Hallmark Orders ‘Autumn at Apple Hill’ Adaptation; Starts Filming in Winnipeg Next Month

Sartaj Singh
May 24, 2024

Hallmark’s love for literary adaptations doesn’t seem to have any bounds! The network has ordered the television film adaptation of Angie Ellington’s novel ‘Autumn at Apple Hill.’ The project will start filming in Winnipeg, Manitoba, next month. Sean Geraughty is directing the TV movie.

The 2017 novel revolves around Elise Jacobs, a recently divorced woman who quits her job and returns to her hometown of Landover, Maine. Looking for a fresh start, Elise’s mind wanders to her fond childhood memories at her grandmother’s inn nestled within the rolling hills of an apple orchard. Elise makes up her mind to revive the inn, which she inherited from her grandmother after her passing. She begins to work on the renovations in the summer and leads the establishment to its former glory by autumn.

As the narrative progresses, Elise’s efforts meet a challenge in the form of a wealthy and handsome guest, Luke Donovan. Initially thinking of him as a narcissist, she soon discovers that Luke shares a dream similar to hers and hopes to leave his banking job to open a bistro in the town where his father and grandfather used to take him fishing. For his part, Luke did not expect to find himself daydreaming about the headstrong innkeeper during his brief stay at the picturesque retreat. As the two partake in the local attractions and look forward to spending time together in the upcoming festival, perhaps the magic of Autumn Hill will make sparks fly.

‘Autumn at Apple Hill’ marks Geraughty’s third collaboration with Hallmark. He made his film directorial debut with ‘Follow Me to Daisy Hills,’ which centers on a woman whose father calls her ex-boyfriend to help save their family’s general store. The filmmaker then helmed Hallmark’s ‘Under the Christmas Sky,’ which follows a perturbed astrophysicist finding solace in being paired up with an obstinate man to complete a science exhibit for the holidays.

Several other Hallmark movies have recently been greenlit for production. The network veteran David Weaver is directing ‘Junebug,’ in which an overburdened editor breaks out of limbo to pursue her dreams. The film’s shooting is currently underway in Vancouver, British Columbia. Crown Media’s fantastical Hallmark movie, ‘My Dreams of You,’ is being filmed in Ottawa, Ontario, as well.

Winnipeg, the capital city of Manitoba, has emerged as a bustling hub for film production and is seeing more Hallmark projects being lensed within its borders. Everything from its historical ambiance to the small-town atmosphere of its peripheral regions perfectly suits most Hallmark films, including Séan Geraughty’s latest directorial.

Several productions are employing Winnipeg as a filming location this year. Shooting for Ke Huy Quan’s ‘With Love’ started in May. Nick Cassavetes ‘Bruno Penguin and the Staten Island Princess’ is another project reported to be shot here this month. The Christmas action comedy ‘Violent Night 2’ is expected to begin principal photography also in the city later this year.

Read More: Hallmark Orders 12 Clues of Christmas; Starts Filming in Vancouver in June