Ritesh Sharma
Hallmark’s ‘When Sparks Fly’ follows journalist Amy Peterson as she returns to her hometown to cover a Fourth of July celebration, only to be reunited with her former flame, Hank Lyons. While Amy initially views her return as just another assignment, she soon finds herself questioning the choices she made in leaving her small-town life behind. As she comes back to the familiar streets, reconnects with old friends, and helps plan her best friend’s wedding, Amy must decide whether love is worth rekindling. Helmed by Gary Yates, the heartwarming romantic drama engages audiences with themes of nostalgia, second chances, and the magic of fireworks, both in the sky and between Amy and Hank.
The setting of the 2014 film is brimming with charm, featuring quaint streets lined with twinkling lights, lush green fields perfect for summer strolls, and a lively Fourth of July festival bursting with color. Warm, inviting homes and cozy local shops create an atmosphere of comfort and familiarity, making Amy’s return all the more poignant. The glow of fireworks reflecting in the night sky adds a magical touch, perfectly mirroring the sparks rekindling between Amy and Hank.
Where Was When Sparks Fly Filmed?
Although the movie is set in a charming small town in Washington, ‘When Sparks Fly’ was filmed in British Columbia. Production took place in picturesque towns known for their quaint, idyllic charm, providing the perfect backdrop for Hallmark’s signature storytelling. The principal photography seemingly took place in early 2014 over the span of a few weeks, ensuring that the film’s warm summer setting is brought to life with vibrant scenery and cozy town aesthetics.
Langley, British Columbia
A significant portion of ‘When Sparks Fly’ was filmed in Langley, a city within the Greater Vancouver area known for its charming heritage sites and scenic countryside. Its small-town atmosphere, complete with historic buildings and lush landscapes, made it the ideal stand-in for the movie’s fictional setting. Several recognizable streets, storefronts, and local parks were utilized to bring the story’s Fourth of July festivities to life. In an interview with TV Goodness, Meghan Markle shared an insight about the filming process, saying, “One neat moment during filming was that Amy’s parents live in the yellow Kent farm house from ‘Smallville.’ When we pulled up, I thought this is awfully familiar. A lot of the crew had worked on ‘Smallville,’ so it was a nice slice of pop culture.”
Fort Langley, British Columbia
The production team also filmed key sequences in Fort Langley, a historic village that exudes an old-world charm perfect for Hallmark’s romantic narratives. The town’s cozy ambiance and well-preserved 19th-century architecture contributed to the film’s nostalgic feel. With its unique blend of small-town warmth and natural beauty, Fort Langley has been a favored location for numerous Hallmark productions. Some interior and exterior scenes were shot in local businesses and private residences, adding authenticity to the setting. The filmmakers took advantage of British Columbia’s long summer daylight hours, capturing stunning golden-hour shots that enhanced the movie’s romantic tone. The region’s natural beauty, combined with its resemblance to small-town America, made it the perfect filming location for ‘When Sparks Fly.’
When Sparks Fly Cast Details
‘When Sparks Fly’ stars Meghan Markle as Amy Peterson and Christopher Jacot as Hank Lyons, with both delivering standout performances in this charming Hallmark romance. Markle, previously known for her role in ‘Suits,’ showcases her versatility by balancing both lighthearted romance and emotional depth, marking a significant step in her career before her global fame. Jacot, with his experience in various genres like ‘Degrassi’ and ‘Eureka,’ brings a relatable, down-to-earth energy to his role as Hank. The on-screen chemistry between the two actors adds depth to their rekindled romance, making the film a memorable moment in their careers before they move on to new ventures.
Meghan Markle as Amy Peterson
In ‘When Sparks Fly, Meghan Markle shines as Amy Peterson, the ambitious journalist who rediscovers her roots and rekindles an old romance. Before stepping into the world of royalty, she was best known for her role as Rachel Zane in ‘Suits,’ where she portrays a sharp-witted paralegal-turned-lawyer. You may also recognize her from her portrayal of Cassandra Brand in ‘Dater’s Handbook.’ Other notable roles of the former actress include Junior FBI Agent Amy Jessup in ‘Fringe,’ Charlotte Boyd/Sleeping Beauty in ‘Castle,’ Officer Leah Montoya in ‘CSI: Miami,’ Annie Ortiz in ‘Knight Rider,’ Wendy in ‘90210,’ and Dana in ‘The Boys & Girls Guide to Getting Down.’ Her performance in ‘When Sparks Fly’ showcases her ability to bring warmth, charm, and depth to her characters, making Amy a relatable and endearing protagonist.
Christopher Jacot as Hank Lyons
Christopher Jacot plays Hank, Amy’s former love interest, who never truly let go of their past. With his charismatic screen presence, Jacot brings sincerity and depth to the role of a small-town man who still holds onto hope for a second chance with Amy. He is well known for playing Nick in ‘Going the Distance’, Larry Haberman in ‘Eureka’, Robin Turner in ‘Slasher: The Executioner’, and Johnny Storm/Human Torch in ‘Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Heroes.’ His other notable works include Matt Oleander in ‘Degrassi: The Next Generation’, Jake in ‘Hellraiser: Hellworld,’ Zach Callahan in ‘Come Dance at My Wedding’, and Maurice Vega in ‘Watch Dogs.’ His extensive experience in both television and film helps him bring authenticity and warmth to Hank’s character.
The supporting cast of ‘When Sparks Fly’ is packed with a talented ensemble that enriches the story. It comprises Chelsey Reist as Carla, Lauren K. Robek as Marie (as Kirsten Robek), Keith MacKechnie as Charlie Peterson, Jacqueline Samuda as Gloria, Lochlyn Munro as Phil, Ecstasia Sanders as Sylvia Sherwin, and Kristina Pesic as Sammie Harper. ‘When Sparks Fly’ also features Jerry Trimble as Lew, Fred Henderson as Ben Harper, Adrian Petriw as Young Man, Dolores Drake as Helen, the baker, Winnie Hung as Beth, P.J. Prinsloo as Andy Nelson, Andrew Barber as Larry, Brent Fidler as Bill, Christopher Logan as Maitre’d, Vicky Huang as Elena, Vince Metcalfe as Fred Ellwood, Kristin Kowalski as Wendy, and Melissa Emy as Party Guest.
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