I was looking at the number of days (38) that we have to go until the Season 6 Premiere of Heartland on CBC and I quickly realised that next week we will be down to 31 days. Read on for the blog... I answer questions, and more!
31 days! That's the number of days in the month of July or August. In other words, we will shortly only have one full month to wait until the new season of Heartland begins. Yessss!
For those of you not following Heartland on CBC on Twitter (where we have 3 to 6 tweets a day from set), you may not know that production on Season 6 is rapidly approaching its midpoint, with today being the 2nd of 15 days to film all of the 9th and 10th episodes of Season 6 (609 and 610). That means the actual midpoint in filming will be one week from tomorrow - the middle day of the middle 15-day block of the 6th season.
Now that doesn't mean once an episode is filmed it is ready to be seen -- far from it. There are many things that have to be completed on each episode. That would include the editing, colour correction, the addition of sound effects and additional dialogue and balancing all the levels of the sound -- as well as adding the great songs that you're going to hear. Then each episode will be screened several times for the producers, the director, the screenwriters and personnel from the CBC in order that they may be able to pick up on any errors and correct them to ensure the episode is as good as it can be. With this system of checks and balances in place it is very difficult for a blatant mistake to occur.
And on that note...
This week I am going to answer a few more of your questions after telling you what I'm thinking of doing for next week's Monday Time Killer... but first I want to clear up something that many fans (including myself) thought was a mistake in Season 3.
Remember the episode where the Heartland males (Jack, Tim, Ty and Peter) go off on a weekend fishing trip? In that episode, when Peter hooks a fish, a few viewers reported that he yelled Shaun's (not Jack's) name out. And it sure does sound like it... but Heartland's post production supervisor has contacted me with the facts.
What Gabriel Hogan (who plays Peter) actually says is "Fish on!!!" This is an expression fly fishermen use when they have a fish on the line to alert other fishermen nearby to reel in their lines so they do not get tangled up in case the hooked fish starts jumping and moving all over the place.
So that was not a mistake; it was actually a researched line which was added for authenticity!
Research on the show is meticulous, starting with the writers and continuing with everyone from the actors and the crew to the post production folks who all have a common goal -- to make the best episode possible.
Now a word about Monday's upcoming Time Killer puzzle.
I chose a pretty easy one for our most recent puzzle, after two in a row that many of you found very difficult. In fact, no one in Canada got all the answers correct on the last set trivia questions I gave you. We only had two fans get all the answers right, and they're from the US and Germany!
So -- feeling you needed a break -- three days ago I presented you with an easy word ladder, and of course some of you commented that it was too easy.
So what is a Blog Whisperer to do? Let democracy rule I say!!!
This weekend I am going to conduct a poll in Heartland on CBC's Facebook Page, asking the difficulty level for the next puzzle. The choices will go from an easy-peasy spot-the-differences puzzle to a word ladder on international breeds of horses that is the most difficult puzzle I could come up with. I guarantee you NO ONE will know all the answers without having to look some of them up.
Which puzzle will appear on Monday? That will be up to all of you. Well, all of you who take part in this weekend's poll on Facebook. Watch for it.
Now some questions from last week:
Anet wrote: Hey bw will Ashley return in season 6?
No. Ashley has not been any of the first 10 episodes of Season 6. I have not seen the last 8 episodes (in fact some of them have yet to be written) so there is a chance, but I doubt it.
Supergirl wrote: More episodes that end and pick up from the previous episode like 'Broken Arrow', 'Eye of the Wolf', 'Road to Nowhere' and 'Aftermath'. They are my favourites. Does that mean that 'Candles in the Wind' will be like that?
No. The back to back episodes will occur within Season 6. Some time will have passed between the botched proposal scene ending Season 5 and the start of Season 6.
Maddy wrote: Hey,BW Are you going to give us the titles to the other episodes for season 6?
Yes I will. Next Thursday. Promise.
JeNNa!! :) wrote: hey i need to ask this i sent fan mail a like maybe 8 months ago and never got a repiled or anything so i am wondering will i ever hear back or be notice it has arrived ??? also is ther any new character um i think there's the girl alisha.
A two parter so I will answer twice.
First, all backlogged (and there was a lot) mail has been sorted and was either answered this week, or if it was personally addressed to an actor it was delivered this week to him or her.
Everyone is trying to stay on top of the mounds of mail as they arrive.
