Ah, another Thursday has arrived. The title of this post is from the old English nursery rhyme that goes: "Monday's child is fair of face. Tuesday's child is full of grace. Wednesday's child is full of woe. Thursday's child has far to go..."
The rhyme was used to help young children remember the names of the days of the week, but I always thought it kinda sucked for "Wednesday's child"... who wants to be "full of woe"!? Not me!
But as for Thursday's child having far to go, here I am with the weekly Thursday Heartland Update, telling you that we don't really have that far to go, only 16 Thursdays between today and the launch of Season 4 (Again, if you're counting sleeps that makes it only a scant 115 days from today). Click through to read a bunch of cool stuff about Heartand!
Some of you may be thinking that 115 days is an eternity, but now that we're in June, summer is upon us... and as we all know, summer has an unfortunate habit of rapidly coming and then going, no? So hang in there, enjoy the many, many posts I'm going to send your way (not just on Thursdays, either!) and join the countdown to the Season 4 premiere with me!
On set there are only 2 more days of filming the first two episodes. On Tuesday filming will start on Episodes 403 and 404, and if you recall, I recently found out that Heartland would be getting a visit from someone who'd not been on the series for over a year... remember that? Well, I know this is going to only open up the speculation floodgates, but you are NOT going to believe who the series has coming back in these next two episodes!!! Seriously, even I was surprised, and it takes a lot to surprise me...
Anyway I'm sure you don't want to hear about that stuff, so let's answer some questions instead!
1) First and foremost - believe me on this - this blog is the main source for all things Heartland. When details on the production or on anything else Heartland-esque become available, it'll be found here FIRST. Always.
2) Is Heartland-esque a proper word? How about Heartlandisity or Heartlandishness? Maybe not... unless we use them enough! Then they end up being picked up by the O.E.D. or Merriam Webster... - hey, it worked for "unfriend" and "hashtag" for 2009! Let's do it!
3) A note about fan mail: If you are sending a personal letter to the one of the cast or crew, make sure you address it to that person, but always include the word "Heartland".
For example, if you want to send a letter to Amber Marshall, the best way to address the envelope is -
HEARTLAND (Attn: Amber Marshall)
P.O. Box 2640
Calgary, Alberta
T2P 2M7
CANADA
That way I guarantee that she'll get it. Remember, the Post Office box number and postal code is important, but so is writing the word "Heartland" in the address.
4) Zoey writes, "...there might be an episode on my birthday! yeah my birthday is (ahem) on halloween, 31st october, much to my chagrin. i hate sharing my birthday with another huge event on the calendar..."
I imagine there are going to be a lot of you who may be going to Halloween parties or will be out Trick or Treating or otherwise wanting to do fun things on Sunday, October 31 - so just so you know - there will be NO conflict for you to be concerned with! The CBC will NOT be airing a new episode of Heartland on Halloween.
5) arabiangirl asks, "Can you give some more pictures/info about the horses please?"
Sometime soon I'm going to post a lot of never-before-seen photos of horses that have appeared in the series and I'll devote an entire blog post to Amy's trusty steed Spartan. Watch for it!
6) Sarah asks, "I was just wondering what IMHO stands for??"
Sorry - I meant to answer that in the comments. That would be, in texting slang: In My Humble Opinion (in the same way that LOL is "laughing out loud")
7) Twe asks, "How often do one of the camera men or other members of the production crew fall over when they're walking backwards?"
The answer is - Eeek! Absolutely NEVER! A steadicam rig is a delicate and complex piece of equipment worth a LOT of money (like, as in tens of thousands of dollars even without the camera attached.) Every step of every shot on Heartland is blocked and rehearsed. If you look at the photo from last week's blog you'll notice a crew member to the right of the steadicam operator. That person is acting as the eyes of the backwards moving camera, watching to make sure nothing gets in the path behind the operator. This way the camera operator can concentrate on getting the shot and not have to worry about tripping.
8) Sher asks, "When will the 3rd season be on DVD?
I can't tell you because I don't know. Because Seasons 1 and 2 have only recently been released as complete single season boxed sets, Season 3 won't be released for a while. But, as always, when I find out, I'll totally let you know!
9) Barb asks "What are the big white "cards" in the photo?"
She's referring to the same photo from last Thursday's post, with the steadicam shot tracking Amy and Ty walking toward the ranch house. If you look at it again, by the shadows you'll see the camera is facing the sun, so normally Amber and Graham's faces would be very dark. The white "cards" are used as (and called) bounces, to reflect the natural light of the sun on to the actors' faces, allowing them to be filmed in a better light. Simple, huh?
10) Alyssa - and a bunch of others - have asked "Is there an air date for the U.S.?"
