It's very quiet on the Heartland set this week, as everything is shut down until July 12, when day 4 of episodes 405 and 406 resume filming. Most of the cast are all over the country, visiting family and friends, but they are slowly making their way back to Calgary. Click through to the blog post for info about Amber at the Calgary Stampede, and some answers to some of your questions!
As reported last week, Amber Marshall is going to be in town for the Calgary Stampede parade, which she will be co-hosting on July 9 (That would be tomorrow!) If you are lucky enough to be attending the annual event, Amber will be conducting interviews on horseback and will be traveling along the 900 block of 9th Avenue SW during the course of the morning's parade coverage (That should answer your question, Leigh!) Co-hosting with Amber will be CBC TV anchors Nirmala Naidoo and Kristina Barnes, along with Sports specialist Doug Dirks. CBC Television coverage of The Calgary Stampede Parade begins at 9:30am MT (Southern Alberta, Calgary & Lethbridge). The Calgary Stampede Parade will also be available live at 9:30am MT on CBC bold, and streamed live on CBCSports.ca.
I also have some very good news for fans of Heartland in Australia and France, where complete Season 1 boxed sets will be available in the near future. Watch for them.
In other news, last week I gave you a little history lesson regarding July 1 - Canada Day. Staying on course, I thought I would let you know you that it was exactly 99 years ago today, on July 8, 1911, that the first woman to ride a horse solo across North America arrived in New York City!
Her name was Nan Aspinwall-Gable and at the age of 31 she rode 4,496 miles (7,236 km) in 180 days, starting in San Francisco, on her thoroughbred mare, Lady Ellen. Nan was also responsible for her horse's care - she even shod the mare 14 times herself!!! Not an easy feat. I'm just imagining how certain parts of me would feel after that sort of ride...
Moving right along... before I address some questions that have been asked over the past week I am obligated to keep the countdown updated by telling you (tick... tick... tick...) that we are now 11 Thursdays, or 80 sleeps until CBC broadcasts the Canadian premiere of Season 4. 80 days? That's a whole 100 days shorter than it took Nan to cross the continent on horseback!
Now that we have that addressed...
1) Débora asks, Hi from france!! I was wondering if any cast members speak french? (it will be easier if I want to send them a letter ;) )
Free Spirit is indeed correct when she said that Cindy Busby, who plays Ashley, is fluent in French and in English, so feel free to send her a letter in either language.
2) Damon Janzen asks, I was wondering where do u film heartland is it sorta between Calgary and Edmonton....and, how long do you have to film yet until you're done with all the episodes.
I'll answer the second part first - filming will continue until mid-December of this year. As to where Heartland is filmed, it is about 25 minutes south of Calgary. Being as Edmonton is north of Calgary I will admit the ranch is not between Alberta's two largest cities.
3) Bren Reynolds asks, I am wondering if there is a plan to release a CD of all the Heartland music? I really enjoy listening to the music that is provided on the website.
Yeah, the music is pretty good, isn't it? That's a great idea to have a CD with a lot of the songs from Heartland. I'm told it's being looked into, and - you know you've read THIS before - as soon as I know about it I'll inform you all via this blog! :)
4) MzSnowleopard asks, will we see more of Lisa Stillman (Jessica Steen) in Season 4?
Absolutely! Lisa is back for Season 4 and everyone is happy.
5) megawatt asks, Where exactly is the property where Heartland is filmed. I have read something about Millarville in the blog or the posts.
Millarville it is, but the area surrounding Millarville is quite expansive, and the ranch is located on a great many acres, not very far away as the crow flies, and a little further than that if the crow is driving a car. Am I going to give you the exact location? Sadly, no, or I would get in SO much trouble, and the producers would not let my spies in on some of the juicy tidbits I share with you!
6) Lennie McDonald asks, ...us seniors will be in Okotoks Aug 8-11th and wondering if any of the cast will be appearing anywhere in that time frame? We absolutely love the show and never miss an episode.
