Rhiannon Fish and James O’Halloran star in “When Love Springs,” a new, original movie premiering Saturday, May 6 (8 p.m. ET/PT), on Hallmark Channel as part of the network’s annual Spring into Love programming event. We at Survived The Shows had the pleasure of chatting with star Erin Connor about her experience in the making of the movie and what fans can expect. Check out the full interview below!
What’s the main element in Lyla’s character and the movie in general that fascinates you the most and drew you to join When Love Springs?
I honestly had never done a ‘Hallmark movie’ before and was fascinated by the sheer mass audience that follows this genre. And playing such a fun loving, positive, caring mother role – my cup was so full from this experience, I am hooked. It’s like medicine for the soul in these movies.
Where are you and Lyla most similar and where most different as human beings?
Ahhhh well I was chuffed that Lyla was directed by Jo-Anne Brechin who wanted to gear my sense of fun and cheekiness into the character, so what you see on screen is quite close to the real Erin ! And the most different part is that I’m not a mother to humans, only fur babies in the real world.
What’s been the biggest challenge for you in portraying Lyla?
Well given the fact that I’m not a mother myself, nor am I the age of Lyla. I researched and spent time around mother’s I knew, this role challenged me but as an actor being challenged is all part of it. I also tapped into my love ‘love’ and friends and trusted in the process. And I hope myself and the cast and crew have achieved a believable, touching, funny and classic romantic comedy.
To all the fans looking forward to watching the movie, how would you describe When Love Springs in just 3 words?
Sweet, Entertaining and Funny.
What can you tease about Lyla’s journey throughout the movie?
– Besides the fact that Lyla lives life to the full and loves to laugh and is still madly in love with her husband, she feels very deeply too. I hope that audiences are moved by the deep connection that mother’s and daughters share.
Talking about the environment on set, how would you describe your experience while filming When Love Springs and do you have any fun anecdotes to share?
The set and filming locations were typically ‘ Australian suburbia’ and one day we were trying to shoot a particularly sentimental scene, we thought we would never get through the scene because the next door neighbour’s decided it was lawn mowing and leaf blowing day and sprinkler day ! We were trying to hold it together from laughing so much. Literally each time we thought, right they are finished- lets ‘go for a take’ they would start up another garden tool. All in the life of film and television and real locations !
If you could choose any other character from The When Love Springs, apart from Lyla, that you would have loved to play, which one would it be and why?
I don’t think I could see myself as any other role in the cast, but if I were to invent one ! I could have made a fun auntie to Rory played by the amazing Rhiannon Fish’s. That way I could still be a part of the secret and also help support her and get away with things as cheeky aunties seem to do ! I love to find humour and fun in my work.
Did you take anything from the set, any prop or piece of costume, to remember your experience as Lyla?
Well I just so happened to be the proud owner of a beautiful paisley light orange looking blouse that I fell in love with from Lyla’s wardrobe.
What can you tease about your next projects?
I’m excited as this year will see a few movie releases for me. One of them is ‘Double Or Nothing’ – By award winning director Dru Brown. An Aussie ‘Big Lebowski’, starring Vince Colosimo, (Underbelly series) John Jarratt (Wolf Creek) and Robert Rabiah (Irreverent) and myself going head to head with these marvellous Australian actors..
When Love Springs, starring Rhiannon Fish and James O’Halloran and with Erin Connor, premieres May 6 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Hallmark Channel. Get a preview below!
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Chiara
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