movie units, however it’s a authentic mansion.
“It is lovely, and it has an orchard behind it with dozens of 100-year-old apple bushes. It is a fairly magical place. It is known as Auchmar.”
After we chatted with Catherine Disher, she, too, marveled that they are allowed to movie there and make small renovations that go well with what’s occurring to the mansion on the present. She mentioned that the little issues, comparable to paint peeling off of the partitions, wasn’t aesthetic however integral to the home itself.
Marc agreed. “Yeah, it is precisely what you stroll into, and in reality, as a result of it is a heritage constructing, the set persons are usually allowed to do no matter they need after they get into a spot like that, however a part of the deal, if we get that location, is that we won’t screw round with something as a result of it is all protected by Heritage Act.
“The peeling paint, and the creaky doorways — and apparently it is haunted, as properly.”
Marc laughed, “Now we have enjoyable on set daring one another to enter components of the place which can be haunted. Although they’re cordoned off, we are able to get there, and there are all types of rumors of ghosts and stuff within the basement.
“So between scenes or throughout lunches, it isn’t unusual for us to dare one another to go for a stroll alone into the basement of this mansion.”
With the entire historic relevance the Merriwicks and Davenports have shared, would not it’s enjoyable in the event that they labored that side into the storyline? Marc is keen to see the supernatural side explored.
“I’d love if Good Witch acquired witch-ier once more. As a result of there’s a lot enjoyable in that style, even in case you’re not going full-on scary and full-on horror. This season there was a whole lot of ancestor stuff, and a whole lot of ancestral curses and stuff like that. However, I really feel prefer it’d be much more enjoyable to say it much more, and get full-on spooky for a short time.”
Talking of the curse, Abigail and Donovan have spent a lot time combating what stands of their method that they have not had a lot time to only get pleasure from one another’s firm. It appears Marc and Sarah have a treatment for that, and it will even tie in properly to the storyline offered throughout Good Witch Season 6.
“A visit to Tuscany, an on-location shoot for 2 months, simply the 2 of us. So we are able to spend a while attending to know one another in an Italian villa farm someplace. That is what we have been pitching for the previous yr. This present actually wants Abigail and Donovan to make a journey to Europe someplace.
However producers thus far have been actually hesitant to this concept. I can not actually work out why,” Marc mentioned cheekily. “However I really feel like there’s a lot happening in municipal politics in Blairsville and Middleton that we won’t actually get something completed in our relationship.
“I feel the issue is just going to be solved with a one-way ticket to a European capital; I really feel very strongly about this. Sarah does too; we have been campaigning for 2 years. It isn’t working although,” Marc mentioned, incredulous.
It is kismet that Abigail simply occurs to need to stay in Tuscany in some unspecified time in the future in her life, as she revealed throughout Good Witch Season 6 Episode 4.
“I do know, that is the factor, that is the place it began. First, we have been speaking about Paris or one thing, however as quickly as the entire Italy storyline occurred, it was, ‘Excellent. Abigail will get what she desires, Donovan will get what he desires, the viewers…’
Marc requested, “Do not you suppose Good Witch viewers might be delighted if episode 4 of season seven simply opened up on the Pantheon or the Colosseum or one thing? A terrace someplace in Rome, and a cup of espresso being poured?”
We will not agree extra, to be trustworthy. If this couple has proved something, it is what a profit on-location taking pictures is to the sweetness and marvel of Good Witch. Why not get it out of their techniques earlier than he turns into governor?
In spite of everything, the Governor cannot whisk his love away to the vineyards of Tuscany, and asking Abigail to face by his aspect throughout his time period in workplace is a giant ask, particularly so early of their relationship.
“I feel it is some type of a take a look at; generally you simply need to put your playing cards on the desk, and I really feel that is what he is doing,” Marc mentioned of Donovan’s aspirations for the Governor’s mansion and his correlating expectations of Abigail.
“He is saying, that is a part of what’s necessary to me, take it or go away it, type of factor. It’s a little bit abrupt, and it’s a little bit early, however I feel he senses that, from the start, it is a actual relationship, an actual, doubtlessly long-term relationship and that there isn’t any level in breaking issues like my wild ambition to be governor, to her calmly.
“I really feel like Donovan’s like, ‘Properly, I am not going to not need this anymore, so I’d as properly present her that I would like it.’ I feel that is what is going on on there.”
Arising on Good Witch Season 6 Episode 7, Donovan lastly will get to pal round with Sam and Adam, who’ve launched into the street to a real friendship this season. Marc has observed that Donovan has been not noted of that loop.