As to your second question, yes there is a new series regular this Season on Heartland. Meet Georgie, played by 11-year-old Alisha Newton, riding a new character horse named Phoenix.
I have shown photos of both before, but never in character. Georgie is also 11, so it is a perfect part for Alisha, whose friends now call her The Luckiest Girl In The World, cause she gets to be on Heartland.
And lastly I wish to post my favourite comment from last week, from Hally, who wrote: The flies are on steroids this summer and that makes my horse and me cranky. Teacher is therefore handing out grades today to Heartland license/rights holders: 1) E One Entertainment, the Heartland DVD rights holder, F, for not releasing the Season 5 DVD until September; and 2) the U.S. TV rights holders, F, for being 2+ seasons behind in their broadcasts. Teacher orders them to detention and to sit in the corner and write "I promise to stop being mean and thoughtless to Heartland fans" 1,000 times on the blackboard. (Teacher can't say what teacher really wants them to write on the blackboard in a family oriented blog.)
I laughed when I read this, but I hope you review and change your marks when you read this.
eOne realised the best time to release Season 5's DVD release was when Season 6 was about to be broadcast, so that was why they delayed the release date. The buzz surrounding the DVD release and the Season Premiere will only help one another, and that is a good thing.
And please Don't be getting down on the US broadcasters who are behind. They at least are playing Heartland for Americans to enjoy. It is unfortunate that it took 3 years for broadcasters to come on board, but they have now and thanks to gmcTV and the CW and other stations across America Heartland can be watched and enjoyed.
Hope that they never catch up, for they will not play 40+ episodes in a year; that is not done. If and when they do catch up it will be because there are no new episodes being made of the series, and we don't want to go there, do we?
Oh and Hally... In a subsequent comment you made a suggestion and I guess great minds think alike. I was told by the producers that all fan mail has now been taken care of, by the method you suggested. :)
So then, that's it for another week. More questions and Heartland news on Thursday and a new Time Killer on Monday. Will it be easy or hard? That's up to you.
Until then,
Tick... tick... tick...
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Susanna wrote:
Posted August 16, 2012 5:04 PM
You're one again confusing SHAUN with JACK :D
[Blog Whisperer: You got me! ...and it's fixed!]
Teresa4 wrote:
Posted August 16, 2012 5:18 PM
Will Heartland seasons ever be released on Blu-ray?
This series deserves the best possible viewing for all of it's fans!
Sarah wrote:
Posted August 16, 2012 6:02 PM
Wow i cant wait to watch it!! I have a final episode idea. once heartland is officially over which will NOT be for a long long long time, i think they should show everyone ten years later, with their families, their lives etc. ohh im sooo excited to watch heartland !!!!!!!!
only a few more days!!!
Amanda wrote:
Posted August 16, 2012 6:08 PM
I was just wondering about the respective ages of the characters in the show? The show never really says exactly how old certain characters, like Ty, are supposed to be in the show?
annie wrote:
Posted August 16, 2012 6:23 PM
when will you be putting season 6 clip's? please let ty and amy get married
Cassidy wrote:
Posted August 16, 2012 6:54 PM
what day dose it start on ???????????????????
Ashley wrote:
Posted August 16, 2012 7:10 PM
september cannot come fast enough! is this new girl alisha/georgie a recurring character, almost mallory-like, or is she just in a couple episodes while amy works on phoenix?
Daniel wrote:
Posted August 16, 2012 7:28 PM
Will the fan's in the US be able to watch the new series on youtube with out a problem. I hope so! Love the show!
Robbie wrote:
Posted August 16, 2012 7:44 PM
We live in Texas. We have all 4 complete seasons of Heartland and we would like to have Season 5. Do you know when we will be able to buy Season 5 in the US? I would like to order it, but I don't know if I can get it here? We LOVE HEARTLAND!!!
Michaela wrote:
Posted August 16, 2012 7:57 PM
Dear BW: Do you know why Australia is so far behind in DVD releases? I mean the first half of season four is sheduled to come out on September 6, that's ages away meanwhile Season six will have be over before I get the rest for season four!
Jen wrote:
Posted August 16, 2012 9:01 PM
Hey, Just wanted to say LOVE the show ! Bet you've never heard that one before. ;) I just had a quick question. I'm officially caught up and ready for season 6 to begin! But I'm from the U.S. And I was hoping to be able to watch the latest episodes on this site. But when I click on it, it say this content is currently unavailable. Do you know when it will be working again? And do you know how soon episodes are posted after they air? Sorry i guess that was two questions ;) Thanks and God Bless !!!