I've answered this before, but just once, so I'll repeat that Heartland is going to begin broadcasting in syndication in the United States beginning the week of September 18, 2010. At this time I can't say which stations or at what times, but again, when I know you will know. If any of you who are American fans find out when it's airing in your area, though, don't hesitate to post it here on the blog!
11) Jasmine asks, "So when are the pictures of the characters at the top of the webpage going to be replaced?"
The images of the characters are changed every year, before the season premiere.
12) Tiishirt says: "here on the Blog you DO learn a lot about other countries, don't you?!" Yep! I love to both entertain AND educate!
Today's lesson, disguised as trivia, although not about another country, is going back in time nearly four years...
When a television broadcaster decides whether they want to commit the time, energy and money (!) necessary to launch a series, quite often they'll only greenlight (or approve) the pilot, or first episode, to see how it turns out. That was the case with Heartland. In the fall of 2006 episode 101 was scripted and filmed. Quite a lot was different, including the location of the Heartland ranch. Also there was also no Mallory! After the pilot episode was tested and screened the CBC decided to go ahead and bring the world of Heartland to Canadian television audiences. (And we are ALL glad they did!)
The pilot episode, which was directed by Dean Bennett, was then altered slightly (to make it into episode 1 of season 1) and additional scenes were added in. These scenes, directed by Ron Murphy, were filmed during the fall of 2007 when season one episodes were in production. So - for example - the scenes establishing the ranch house and the scenes of Mallory in Episode 101 - "Coming Home" were never in the original pilot but are there now. If you watch the episode you will see this additional footage added beginning at the 6'32" mark, showing the barn and the house, where Mallory (Jessica Amlee) is waiting on the porch when Jack brings Amy and Lou home.
The photo at the top of this post was taken on the first day of filming the pilot in 2006. Amber Marshall has played Amy Fleming for nearly four years and she is doing an AWESOME job of it.
Yesterday was indeed Amber's birthday and along with all of you I want to wish her a happy birthday. I had a ton of fun hanging out with her during the CBC Fall media launch event last week... in fact pictures of Amber (and a short video) are on the Official Heartland Facebook Page, and if you haven't already "liked" that and added it to your news feed... WHY NOT?!! :-)
As Amber gets a bit older so does Amy. No longer the fifteen-year-old that she was in "Coming Home," Amy will be graduating to new things this year... and the stories continue to unfold in 115 days.
Tick... tick... tick
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Free Spirit wrote:
Posted June 3, 2010 9:39 PM
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY I have been waiting allllll day for this! Blog whisperer I tell you it was agony, wondering if you forgot or was waiting til tomorrow or SOMETHING rational! anyways thanks for the info on the fan mail address.I guess since cindy doesnt "own" the address they didnt recagnize her name.I agree with natalie! We should toatally see the audition tapes, I think that would be the best "present" ever!!
At last another teensie clue about our favourite blog whisperer!!
Last but not least thanks for another tidbit of info(the last couple of paragraphs) about our fave show!!!
Free Spirit wrote:
Posted June 3, 2010 9:44 PM
This year there is no episode on my birthday :( my birthday is on monday! missed by one day! Oh well Last year episode 303(man's best friend) was on my birthday!! I was sick but still it was so cool!!
KMA88 wrote:
Posted June 3, 2010 9:55 PM
Thanks BW for some more Heartlandishness. I like this term the most. I feel as though the Heartland blog is a great added supplement to my studies at university. So when my English Professor reads us a poem and asks us to respond, I shall bust out this here nursery rhyme provided by our trusty BW as my response.
Claire <3 wrote:
Posted June 3, 2010 10:21 PM
Happy Belated Birthday, Amber! :)
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sarah wrote:
Posted June 3, 2010 11:14 PM
who could it be:
Mr. Mallen?? the guy they stole spartan from
Mrs. Roach
Ben
Carl
Nick
Jess Stanton
that holly wood star whatever her name is :P
Mackenzie
one of Amy's old fiends in episode 1
sarah wrote:
Posted June 3, 2010 11:17 PM
.....will peter be one of the characters up thier next season?
Sarah wrote:
Posted June 3, 2010 11:51 PM
You answered my question BW!!!!! Thank you sooooo sooo much!!!!! I feel very special, because i've never once had the nice bold writing under my comments, but now i've been mentioned in a post... once again, Thank you :)
TC wrote:
Posted June 4, 2010 2:36 AM
You're having fun with this whole 'Thursday' thing, aren't you, BW? ;-)
More tasty tidbits to add to our long list of speculations for Season 4, hmm?
So, someone else is back for two episodes, you say? You didn't specify any gender, so it could potentially be anybody. Lily Borden? Wade? Brad? Tara (Goth-girl)? While these are... interesting guesses, I'll tell you whose 'return' would really blow my mind: Marion's. Of course, it wouldn't be a 'Marion is Back From the Dead' sort of thing, but I can see it being a flashback-like deal.
