Check out for the latest blog post! For those of you who are regular readers of the Heartland Blog, you will know that production films (and yes, Heartland still shoots the series on film) two episodes in 15 days, called a Block. For Heartland's 5th Season, Block 2 is on its 3rd day today. Click through to learn more about filming on set, the Rosies, recent and current auctions, Cavalia and much more
So... a little trivia for everyone! The ever-shifting place near a set where you find the work trucks, star trailers, generators, hair, makeup and wardrobe trucks and the place where everyone eats is called the circus in Canada. In the U.S. it is generally called Base Camp (sounds like the Army!), and this assembly of vehicles in the United Kingdom has by far the most poetic description - the Caravan (which I kinda like).
It certainly feels like a caravan on this 15 day block when Episodes 503 and 504 are being shot.
After 2 days at the Calgary studio (where the interior sets are located) production moved twice today - first to Maggie's Diner in High River and then to the Millarville Racetrack. Tomorrow they're at Caleb's trailer, the following day at the Dude Ranch, the day after that at the Heartland Ranch set and then the following day at a ranch where Heartland has never filmed before. So that is 6 moves in 6 days. Good thing the show has a very talented and experienced crew... an ambitious schedule like this might do another production in!
Speaking of other things that makes Heartland unique, I mentioned earlier that Heartland - via its great cinematographer Craig Wrobleski - still shoots on actual film, making the series one of the last major series in North America - and possibly the only one in Canada - to do so. But to maintain the great look that Malcolm Cross gave the series when he was the Director of Photography for the first 3 seasons, Craig has opted to continue shooting on actual film. I think you'll all agree that Heartland continues to look fabulous, and this upcoming season is going to show you parts of Alberta you never knew existed!
And as for Malcolm Cross, as much as a lot of people out west love Alberta, Malcolm's home is further east and, wanting to be closer to his family and friends, he can now be found working in Newfoundland, on another CBC drama hit series - The Republic of Doyle - where he is applying his craft on that returning series! You can't keep a good cinematographer down!!! (Or out of work!)
This means that Craig - being an Albertan - has been honoured at this Saturday's Alberta Film & Television Awards - the Rosies - by being nominated twice for best cinematographer in the Dramatic over 30 Minutes category, for an episode of Heartland and also for "A Heartland Christmas." Everyone is crossing their fingers that he wins for one of them.
Albertans working on Heartland are nominated a total of 15 times and I'll let you know who takes what hardware home in next week's post. Can Shaun repeat as Best Actor? Will Heartland again win the Best Series? It is up against the very good APTN series Blackstone, which keeps Nathaniel Arcand busy as one of the leads when he's not playing Scott Cardinal on Heartland.
Coincidentally, Nathanial is also up for the Best Actor Rosie. Maybe he and Shaun should just have a good old fashioned arm wrestle to determine the winner. Ha! I'd like to see that!
To see all of the Rosie Awards Heartland's Albertans are up for, check out this post from last month.
Anyway - Good luck, Team Heartland - I'll be rooting for you on Saturday, along with a lot of you fans, I'm sure!
Last week I mentioned that there was a set visit being auctioned off on bay to assist an Alberta charity called Healing Hooves. Well I am happy to report that over $5,000.00 was raised for this worthy cause, and the highest 2 bidders are going to have the time of their lives on set. Production promises they will make it an experience they will not forget!
Not a set visit, but still something else Heartlandesque that is still available for a much lesser amount - at the moment - are Chris Potter's (Tim Fleming) Gucci sunglasses. Chris Potter is one of many celebrities helping Canadians rebuild their lives after losing their vision - by donating his Gucci sunglasses. The charity receiving the proceeds is the CNIB, in an auction initiative they call "The CNIB Shades of Fun". If you are interested in bidding on the sunglasses and getting an autograph from Chris (That's him in the photo at the top of this blog) - as well as helping out a truly worthy charity - go to http://cgi.ebay.ca/CNIB-Shades-Fun-Celebrity-Sunglasses-Chris-Potter-/180669306805?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item2a10bad7b5 .
The copy on the site may suggest that it's open to bids from North America only, but the CNIB assures me that international fans of Chris Potter can also successfully bid on the glasses. Good luck!