“I do know, and you realize what? I’ve a boy crush on Jamie Denton, and I want that they’d write it into the season, that it was Donovan and Sam who spent all this time collectively.
“I do not know if I am wishing for hassle as a result of he is a health care provider, and possibly one of many ways in which they’d make that occur is by having me stricken with sickness or one thing.
“However there have been all nowadays on set the place I simply wasn’t required. And I used to be like, ‘What is going on on right here?’ And I saved on seeing that it was these two who had scenes collectively. And I used to be truly jealous of that.”
Throughout “The Goodies,” the trio of men heads to trivia night time after which onto the bowling alley to catch Martha’s huge second to shine.
“It was nice. Jamie’s actually enjoyable. He’ll hate me for saying this since you will not suppose he is sufficiently old, however he is type of just like the solid’s dad, in a method. There is a working joke on set the place Catherine catches Jamie falling asleep on set between takes.
“She has a folder on her telephone, simply of images of Jamie having fallen asleep, by way of their years of labor, which is such a dad-like factor. I feel it is nice, I like hanging round with that man, he is superior.”
If his time hanging with is man-crush Jamie has been sparse, there are others Marc would like to spend extra time with on-screen, too.
“It is bizarre; I’ve spent remarkably little time with Catherine Bell on display screen. Over the previous two years, I feel we have had three, possibly two, one-on-one scenes collectively. For some cause, we’re simply not in one another’s orbit.
“I actually like Catherine; she’s a genuinely, candy, considerate, mild individual. And I like the possibility, even not simply to shoot together with her, however to be on set collectively; she has a really nurturing really feel about her. I’d love that.
“The opposite individual, clearly, is Catherine Disher, as a result of she’s… I do not know in case you spoke to Sarah already, she’s in all probability informed you that we’ve suits of guffawing a whole lot of the time.
“However, if we’ve a guffawing match at any level when Catherine Disher’s close by, it is a critical lack of income for the community as a result of they need to cease the set and take a break as a result of she simply makes us snicker so arduous. And he or she is liable to hysterical laughing suits that derail your complete set. I am critical!
“And particularly in direction of the tip of the week as a result of we begin each week very early, and because the week progresses, the decision occasions get later and later. We would begin working at 5:30 within the morning on Monday, however not begin working until 4:00 within the afternoon on Friday, and these are 12-hour days at all times.
“So generally, it is Friday night time at 1:00 AM or one thing, and Catherine Disher will get a laughing match that she will be able to’t management, and that is it, we’re completed. I’d love that, I’d love extra scenes with Catherine Bell, and extra scenes with Disher, for positive.”
When requested what he admires about his character, Marc mentioned, “He has an unambiguous, ethical rectitude. It does not appear arduous for him to determine what’s the proper factor to do, and I feel I do admire that.
“There’s quite a bit to be mentioned for deliberation and uncertainty in resolution making, however Donovan, he is a kind of Kevin Costner guys, who simply is aware of what’s proper, straight away.”
However Marc wish to see Donovan let free each on occasion, too, maybe by being a little bit extra flamboyant in his alternative of private costume.
“He has a really mature costume code as mayor. His palate is decidedly slim, and I’d like to see him present up in informal Fridays, sporting a Dolly Parton T-shirt, and a pair of worn denims. Or some type of very nice cowboy boots, or a beanie with a motto on it, or one thing like that. I really feel like he may afford to loosen up a little bit bit within the wardrobe division.”
I would stupidly forgotten that we might already met Donovan’s dad on the present when Donovan and Abigail went by way of hoops to cease the person from destroying the Wishing Properly in the hunt for a tax break.
“So we’ve met him. Whether or not he’ll come again or not is a thriller, however we do love Dottie Davenport.”
“The actress, Paula Boudreau, who performs my mother is… truly, that is actual life, I do not suppose I’ve ever encountered a visitor star on any present, who’s so unanimously adored by your complete set that you’ve got hair individuals, actors, administrators, everybody simply asking the producers to deliver that individual again, and Paula Boudreau, who performs my mother, is that individual.
“Extra individuals need her to return again than need me to return again, I feel. She’s simply unrelentingly candy and loving, and considerate. She’s simply one among these those who has that power of, I do not know, I do not need to say ‘Saintly,’ however type of saintly about her. She’s a very lovely individual.”
Dottie did not have the most effective introduction to Middleton, instantly solid as near a villain as they arrive in Middleton, firmly squaring off towards Martha and Abigail.