Thanks for watching, Lennie. The cast will be deep into production in August and so it is not likely that any personal appearances will be made. However, nothing's written in stone, and if this changes I will let you know here on the blog as soon as I learn of the news.
7) canadian gurld:) asks, I was just wondering.....can i somehow tour amy's room on this website too :P
cause u could at the old website.
Let me look into that. At the very least I'll have some detailed (updated) photos of Amy's room in the near future. Stay tuned!
8) Ash asks, will sugarfoot come back?
Oh yes indeed Ash! Mrs. Bell's beloved horse will be returning in Season 4. I know you are going to love seeing the little guy strut his stuff.
9) To all of you seeking more information on the mystery animal... nyah, nyah! :) Sorry, but I wrote last week that I would be providing NO more clues. I said it, I meant it, I'm here to represent it!
So that's all for this week. If I didn't get around to your question it's only because I don't have a solid answer, but give me a little time and I'll have something for you as soon as I get any sort of official word.
Until next week, ponder this - if I say Season 4 premieres in 80 days, or if I say Season 4 premieres in approximately 1920 hours, which sounds shorter? Hmmmmmmm...
Tick... tick... tick...
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Natalie wrote:
Posted July 8, 2010 1:17 PM
80 hours sounds shorter. After all, it is a smaller number than 1920!
Annie wrote:
Posted July 8, 2010 2:24 PM
Awww, you have to at least tell us if we're getting warmer BW! Is the mystery animal anything we've said so far?
I'm really pleased that Sugarfoot is returning! I LOVED that video of him in that episode where Mrs Bell has a heartattack and Sugarfoot comes to stay at Heartland, because I love it when he escapes from his stable and the music is all punky!
Sara Hitch wrote:
Posted July 8, 2010 2:39 PM
Is Ty and Amy together out of the show ( like dateing )
Jenna wrote:
Posted July 8, 2010 2:42 PM
Aww, I might be going to the Calgary Stampede on the last day of it. Darn, I'm going to miss
Amber.
country girl... :) wrote:
Posted July 8, 2010 3:01 PM
humm,, i would say 80 days... (smaller number).. but we will have to see what everyone else says too!! :) question, blog whisperer.... what kind of stores sell heartland dvds in canada?? thanks!
Jodie wrote:
Posted July 8, 2010 3:05 PM
Will the heartland crew ever come to visit Thunder Bay, Ontario? It would be awesome if they could:)
Canadiangurl:) wrote:
Posted July 8, 2010 3:18 PM
thanks for the update.....even though I will not be at the Calgary stampeded I live alll way in MB:(
{Now I want To say have fun all of you they are going :D}
BW could you tell me if amber has a fan email I would like to know THANKS a lot
Dorica W. wrote:
Posted July 8, 2010 3:23 PM
80 days seems sooooooo much shorter. I was also wondering how long it would be until season 3 will be out on dvd???
Twe wrote:
Posted July 8, 2010 4:25 PM
Well, we're one Thursday closer to a brand new season of Heartland! And Twe has been inspired to launch a new series of blog posts: Twe's Top Reasons for why Heartland is Terrific! And we'll start with #1...
ITS REALISM. So many shows have animals which make miraculous recoveries, and Heartland definitely does have some of those in its plot lines. But it also has the necessary dose of harsh realism: loved animals can, and often do, die. Pegasus' death was a strong demonstration of cruel reality. The producers didn't side-step the issue and present a television series which, though very happy, was also void of the essential elements of human life. Instead, they produced a series with all the heartbreak that young people have to live through, day to day, and which I'm going to experience tonight when my faithful dog and buddy for the past twelve years gets put to sleep. The fact that Heartland is able to take on such a painful issue with such realism definitely makes it that much more terrific.
[Blog Whisperer: I'm so sorry Twe. Take care.]
Siyetka wrote:
Posted July 8, 2010 5:01 PM
Hey Blog Whisperer thanks so much for the update! So excited for the new season!