Brittany wrote:
Posted August 16, 2012 9:01 PM
Hi BW
I was wondering is the new character taking over for Malory or taking her place on Heartland or is it just a new character?
Bob M wrote:
Posted August 16, 2012 9:12 PM
Blatant error's? Someone should review the Team roping Rules? Heeler catching only one heel adds 10 seconds to the time?
Bob M wrote:
Posted August 16, 2012 10:29 PM
oop's! It is 5 seconds not 10.
Katie wrote:
Posted August 16, 2012 11:56 PM
Why would Jessica Amlee want to leave the show? I'm seriously disappointed she will not be returning. I feel like they are just trying to replace her with the new young girl. Mallory is just not replaceable. I am going to miss her do much. She is hilarious and always to the point!
ROSE wrote:
Posted August 17, 2012 12:55 AM
ashley coming back for season 6
Bill Brownfield wrote:
Posted August 17, 2012 1:17 AM
I am a long time viewer of Heartland from Texas, and I love your show! It's about time someone put a family style show on the air again. We get Heartland down here at 8:00 on Wednsdays, but according to your website It's aired on Sunday in
Canada. Guess it takes a while for the signal to get all the way down here (ha ha). I plan to write a long letter to all of you soon. I,m not very good at typing. You are right on about the call "fish on". It is not only used in flyfishing. which I do. but in all other types as well. We are only in season three down here, but
keep up the good work. Don't let the network cancel Heartland!!!!!!!!
Heart
Josie Dinsmore wrote:
Posted August 17, 2012 2:00 AM
Hey BW, I think I just figured out something you wrote in this blog post! Does an episode in Season 6 of Heartland happen to be called "Promise"? Or perhaps "Yes I will", "Next Thursday", and "Promise" are all names of episodes in Season 6?
Danny wrote:
Posted August 17, 2012 2:40 AM
Do you know what other American stations will be playing heartland?
Esther wrote:
Posted August 17, 2012 2:43 AM
Hey BW, I was thinking that Heartland has celebrated Amy's birthday and Jacks, but not Tim, Lou, or Ty's birthday. Why is that?
Camille wrote:
Posted August 17, 2012 5:47 AM
Hi, I'm a hudge fan of HEARTLAND and I'm wondering when season 6 will be on DVD? Because I live in Belgium, so I can't see it on tv...
LadyLeanne wrote:
Posted August 17, 2012 8:11 AM
Blog Whisperer,
Once again you give us smiles and great information. Loved Hally's comment and your reply!! :) But You do know you're tweets are killing me!! I mean, really?? Something sad is going to happen that we will never forget??? A ful house in the front yard of the ranch and time for a big reveal?? UGH. My indigestion is getting worse. LOL! I will be so glad when you finally start giving hints WITH PICTURES!!
Great Show, Great Production, Great staff, and a Wonderful Blog Whisperer to keep us all on our toes and eagerly awaiting with great anticipation.
tick....tick.....tick.....
Sherri wrote:
Posted August 17, 2012 8:41 AM
I am loving season 3 here in the USA. We just saw Lou getting married. I love Jack's bolo tie he wore to the wedding and noticed the Heartland symbol on it. Does Heartland market any merchandise from the show? Is it possible to buy a bolo like that?
Nikki wrote:
Posted August 17, 2012 9:51 AM
As always, thanks for keeping us up-to-date. But I have a quick question: Every year CBC shows a kind of 'sneak peek promo' of the new Heartland season. Will they be doing the same thing this year? I remember 4 years ago it premiered during the Summer Olympics, which is why I'm asking.
Michaela wrote:
Posted August 17, 2012 9:57 AM
I have a question BW... when are we going to be able to see Season 6 previews???
caty wrote:
Posted August 17, 2012 11:13 AM
OMG i cant wait till heartland starts up again !!!!!! i really hope everything gose smoothly in the amy and ty situation :) either way loveeeeeeeee the show!!!!!!!
Rodney Ward wrote:
Posted August 17, 2012 11:23 AM
Fan Mail,
I am a big fan of the show and I have a fan mail package for Shaun Johnston. I do fishing seminars
and programs for a lure company.