Is it Sept. 26th, yet?
-TC
Christina wrote:
Posted June 4, 2010 3:20 AM
115 days seems like AGES! but i am glad its over the summer because i am sure it will go quicker. I miss heartland so much... counting down the days now.
Also do you know when Heartland Season 2 will air in the UK?
Wendy wrote:
Posted June 4, 2010 6:41 AM
When season 4 is up and running what weather will be portrayed in the new season? Because Calgary has had to endure winter for the second time, it's been raining here, did that affect your filming?
Zoey wrote:
Posted June 4, 2010 8:14 AM
i wouldn't mind if there was an episode of heartland on my B-day but i suppose i'm kind of glad. things at my place are always a bit hectic on halloween as we remember at last minute that we haven't got anything to give trick or treaters because they were focused on my birthday. sometimes its the other way round (sniff). i'm looking forward to the segment on spartan. he's such an incredible horse! ooh and according to that little poem, i'm 'loving and giving'! ha! i need to go rub that in my sisters face now because she always mocks my being born on halloween. and i haven't even read twilight! (though i intend to). speaking of birthdays- i had no idea that it was amber's birthday! a little late but HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMBER!!
Timothy Kaier wrote:
Posted June 4, 2010 10:17 AM
A very Happy Birthday Amber. Best wishes for many more & may God bless!
Tim(Buffalo, NY, USA)
Phoebs wrote:
Posted June 4, 2010 11:27 AM
Happy belated birthday, Amber! I hope you had a fabulous day :)
Phoebs
Dalaigh wrote:
Posted June 4, 2010 12:50 PM
Hey...Thank you / Merci Blog Whisperer...and I agree that Heartlandishness has a certain ring to it. Say that five times in a row! HAH!
I wish to speculate who the mystery person may be, okay. does anyone think that it could be Carrie-Anne (I think that's her name), the old girlfriend from Ty's dark past. Wouldn't it be cool if she showed up and threw a wrench into everything?! Jessie was another one, wouldn't that be neat to see him dating Soraya?!?! I always felt that Soraya needs a boyfriend, everyone else has one! What about Amy's friend in the first episode of season 1, I can't remember her name (chalk it up to age I guess), but could she be the one?
@TC - Marian in a flashback would be cool, but how or why would they bring her back? That would be a curious question indeed!
I haven't had the time to review season 1...but I will when I get a few moments. I'm curious as to see who we haven't seen since the first season.
Annie wrote:
Posted June 4, 2010 3:48 PM
Hey guys,
Any of you people who live in great britain might have seen a reality tv show called over the rainbow, where andew lloyd webber and graham norton look for the next west end leading lady (dorothy from the wizard of oz). any way, one of the contestants was called amy fleming. just heard her name and thought: "Oh, has she read the heartland books or seen the tv series i wonder?"
just thought you might like to know that useless piece of information :D
bring on series 4 (114 days to go...)
Annie x
Allison wrote:
Posted June 4, 2010 8:18 PM
I cannot wait. You guys are so right though. Summer passes way to fast, but I will be spending 2 months every day (even week ends) at my barn with my horse Moonstone. She is so happy to see me more and more, so I cant wait to be with her. I have to go soon but thanks so much for all the info.
sarah wrote:
Posted June 4, 2010 8:40 PM
WHAT!!about soryas mother we have not seen her in all season 3 and almost season 2 :P.....just a suggestion
Laurena wrote:
Posted June 4, 2010 8:42 PM
Happy belated birthday, Amber!!! Hope it was great!!!
shelb wrote:
Posted June 5, 2010 1:53 AM
i really like amys roping saddle any one know what brand it is?
Annie wrote:
Posted June 5, 2010 9:35 AM
Hey Guys,
Just re-watching some of the previous Heartland eps, and wondering whether anyone knows which episode it was when mallory went away to boarding school (y'know, when she runs away and kisses ty and all that) it was either series 1 or 2.
Thanks,
Annie x
Jann wrote:
Posted June 5, 2010 10:58 AM
Let's see...well the mystery person can not be Nick Harwell, or Mackenzie, or "that Hollywood person". But the possibilities are :Carl, Jesse, Jenn (Amy's friend), or I really hope Ben!! I liked Ben and I think Beau is a good actor. We'll have to wait and see!
Zoey wrote:
Posted June 5, 2010 2:19 PM
Damn BW! who is it thats turning up and has actually managed to get YOU of all people surprised???? WHO IS IT!!!!! god, i need to go to my heartland rations for dire situations such as this one. my heartland rations = watching all the episodes on youtube back to back.
@ Annie- gosh, no! i don't watch over the rainbow and thats so weird that her name's amy fleming!
@ Free Spirit- i was thinking the exact same thing! i was pacing like mad in anticipation for the next blog post.