Well, last night many cast and crew caught the premiere of Cavalia (www.cavalia.net) as it opened in Calgary under their huge white tent. Sitting front and centre in the audience were Amber Marshall (Amy), Graham Wardle (Ty), Chris Potter (Tim), Jessica Amlee (Mallory), Jessica Steen (Lisa), someone returning to Heartland who I'm not going to reveal (Ha!), and writers Heather Conkie, Leila Basen, David Preston and Mark Haroun. Also in attendance for the opening night were Executive Producer Tom Cox and Series Publicist Gordon Imlach, who went backstage with Amber after the performance and shot some video that I edited into the short piece below. It's a glimpse behind the scenes of a truly remarkable performing horse and human show that is playing for the next few weeks in Calgary. Have a look!
So that's all for this week. Have a great weekend, and if you're in Alberta, try doing a sun dance or something to help get rid of the spring downpours.
Blog Whisperer out!
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rachel wrote:
Posted May 26, 2011 5:36 PM
BW, you mentioned Nathaniel Arcand, do you know if he is going to be in season 5 more often? I missed him in the series really bad!!
Kat wrote:
Posted May 26, 2011 5:41 PM
Can't wait to see the new season. In the meantime we could sure use a little of that sun dance here in Southern Ontario as well :)
[Blog Whisperer: THAT'S for sure! I've had about enough of this...]
cara wrote:
Posted May 26, 2011 6:48 PM
I hope that who ever is comming back to Heartland in season 5 will not get in the way of Ty and Amy and not keep them from geting back together in season 5 they need to get backk together in season 5.
Dakota wrote:
Posted May 26, 2011 7:32 PM
Amber Marshall is actually going to have blonde hair for the fifth season of heartland. We cleared that rumour up. I am so excited for the season to premeire! Thanks blog whisperer. We need way less rain in South-western Saskatchewan too, I will have to ride in the rain tonight!
Courtney wrote:
Posted May 26, 2011 8:50 PM
BW, is there any way you can make it so the videos on here are easier to watch...it always takes a really long time and when they start to play it cuts in and out. Would it be possble to make it a youtube video?
Nikki wrote:
Posted May 26, 2011 9:35 PM
I agree with Kat. SO much rain! So much water that my gazebo broke under the pressure :( Oh well, when Heartland comes back my days will be sunny again!
Susan wrote:
Posted May 26, 2011 10:37 PM
You guys were so friendly and gracious to my daughter Mckinley. Not sure what made her night more, meeting you guys or the Cavalia show?! We can't thank you enough for your time - you guys are awesome. Good luck with your next season, can't wait to watch it.
Cheers,
Mckinley's Mom
4horsez wrote:
Posted May 26, 2011 11:29 PM
We could also use a Sun dance in B.C! We had a full week of rain!And when it's not raining its cloudy or teasing us with a slight glimpse of sun before it rains again. :)
Sask Girl wrote:
Posted May 26, 2011 11:59 PM
Hahah bw i love the sundance bit! Im sure we all have been asking fo a bit of sun since february... sonw every day now rain... I cant wait for the season 5! Hope Next Weeks Spot the Differences is a Good one..(Maybe in the Barn...Hint Hint!)
Sask Girl
Katie wrote:
Posted May 27, 2011 12:10 AM
Thanks for the blogs! I love the videos! Is Cindy Busby going to be in season 5?
KMA88 wrote:
Posted May 27, 2011 1:21 AM
You know, when I was in Atlanta watching a TV show being filmed, I kept calling it the circus and those around me thought I was crazy. They kept telling me it was called base camp and I argued no, Heartland told me it was called the circus and what Heartland says, goes. You taught me first, and therefore, that is what I go by.