Thanks RW
[Blog Whisperer: If you'd like to send fan mail to the cast of Heartland, the mailing address is here: http://www.cbc.ca/heartland/2009/08/an-address-for-fan-mail.html]
oceane marechal wrote:
Posted August 17, 2012 12:04 PM
there will be a season 7
christine wrote:
Posted August 17, 2012 1:31 PM
will Amy and Ty get married in season 6 i love the last episode of season 5! So i hope amy and ty get married!!
Supergirl wrote:
Posted August 17, 2012 4:59 PM
Thanks BW for answering my question.
When do we get the sneak peeks and promos?
kelly wrote:
Posted August 17, 2012 5:15 PM
when does season 6 go on?????? P.S I LOVE THIS SHOWS
Becky A wrote:
Posted August 17, 2012 8:45 PM
I have resorted to watching Heartland on YouTube because we do not get GMC in our TV subscription package. However, I did not realize the CW played the episodes? I may have to go look that up cuz I'd love to see reruns. It doesn't matter for new episodes though, because I am all caught up and ready for season 6. And I can NOT wait 3 years to watch the new season.
Hally wrote:
Posted August 17, 2012 11:25 PM
Thanks BW for the kind and diplomatic feedback to Cranky Teacher. That's great to hear that all the kiddos are getting responses from the wonderful role-models that the Heartland cast represents in real life as well as in their Heartland world (not you, Wes, Wade, and Chase.) (Teacher wouldn’t be surprised if that terrible trio began their sketchy and devious ways by pulling pigtails on the playground and putting tacks on teachers' chairs. Teacher has seen it all before: the destiny of a life behind bars can begin with nothing more than the seemingly innocent launch of a boy’s first spit ball.) Still don’t get the EOne marketing/sales rationale for the Season 5 DVD. I’d promo it initially for release immediately following the end of the season, and then again both at the beginning of the new season and for the holidays. My guess is that a May or June release wouldn't have much of a negative impact, if any, on the audience numbers for the occasional CBC summer Heartland re-run if that's a licensing-timing concern for CBC. But what the hay, it's "all good!"...and it’s not as if I haven’t already pre-ordered a few sets of it for presents to friends and family and for sharing around my barn :>)!
Shirley B--Jacksonville, Florida wrote:
Posted August 18, 2012 7:06 PM
I love this show. Heartland seems to capture the essence of family and the life we all wish we could have at some point in our lives. Season 6 can't start to soon for me.
x_x !! wrote:
Posted August 19, 2012 11:31 AM
Hey BW,
I loved this post, my question is:
Will Badger back some day? his school will finish in season 7, but maybe something can happen befor...
mikhnk wrote:
Posted August 22, 2012 1:18 PM
This show is the best please dont take it off the air.And dont take mallory off the show she is so funny.
Aleshiacote wrote:
Posted August 23, 2012 12:34 AM
i think you should let Ashley, val, and Mallory back into the show. i know Mallory is a teenager now and it wont be the same as before but the show is just not the same without her. and the conflicts between Ashley and her mom were very entertaining. i think that Ashley should come back to Caleb with some romantic speel or something tragic should happen to bring them back together because that would be cute
Hally wrote:
Posted August 24, 2012 1:00 PM
Not for posting BW, and I've probably mentioned this before, but between you and me, theheartlandranch.com fan site is lamer than Lightning Dexter ever was. They make no effort to create something that anyone would ever want to visit except to see what episode "may" be broadcast on a given weekend. Maybe it's because they assume ardent fans will just visit your/the CBC site anyway, so why bother :>)! But as a rights holder/owner, why have a fan site if you only put 10 minutes into it/month...at most. Doing all that you do takes a lot of time/effort/talent/skill (not just trying to butter you up, I happen to know about this stuff), and IMO is the best investment that CBC/the producers have made. There are literally at least 100 people in the U.S. who I have turned-on to Heartland over the years, who visit your site and buy the DVDs (and also religiously watch the new seasons every Monday in creative ways [RIP verney16].) I am sure that most of your visitors around the world have also introduced the show to countless new fans with the added help and incentive of being able to follow the blog. Heartland is the best family show since The Waltons, and is even better because of the consistent and superb quality of the writing, and the more realistic and beautiful settings and movie-quality production. Did I mention the blog?
Joke wrote:
Posted August 26, 2012 2:44 PM
hello I come from the Netherlads
I hope that Ty and Amy get married in season 6.
and when TY is ready with school.they can work together in a clinic and farm.I hope so love this serie and Iam 59 years old.and mallory must come back i loved here she's a good girl.