“That is how they take a look at the waters with spicier characters on Good Witch, they make them peripheral characters, and see how a lot the viewers is prepared to take. She’s particularly a superb foe for Martha Tinsdale,” Marc mentioned.
Now that Dottie softened as much as Abigail, possibly she and Martha can turn into the chums they have been destined to turn into in order that Dottie can embrace the happiness to many discover in Middleton.
“One thing alongside these strains occurs,” Marc teased. “I do not need to give an excessive amount of away, however there may be some sweetness arising, for positive.”
As for whether or not there are marriage ceremony bells sooner or later for Donovan and Abigail, Marc has his doubts however not as a result of he does not place confidence in their relationship.
“You recognize, final yr we mentioned that to the showrunner, and he mentioned, ‘On my life, I am by no means taking pictures one other marriage ceremony episode; it is such an enormous saga to get a marriage, and extras, and costumes, and all the pieces that you may solely actually use as soon as.’
“You may’t reuse costumes and attire from the marriage, and it is simply such a giant deal. As a result of you must have a very spectacular location, you must have a very spectacular set, and costumes and all the pieces.
“And after that marriage ceremony final yr, Sarah and I mentioned, “Are we going to be subsequent?” And he mentioned, “We aren’t doing any extra weddings.” Marc thinks that if the followers need it, they could be persuasive sufficient to get it completed. And if not a marriage, then definitely a Tuscan honeymoon, proper?
Marc laughed, “If we elope to some small church, in some little tiny city in Italy, that is simply acquired 4 pews and a mini steeple. It will make it straightforward.”
Significantly, although, Marc mentioned he is impressed with the hands-on method Hallmark takes with its viewers.
“They learn the Tweets, the go on the message boards, all that stuff. I really feel, greater than the common present, if there was a consensus about one thing individuals wished to see, and it acquired communicated to the present, by way of Tweets, or by way of no matter, that they’d let it occur, truly.”
By no means let your ideas on what you’re keen on go unsaid, #Hallmarkies and #Goodies!
Whereas ready to find out about the way forward for the manufacturing trade, Marc has been actively auditioning for potential new components. When requested what he is been watching currently, Marc shared that Sarah’s husband advisable Regular Folks, an Irish sequence on Hulu.
“It is about a few highschool college students who fall in love on the finish of highschool, and I feel, I am just a few episodes into it, I feel it follows their on-again, off-again relationship, by way of school and early maturity.
“It is primarily based on a Sally Rooney e book, however currently I have been watching a whole lot of films as a result of I am in a movie membership, a quarantine movie membership with a bunch of mates of mine. We have been watching two films every week for the previous couple of months. I’ve simply seen a number of the most unimaginable movies of my life, actually.
They’ve found and loved the work of Thai director, Apichatpong Weerasethakul. “He gained the Palme d’Or 10 years in the past, for this film known as Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Previous Lives.
And it is this sluggish, lovely story of this aged Thai man, who’s dying, and he has flashbacks to earlier lives. He is surrounded by his sister-in-law, and a few members of the family, and it is simply haunting, and exquisite, and actually, actually distinctive, I can not advocate it sufficient.
Then one other film, that truly additionally gained the Palme d’Or, two years in the past, I feel, is named Atlantics. It is by a French filmmaker, a lady named Mati Diop; it is on Netflix truly, and it is about younger love in Senegal. These two younger lovers who fall in love, proper as issues go south in Senegal.
And so they do not simply watch the flicks, however get collectively on-line to debate them, too.
“Yeah, we’ve a deadline. Mondays and Thursdays at 9:00 PM is the dialogue, so we take turns selecting a film. We do not watch it collectively, we simply need to have watched it by the point of the assembly.
“And it is all on Zoom, and persons are of their ‘jamas and no matter, simply chilling out on Zoom. Everyone seems to be so over getting camera-ready now, I really feel like. There is not any extra, ‘How’s my hair trying? How’s my lighting?’ Everybody simply seems fairly dumpy proper now. Which is cool.”
In different phrases, they’re similar to us! I hope you loved studying about Marc and attending to know him a little bit bit higher.
Keep in mind to observe Good Witch Season 6 Episode and are available again proper afterward for a full evaluate of the most recent episode!
Carissa Pavlica is the managing editor and a employees author and critic for TV Fanatic. She’s a member of the Critic’s Choice Association, enjoys mentoring writers, cats, and passionately discussing the nuances of tv and movie. Comply with her on Twitter and e mail her right here at TV Fanatic.