Naman Shrestha
In Hallmark’s ‘Christmas Under Construction,’ we get acquainted with Chelsea and Jake, a couple who host a hit reality show called ‘Renovation Romance.’ In the program, they are not only involved in renovating houses but also in improving the owners’ relationships. As Christmas approaches, Chelsea hopes to spend the holidays with Jake. However, her plans are derailed when the TV network sends her to film a special Christmas episode in New Hampshire, where she would renovate Cooper and Janice’s cabin.
While Jake heads to New York to attend meetings, Chelsea is stuck with renovating the New Hampshire cabin with the owner, Cooper, all alone, as his girlfriend, Janice, is also away from home. In an unexpected turn of events, sparks end up flying between Chelsea and Cooper, complicating the former’s personal as well as professional life. Helmed by Robin Dunne, the romantic drama movie is primarily set in New Hampshire, as a new connection blossoms within the walls of the cabin under construction.
Where Was Christmas Under Construction Filmed?
‘Christmas Under Construction’ was filmed in its entirety in Manitoba, especially in and around Winnipeg. According to reports, principal photography for the Hallmark production got underway on July 31, 2024, under the working title ‘Renovation Romance’ and wrapped up after a couple of weeks in mid-August of the same year. In the middle of the shooting process, Jessica Lowndes took to social media and shared her experience of being a part of the project. She stated, “This week on set has been full of amazing highlights and I couldn’t have done it without this incredible team by my side! 🎬💪 So grateful for each and every one of you. Let’s keep the energy high and finish strong! 💥 Can’t wait for you to see this one!”
Winnipeg, Manitoba
The visual canvas of ‘Christmas Under Construction’ is filled with the vast, versatile landscapes of Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba. From the looks of it, to tape the scenes set inside Cooper’s New Hampshire cabin, the production team utilized the facilities of a film studio located in or around Winnipeg. As for the establishing shots, they took strategic aerial shots of the city to double it as New Hampshire. Thus, you are likely to get a few glimpses of notable buildings and landmarks in Winnipeg, including the Esplanade Riel Bridge, the Manitoba Legislative Building, the Basilica of Saint Boniface, 300 Main, the Richardson Building, and Manitoba Hydro Place. Besides ‘Christmas Under Construction, the city has served as a prominent production location for ‘The Constant Gardener,’ ‘Christmas by Starlight,’ ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,’ ‘Little House on the Prairie,’ and ‘Tell Me You Love Me.’
Christmas Under Construction Cast Details
The cast of ‘Christmas Under Construction’ is led by Jessica Lowndes and Daniel Lissing, who bring the romantic narrative to life through their chemistry-filled performances. The two have previously collaborated on the 2016 Hallmark film titled ‘A December Bride,’ in which Jessica portrays Layla while Daniel plays the role of Seth Murphy. Having worked together, the two talented actors found it easier to collaborate again.
Jessica Lowndes as Chelsea Stevens
In the Hallmark production, Jessica Lowndes steps into the role of Chelsea Stevens, the host of the renovation series. The multitalented actor, hailing from Vancouver, British Columbia, is also known for her musical talents. Her acting prowess is on display in ‘Harmony from the Heart’ as Violet, ‘A Mother’s Nightmare’ as Vanessa Redlynn, ‘A Deadly Adoption’ as Bridgette Gibson, ‘90210’ as Adrianna Tate-Duncan, and ‘Major Crimes’ as Alex Snow. Her other notable film credits include ‘Happy Howlidays,’ ‘A Stranger’s Child,’ ‘Mix Up in the Mediterranean,’ and ‘Christmas at Pemberley Manor.’
Daniel Lissing as Cooper James
Daniel Lissing essays the character of Cooper James, the owner of the cabin and Chelsea’s romantic interest, in ‘Christmas Under Construction.’ Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Daniel is widely recognized for his portrayals of Sterling Freeman in ‘The Rookie,’ Jack Thornton in ‘When Calls the Heart,’ James King in ‘Last Resort,’ and Brandon in ‘The Cleaning Lady.’ He also features in several movies, such as ‘The Cure,’ ‘Single on the 25th,’ ‘Christmas in Love,’ ‘Christmas Keepsake,’ and ‘Catering Christmas.’
While Adam Hurtig portrays Jake, Chelsea’s partner, Samantha Kendrick features as Janice Edmonds, Cooper’s girlfriend. Other talented actors who feature in the romantic film in supporting roles include Paul Essiembre as Don Walters, Michael Strickland as Tom, Jan Skene as Edel, Lam An as Townsfolk, and Farrah Aviva as Bethany.
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