Many of the Hallmark Channel‘s most popular films and series are shot in Canada, often in British Columbia or Toronto. There are, of course, exceptions to this. “Keller Christmas Vacation,” starring Jonathan Bennett, Brandon Routh, and Eden Sher, was filmed in various European locations. And “Christmas on Duty” was filmed in Utah.
Unlike many Hallmark films, “Mistletoe Murders” wasn’t filmed using the backdrop of an already existing town or city. Instead, the crew created the entire town of Fletcher’s Grove in a field in Pickering, Toronto. Peter Mooney, who plays detective Sam Wellner, wouldn’t have it any other way.
From Fake Town to Film Magic: Inside the Unique Setting of ‘Mistletoe Murders’
“We film on a backlot in Pickering,” Sarah Drew explained during a “Mistletoe Murders” Podcaster Junket. “Which is all of the exterior stuff you see for Fletcher’s Grove is its own little fake town.”
For many actors, the idea of filming a movie or series far from coffee shops and comforts would not be a draw. However, for Peter, it’s one of his favorite things about filming “Mistletoe Murders.”
“I love it so much,” Peter proclaimed. “Everyone hates it, and with justification. It’s a little fake town built in the middle of an open field. The roads into it get super muddy, and we have to run generators to have power, and the buildings are falling apart. There’s no water, no electricity. But it’s a whole fake town. I love it.”
“Our boom operator is skateboarding at lunch, and there’s all this fake snow laid down,” he added. “It’s really, really neat, and I love it over there.”
As for Sarah, she may not adore it as much as Peter does, but she found something to appreciate about the location as well.
“The sun sets,” she recalled. “They always have us facing where the sun sets, and it’s over this field of these beautiful… It’s just the sparkliest, most delightful [location]. I’ve taken so many sunset pictures outside of my trailer there.”
Sarah Urges Fans to Lobby Hallmark for ‘Mistletoe Murders’ Renewal
The season finale of Season 2 of “Mistletoe Murders” aired on November 21, and while most fans are hoping for a Season 3, nothing has been announced yet. Sarah has continuously encouraged fans of the show to write to Hallmark, post on social media, and say how they feel.
“We can’t start those conversations until they give us the go-ahead,” she told “Pop Culture Unplugged.” “So make as much noise as you can, because everybody listens.”
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Why Hallmark Star Peter Mooney Loves Filming In A Muddy, Powerless Fake Town