SUPER CHANNEL BLOG

As Helen Bouchard stepped off the stagecoach, it was a mystery as to what type of person she would be. With experience as a book editor, Helen might be the first to note that people should not judge a book by its cover, yet it would be a challenge to not form a quick opinion of this elusive and bristly Bouchard. Although she was warmly welcomed, it was evident that it was going to take a few chapters to thaw that cold exterior and connect with the folks and the families in her son’s new town.

In contrast to her character, Teryl Rothery is warm, funny, and relatable. She brings a depth to Helen that gives you a glimpse of the table of contents, while making you want to explore each future chapter, knowing there is a lot more to the story. Although Helen did not stay long in Hope Valley, Teryl’s portrayal of her left a lasting impact on the Hearties, and a lingering curiosity if her story will continue. Teryl kindly joined us for a second interview, click here for the previous one, this time with a focus solely on When Calls the Heart and the character she loved to play.

A loyal friend is one of life’s greatest treasures, something that Molly Sullivan and Florence Blakeley know well. From the earliest of days supporting one another through heartache and loss, these two women have remained connected as confidants and a constant source of companionship and community throughout the years.

The beauty of the relationship between Florence and Molly also remains true for the actors that portray them. In part one of this interview, Johannah and Loretta revealed more about their personal friendship, the growth of FloMo, and the stories that they love to share with the fans. In part two, these true friends continue their sweet, funny, and delightful sentiments about their characters and potential suitors, as well as a thank you to Hearties for helping to achieve eight seasons and more opportunities to work together on When Calls the Heart.

Hope Valley is a place of frequent visitors, new townsfolk, and friends that become family. From the first episode of season one, Florence Blakeley and Molly Sullivan have been on screen examples of friendship, community, healing, and humour. Florence first appeared in the Mercantile where she made sure to note that Elizabeth was two days past her expected arrival. Molly made her debut only minutes later in the scene with an eyebrow raise when Miss Thatcher indicated she needed a drink, but not a drink-drink.

Episode two was the first time that Team FloMo appeared together while the widows were determining what their future would hold. From that moment forward, the bond that they share would be demonstrated throughout the seasons, in their support of each other and their heart for helping others. As fans continue to delight in their growth and transformation, including their enjoyable storylines in season eight, Loretta and Johannah sat down with us in a special duo interview, to share more about their characters and how Florence and Molly really are friendship goals.

#YouMightBeAHeartie

A story is created by ideas, inspired by memories, impacted by people, and woven together most often with words. Stories involve some of our earliest memories with fairytales and other beloved books, or as keepsakes and traditions passed down as part of a family’s legacy. When a story is told in print, in person, or on TV, there are connections and emotions evoked, as part of the human experience or as fictional realities in entertainment.

Whether portraying a character and sharing her narrative, or assisting students to bring their scripts to life, Meredith Thomas finds a way to help others tell their story. Often incorporating her love of vintage clothes, thrift shop treasures, and handed-over heels, Meredith gives items a second chance to tell a new tale. With Save the Wedding now on Super Channel Heart & Home, it was the perfect time to catch up with Meredith to find out what stories have carried on since A Christmas in Royal Fashion.

Travel provides endless opportunities for adventures, discoveries, and memories. Unlike the many days it would have taken the folks of Hope Valley to arrive at their desired destination, travel has become so mainstream that journeying to the other side of the world can be measured in hours. Someone who knows this well is Natasha Burnett.

Born in the United Kingdom, Natasha found her love of performing and sense of adventure at a young age. After several years on stage in the UK, followed by a year of cabaret in Australia, Natasha found herself on the other side of the ocean when Canada called. She now finds herself travelling back in time in her new role as Minnie Canfield on When Calls the Heart. Natasha enthusiastically shared more about filming season 8, working as an actor during a pandemic, and connecting with her Canfield costars.

Long before the latest season of When Calls the Heart reaches our screens, the stories are carefully laid out and developed, much like an architect creating blueprints for a house. The showrunner is the lead architect, creatively determining the arc for each character while staying cognizant of the history. The foundation of the building or in this case the characters’ histories, are essential, while designing a new look for the future. 

John Tinker, or Tinker as he’s better known to those in his circle, is the lead architect of the stories from Hope Valley. After determining the outline and inviting others to collaborate on the shape of the season, he and the talented group of writers add the necessary elements to create a finished product. From concept to completion, Tinker is the one to adjust this season’s blueprints until the final episode has filmed. Connecting from his home in Georgia, John Tinker offers more insight into his role as showrunner, as well as the challenges to write and film during COVID-19. 

In a world where dark moments exist, When Calls the Heart has brought a great light. The gifts that materialize from this little Canadian show are plentiful: from life lessons, friendships, prayer groups, and pen pals, to an escape from the sufferings of daily life. It truly is a series filled with messages of hope, faith, love, and family, experienced on the screen, online, and between people around the world. These frontier stories provide an opportunity to look back on the hardships faced across previous generations, and the chance to connect with family members who endured those challenges. With beloved characters and a focus on community, When Calls the Heart always leave the viewers wanting more.

Despite the daily difficulties faced by folks on the frontier, they found light and promise in the days ahead. Just as the fictional characters of When Calls the Heart have shared their struggles on screen, the struggles of completing the pilot movie have been shared by Executive Producer, Brian Bird. As a writer, Brian focuses on stories that bring families together. As a Christian, he reminds the audiences that hope is always possible, especially when you believe in the author of the universe. And as a recognizable connection between the Hearties and the show, Papa Heartie as he’s commonly known, affirms that When Calls the Heart has remained a light in the darkness for himself and for millions of others around the globe. Brian warmly shared more about his passion for family-friendly TV, the faith that has been his source through it all, and his dreams for the future of this beautiful show that has connected and illuminated hearts all over the world.

When thinking of the Canadian prairies, the film industry is not the first thing that comes to mind. But with its beautiful and diverse landscapes, dedicated people, and untapped locational market, the prairies offer a lot more than long, cold winters.

Growing up on the ice with a hockey stick in hand, Lisa Durupt had every intention of becoming an athletic therapist. A change of direction meant remaining in her home province of Manitoba and entering the world of theatre and film. Her prairie roots, passion for performing, and love of being on the ice have remained with her on the west coast; all of which come shining through in her leading role on Christmas with a Crown. Lisa kindly offered us more insight into her character, the challenges faced on set during the pandemic, and how everyone came together to make it happen.

A sweet festive story shared with family is a highlight for many during this holiday season. Christmas movies offer a chance to escape from the everyday and be whisked away to a winter wonderland, often resulting in a magical storybook romance. Family films are loved for many reasons; and just as the audience loves to watch them, Director Dylan Pearce loves to make them.

A pivotal loss and influential moment changed the course of Dylan’s life, from medicine into film. His passion for storytelling combined with family influence creates an environment where people can feel at home, while being whisked away into a grownup fairytale. His latest film, Christmas with a Crown, is a project close to his heart for many reasons, including the driving force behind this project, his late mother Mary Pearce. Filmed in Edmonton and filled with family and friends of the cast and crew including his wife and daughter, Dylan shared more about the incredible community that made it all possible.