Lee :) wrote:
Posted June 5, 2010 11:43 PM
iii lovee heartland! its the best show ever, i hope it stays true though! Its a great family show for everyone to enjoy.
My hopes are that amy and ty will stick together no matter what and that there will be horse problems that will require both their effort to cure.
Happy belated birthday Amber! your a great role model!
Estelle wrote:
Posted June 6, 2010 3:03 AM
OMG!!! Is it...
-Ben
-Carl
-OMG! Marion
-what about... that girl that Ty dated from his group home... season 1 episode 9... kerryanne (i have no idea how 2 spell it)
please tell us who it is... i have shivers running up my spine and i will until i find out who it is.
do you know what sucks... i live in Australia so it probably won't come out 4 ages... good news... i might go to the USA with my dad (and maybe my mum) and then we get to go to Calgary 2!!! happy!!!
happy birthday Amber, i had it in my diary, i told all my friends it was her birthday and they had NO idea who she was...
Annie wrote:
Posted June 6, 2010 7:50 AM
@Zoey- I watch it on Youtube too. Hoping to get the DVDs soon though.
I wonder who the mystery person is...
PLEASE!!!!!!!TELL US BW! I'M BEGGING HERE!
ok, that was a bit OTT, sorry.
i'll go mope in the corner. *sniff*
arabiangrl wrote:
Posted June 6, 2010 11:11 AM
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY AMBER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
melanie wrote:
Posted June 6, 2010 1:07 PM
does anyone know when the Heartland Christmas movie is being filmed/coming out?
Adonica wrote:
Posted June 6, 2010 1:50 PM
PLEASE HELP ME! I dont know if Im crazy or what, but I tried to watch Heartland today on the internet and the latest episodes arent there anymore! I only have to watch like, 2 more episodes to be done season three but I didnt see the episodes :(
[Blog Whisperer: You are not crazy... CBC is taking down the season 3 episodes while they air the reruns on TV over the summer. You can send any feedback you may have about that using the contact form at http://www.cbc.ca/contact . They read all feedback that is sent in.]
Zoey wrote:
Posted June 6, 2010 4:25 PM
@ Annie- the episode where mallory leaves for boarding school is season 2 episode 209 'Showdown!'. i love the bit where she kisses ty! lol
Zoey wrote:
Posted June 6, 2010 7:35 PM
@Annie- im pretty sure that one is in Showdown hehe i watched it today
Sam wrote:
Posted June 6, 2010 8:31 PM
hi, I was just wondering why it was not posted that episode 110 Born to Run was going to shown on Sunday the 6 at 7:00?
Ashley wrote:
Posted June 7, 2010 2:09 AM
I can't believe that there is still 115 days left! I am counting the days down on my calender :) can't wait for the next question answer I think we should have one with Anna Ferguson (Mrs. Bell) can't wait! Thx. For updating the blog
Free Spirit wrote:
Posted June 7, 2010 10:42 AM
I thought there was going to be a blog post when the leo awards were announced? I looked on their website but im not sure if I was looking under the right catagory and title.
Ashley wrote:
Posted June 7, 2010 8:35 PM
Hi BW i was just thinking that there hasnt been a question answer period with Anna Ferguson (Mrs. Bell) just thinking it would be fun to have one with her, lots of questions to ask.
Thanks
Free Spirit wrote:
Posted June 9, 2010 9:33 PM
Which part of episode 314(Happy list) did chris potter's song play?
Val wrote:
Posted June 10, 2010 11:18 AM
@Free Spirit: Chris Potter`s song played right at the beginning when Amy, Ty, Ashley and Caleb watch the Rodeo Clips.
Natalie wrote:
Posted June 12, 2010 1:52 PM
I bet it'll be Ty's "girlfriend" or Lou's old boyfriend Carl!!!!
Heaven wrote:
Posted June 17, 2010 9:05 AM
I must say Heartland is a big hit ! we watch it every sunday night in my home town ( Sudbury Ontario Canada)
I would like to thank The cast and crew for Heartland while giving me that extra push to believe in myself, seeing how Amy thinks and acts has helped me a lot!
I own a stable much like Heartland, I just got a sorrel paint and he was a crazy one when I got him. He had a Brand on his shoulder so I contacted The brand registry of Alberta, I will soon get most of the information I need for this poor guy. I have had great progress with him so far, when I got him I couldn't get near him, now he comes to me but he is very fidgety and quivers when around people. Riding him has not yet been an option for he was a huge challenge the first time I figure I will just start from scratch. So far I have backed him and have been lead around on him.
I feel that Heartland is great for motivating people keep it up and I cannot wait for season four!
Thanks
ashley wrote:
Posted July 11, 2010 2:39 PM
how come t wont let me watch the last few episodes of heartland? they where the best ones and i cant see them again :( but this show rocks!!!