Free Spirit wrote:
Posted July 8, 2010 6:24 PM
Can someone set me straight? I am very confused! I have been getting different answers from people as to when the parade is airing on CBC. Can anyone help me? Is it 9:30am(alberta time)? I know it says here on the blog but I have been hearing different times for instance on the CBC promo on tv for the stampede it says something is starting tomorrow at 11:00pm (alberta time) I am very confused!!!!
lee wrote:
Posted July 8, 2010 6:28 PM
hey, i was wondering when does season 2 come out on dvd? Also do you know if anytime soon in the toronto area or something? i was going to go to amber marshalls camp thing but then i was not allowed to so i was promised that if i can get a date for when they are near here then i can go and see them :) thanks
canadian gurl:) wrote:
Posted July 8, 2010 9:13 PM
BW. is thier some way i can download heartland...(but not on i tunes cause i don't really want to pay)
cause i cant find the DVDs here sucks i know :(:( i have looked in our wall mart and they were not in their :P totally sucks :(
[Blog Whisperer: You should ask them at Walmart (or anywhere else that sells DVDs, as they are widely available) - they might be at another store and be able to order them for you. Otherwise, iTunes is your best bet. I'm sorry you don't really want to pay, but... really?]
countrygurl twin wrote:
Posted July 8, 2010 10:00 PM
well I'm rather fond of counting in hours!!! i think it is more precise, and interesting ;)
i will for sure be watching the stampede.... from afar sadly, but i WILL be watching!!!!
thanks for the update BW
CGT
TC wrote:
Posted July 9, 2010 2:11 AM
@Twe: Aww, I'm so sorry to hear you've got to say "goodbye" to your faithful fido. Dogs are awesome pets, so it's never a happy moment when you've got to put one down. Hope you have some good family and friends to console you during this time.
---------
80 Days 'til Heartland Season 4, eh? Who wants to go around the world with me? It'll be Sept. 26th by the time we get back...
-TC
Turandot wrote:
Posted July 9, 2010 2:14 AM
Hi,
will Chris Potter direct an episode (or several episodes) in season 4? I think he did a great job with "The Happy List" and I'm looking forward to watching further episodes directed by him.
Thanks a lot in advance!
Val wrote:
Posted July 9, 2010 2:35 AM
Thanks for the Update :) I also hope there will be a Heartland Soundtrack soon. The music is so great in this show :)
Some more news: Season 3 episode "The Haunting of Hanley Barn" is nominated for a DGC (Director`s Guild of Canada) Award as Best Television Series Family :) And by the way "The Good Witch`s Gift" starring Chris Potter/Tim Fleming is nominated for Best Production Design.
http://www.dgc.ca/page.php?id=101
3blindmice wrote:
Posted July 9, 2010 3:29 AM
@Twe.....I'm so so sorry to hear about your dog. We have a dog that I know would kill me to have to put down. It's the worst thing in the world. I'll be thinking of you.
Natalie wrote:
Posted July 9, 2010 3:32 AM
If it helps anyone else who lives in Australia, the Season 1 DVD will be avaliable on September 2nd. $30 at ABC shops.
Damon Janzen wrote:
Posted July 9, 2010 9:44 AM
hey...me again, I was wondering, when will you guys put seasons 3 and 4 on disk?...I just ordered seasons 1 and 2 from your website, I'm so excited. love heartland and all the caracters fit there parts perfectly, oh and i only live exactly...11 hours and 25 minutes away from heartland ranch.
country girl.... :) wrote:
Posted July 9, 2010 9:58 AM
@Twe: i'm so sorry about your dog... that's got to be really tough. :( hang in there tho, you won't ever forget about your dog- your buddy- and i'm sure you won't forget about the memories you must've made throughout his 12 years. i'll be thinking of you.
country girl... :(
Timothy Kaier wrote:
Posted July 9, 2010 10:17 AM
Amber Marshall is suppose to be appearing also at the Orangeville, Ontario rodeo next Saturday July 17th to sign autographs.
