Upamanyu Biswas
Hallmark’s ‘Groundswell’ follows Emma, a chef who faces a personal and professional setback in her life, leading her down a path of reinvention in the beautiful islands of Hawaii. Emma unites with her aunt and takes time out of her schedule to pursue what really interests her in her life. During her escapades, she runs across a surfing instructor named Ben. His handsome and charming demeanor positively impacts Emma’s life as she soon finds herself regaining her poise and climbing her way out of a rut. The Hallmark romantic movie is helmed by Lee Friedlander and is based on the eponymous 2011 novel by Katie Lee. It captures the essence of Hawaii’s spiritual mountains, its lush greenery, and ocean views, setting the stage for a magical love story that dives into heartfelt themes.
Where Was Groundswell Filmed?
True to its narrative, ‘Groundswell’ was primarily filmed in the islands of Hawaii, specifically in Honolulu County. The filming took place in the city of Honolulu, which is located on O’ahu Island. Principal photography on the project likely took place between the months of May and June 2022. The production crew utilized a variety of real-life spots within Hawaii to authentically present the reality of Emma’s journey and her desire to learn to surf on the beaches of the Aloha State. These sun-baked destinations and their scenic beauty helped enhance the central themes of love, desire, hope, identity, and holiday spirit. Additionally, the idyllic weather and quaint neighborhoods only assist in bringing to life a magical reality untouched by corrupting influences and the helter-skelter approach of urban life.
Honolulu, Hawaii
The film crew lensed ‘Groundswell’ in the bustling and modern city of Honolulu, Hawaii. It is the capital of Hawaii and a hub of commercial, nightlife, and leisure activity. The city is known for its mix of modern urban amenities and proximity to natural landmark attractions. Its geodiversity makes it a popular destination for tourists and travelers around the world. It also has magnificent access to the pearly blue ocean waters via Waikiki Beach. Filming took place in the neighborhood, using the brilliant hotel skyline to its advantage alongside a robust waterfront locale. The production team also recorded a few scenes at Nico’s Upstairs Restaurant at 1129 North Nimitz Highway. The store is reportedly no longer operational.
The Kekaulike Market at 1039 Kekaulike Street also appears in the film. Shooting took place in the area, capturing the bustling and vibrant atmosphere of the city during rush hour. The city is a treasure trove of hot destinations, particularly when it comes to shopping and top-of-the-line hotel services. In the past, Honolulu has hosted production on popular films and shows like ‘Lost,’ ‘Red One,’ ‘Baywatch,’ and ‘Jurassic World.’
Other Locations in Honolulu County, Hawaii
Honolulu County encompasses both the city of Honolulu and the island of O’ahu. For that reason, the name Honolulu is sometimes used interchangeably with O’ahu. It served as a pivotal filming spot for the Hallmark production. The crew lensed scenes in a variety of spots across the county, including the Kualoa Ranch on Kamehameha Highway. It is actually situated in Kaneohe, a census-designated area. The ranch is a prominent filming destination and also a landmark attraction, mainly because of its nature reserve vibes. It was established as far back as the 1850s and is located near the coastal areas of O’ahu, making it susceptible to constant winds from the adjacent regions and the ocean. All in all, the entire county helped bring something unique and fresh to the island-based romance drama.
Groundswell Cast Details
‘Groundswell’ is led by strong performances from Lacey Chabert, Ektor Rivera, and Darren Darnborough, alongside a retinue of supporting roles, which includes a cameo from the novel’s writer, Katie Lee. Chabert is a Hallmark veteran and an immensely talented actress with a diverse range of roles in her acting resume. She started very young and had an unconventional breakthrough in the industry after appearing in a cough syrup commercial. Rivera is a multi-faceted personality who has also dabbled in singing while pursuing his acting career. Meanwhile, Darnborough is a prolific actor with a long list of credits under his belt, even penning some short films and a comedy series.
Lacey Chabert as Emma
‘Mean Girls’ fame Lacey Chabert stars as Emma. She is best known for appearing as Claudia Salinger in Fox’s ‘Party of Five,’ Amanda Becker in ‘Not Another Teen Movie,’ Penny Robinson in ‘Lost in Space,’ and Meg Cummings in 2005’s ‘Dirty Deeds.’ She also plays Dana Mathis in the ‘Black Christmas’ remake. As a voice actress, Chabert can be heard in ‘ The Wild Thornberrys,’ ‘Family Guy,’ and ‘Young Justice.’ Her other notable credits include ‘The Wedding Veil,’ ‘The Christmas Waltz,’ ‘The Color of Rain,’ and ‘All My Children.’
Ektor Rivera as Ben
Ektor Rivera stars opposite Lacey Chabert as Emma’s surfing instructor, Ben. He is most noted for playing Daniel Santos in ‘La última gira,’ Sergio in ‘The Chicken Sisters,’ and Eddie in ‘StartUp.’ The actor can also be seen in Hallmark’s ‘Sugar Plum Twist,’ where he plays Mateo. He also appears in ‘NCIS’ and ‘NCIS: Origins.’
Darren Darnborough as Garrett
Darren Darnborough features in the Hallmark romance as Garrett. He is mostly prominent for his roles as Callum in ‘True Blood,’ Colin in ‘RZR,’ and Tyler Dotson in ‘Magnum P.I.’ His other works include ‘7000 Miles,’ ‘Love For Real,’ ‘MacGyver,’ and ‘Timeless.’
Other cast members include Tracy Yamamoto as Aunt June, Omar Bustamante as Frankie, Walter S. Gaines as Sheridan, Katie Lee as herself, Anuhea as Celebrity Hawaiian Host, Lee Anne Wong as herself, Napoleon Tavale as Sebastian, Christina Souza as Laura, Chris Costanz as Line Cook Luke, Lundon Knighten as Line Cook Tracy, and Mike Cabrera as Ricardo. The film also stars Bernard Aderhold-Lindsey, Roy Evans, Mark Martell, Shereen Balles, Jess A. Cruz, Darny Chau, and Andrea Elizabeth Sikkink in minor roles.
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