The circus sounds so much cooler anyway :)
Leanna wrote:
Posted May 27, 2011 9:54 AM
loved the video...:)
hopefully well get some spoilers the next few weeks...i cant wait til the next season, yet i could cause im not looking to go back to school just yet haha
Val wrote:
Posted May 27, 2011 12:26 PM
Thanks for the Update BW and the video :)
Congrats to the Set Visit winners. Hope you will have an awesome time :)
Keeping my fingers crossed for all the Rosie nominees. Go Heartland :)
Chris, thanks for donating the sunglasses :D
Oh and a ranch where Heartland has never filmed before? So maybe we see Big River for the first time in Season 5?
smm wrote:
Posted May 27, 2011 12:47 PM
It would seem HIGH RIVER is aptly named.
becky wrote:
Posted May 27, 2011 1:33 PM
I am so looking forward for the next season!! whoo! Cant wait
ZoZoZo wrote:
Posted May 27, 2011 5:19 PM
I heard about the floods in High River. My thoughts of hope and peace are with all those living in Alberta. Good luck, stay strong!
ZoZoZo
Kathy wrote:
Posted May 27, 2011 10:09 PM
wow! It's really beautiful in cavalia! it's in the Québec?
Maureen wrote:
Posted May 28, 2011 1:33 AM
I hope Caleb and Ashley are not off the show. Love that Mallory is back. She rocks. Jack rocks the most. What's with his once in a while girlfriend? Still would like to see Ty CLEAN UP and get rid of the scruffy look for a formal occasion. Hope the new found little brother stays on the show and that the dad sparks a genuine interest in the mother. Thank you so much for making such a quality show with great values and principles. It is so refreshing to watch. Love it. Keep up the good work. You make Sundays special. I often watch 2 and sometimes 3 times!!
Chris wrote:
Posted May 28, 2011 10:30 AM
The locations on Heartland are fantastic! Keep up the great work and amazing sights/sites.
Rose Mackie wrote:
Posted May 28, 2011 10:50 AM
I am so looking forward to season 5 Hope it.s on different times as well again and maybe different nights as well would hate to miss any episodes
Knudsenkay wrote:
Posted May 29, 2011 7:31 AM
Send the rain to Australia it's meant to be winter we havent seen a drop yet in Perth
Laurena wrote:
Posted May 29, 2011 4:52 PM
I can't wait for Season 5 to start. Its taking waaayyyyy to long!!!
alyssa mcdonald wrote:
Posted May 29, 2011 8:22 PM
Hey heartland cast! This question is for the producers. Is there any chance that a fan could get on the show? I absolutely love heartland and would love to even just come to the set..thank you so much for taking the time to read this
Sincerely Alyssa
Luke Sutton wrote:
Posted May 31, 2011 4:58 AM
I fully agree with Chris on May 28th, the locations are awesome!
Julia wrote:
Posted May 31, 2011 11:55 AM
wow I'm so xcited to see the new episodes!BW are we going to hear more about mallory more this season????
Chelsea wrote:
Posted May 31, 2011 1:43 PM
BW, could you PLEASE tell me what song is in the background of the Cavalia video!!
[Blog Whisperer: It's a piece of stock production music I had on hand. To the best of my knowledge it's not publicly available. I'll check though. ]
Nancy Sanchez wrote:
Posted May 31, 2011 8:47 PM
My grandson and i watch Haertland every sat night on tv cw it a good family show
Megan wrote:
Posted June 1, 2011 7:46 PM
Are you able to disclose who the head wrangler is on the show? I can't seem to find that information anywhere. If you are able to get in contact with him/her, I would love to ask them about the job and whether anyone in Canada working in the industry takes working students.
[Blog Whisperer: John Scott has been Heartland's head wrangler for all 5 seasons. You can find his website here - http://www.johnscottproductions.com/ Click on the "contact" button and you'll find various ways to get in touch. Good luck! ]
badger lover wrote:
Posted June 3, 2011 5:40 PM
i hope that its badger comming back at some point!!! mallory sure made a bad choice!
badger lover wrote:
Posted June 3, 2011 5:46 PM
what is the song played in this video?
Amy (not THE Amy ;) wrote:
Posted June 15, 2011 10:45 AM
I've seen the Cavalia show twice... it's completely amazing!! I can't rightly describe it as there are no words that give it justice! Wow... just wow!
youdon'twanttoknow wrote:
Posted June 23, 2011 10:54 AM
it's stuppid that you cannot watch the serie when you live outside of canada :(
i hate that :P