Val wrote:
Posted July 9, 2010 11:29 AM
@Turandot: Great to see you here :) All I know is that Chris said he will direct some more episodes in Season 4 but I guess it depends on schedules etc. In the Q&A he said the following:
Q: Hey Chris, I love your character!! And also the the episode that you directed. My question is: What was it like to direct an episode of Heartland?
A: Good enough too make me want to do it again....and I will next season.
So I think that sounds good for all the CP Fans :)
LM wrote:
Posted July 9, 2010 12:16 PM
The Calgary Stampede Parade will re-air on various CBC channels including the non-cable channel Saturday morning, July 10. Check the TV listings in your area for the time. You can also go to one of the online TV listings to search for it under canada.com or zap2it.com.
Fazana wrote:
Posted July 9, 2010 3:06 PM
Will we see more of Scott Cardinal in the next series??
Free Spirit wrote:
Posted July 9, 2010 5:57 PM
@twe Im sorry about your dog. I hope you feel better soon!!
Kerris wrote:
Posted July 9, 2010 7:43 PM
I really, really hope they make a soundtrack CD for this show, the music rocks! I downloaded a few songs off of Itunes. Sorry to hear about your dog Twe...it never is easy. Just last Friday I lost my horse. I made a personal slideshow keepsake for myself (hence the songs from this show, they worked out perfectly!)
Krissy wrote:
Posted July 9, 2010 8:37 PM
@blog whisperer, when is there going to be more contests?? :)
Nikki wrote:
Posted July 9, 2010 9:37 PM
What old website are they talking about in the question from canadian gurld:)?????
Michelle wrote:
Posted July 10, 2010 11:12 AM
Hi,
thanks for the weekley information I LOVE HEARTLAND (who dosent ?? xD)
I am so excited because tomorrow evening the Season 3 aires in Germany Cant wait to watch it :)
Orla wrote:
Posted July 11, 2010 12:16 PM
I was just wondering if you had any pics of Caleb & Ty together? I have never seen one:O And would love to have one:) Thanks
Healinghorses wrote:
Posted July 11, 2010 12:34 PM
Hey Blog whisperer Thanks sooo much for giving us something to look forward to every Thursday! But I am wondering when there will be any contests etc.? Just wondering! LOVE Heartland!!!!!!!
Lily wrote:
Posted July 11, 2010 12:48 PM
1920 hours sounds shorter than 80 days because one hour is shorter than one day...but thats just how i see it
Healinghorses wrote:
Posted July 12, 2010 11:55 AM
@lily yeah I think 1920 hours sound shorter too.
PrairieClover wrote:
Posted July 12, 2010 12:47 PM
Hey there, if you missed the Stampede parade with Amber Marshall as one of the hosts you can watch is here http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/Sports/Calgary_Stampede/ID=1540951595
PrairieClover wrote:
Posted July 12, 2010 1:24 PM
Hey there, if you missed the Stampede parade with Amber Marshall as one of the hosts you can watch is here http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/Sports/Calgary_Stampede/ID=1540951595
Lara wrote:
Posted July 14, 2010 2:52 AM
Hey BW
Sorry if someone already asked this question, but i would like to know how you come up with the names of the shows? I know some of the shows are named after the books but what about the others? Thank you
Lara
Danielle wrote:
Posted July 30, 2010 12:27 PM
when is the series coming to the USA? i read the books and i watch the episodes on youtube but it would be easier if the show came to usa!!!
Ansone wrote:
Posted July 31, 2010 2:10 PM
Hey! sorry lots of comments. You are so lucky to be in a show like heartland!! i want to be an acter when i am older but working on a show like heartland is beyond cool beyond my biggest wishes working with horses on a family show with drama and adventure i dream about that at night u do not know how lucky u are!!!
Nicholas wrote:
Posted August 7, 2010 12:50 PM
What's the deal with the different colour shirt on the two covers? Being and Australian my self i like to think that we can see red and it must have been done for a reason.
Bianca wrote:
Posted August 10, 2010 3:25 PM
What about release first season and other ones in Brazil? Thank you!!!!!