The Hallmark Channel’s newest Countdown to Christmas movie, “Private Princess Christmas,” premieres on Friday, December 6, at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central. The movie stars Ali Skovbye, Derek Klena and Erica Durance. Read on to learn all about where the movie was filmed and see behind-the-scenes stories.
‘Private Princess Christmas’ Was Filmed in Canada
Though the storyline takes place in Colorado, “Private Princess Christmas” was actually shot in British Columbia, Canada, including the City of Abbotsford about an hour away from Vancouver.
Abbotsford’s city Facebook page shared the details in a post about all the Christmas films made in their city.
“We’ve made our list, and we’ve checked it twice! 🔔✨” they wrote. “The #Abbywood Countdown to Christmas is officially on! Tune into these upcoming Hallmark movies that have ALL been filmed right here in Abbotsford! Be sure to tune in to the Hallmark channel and spot some familiar sights.”
Leading Distribution Partners mentioned on their website that the movie was also filmed in the Vancouver region.
The Friends Group Name reported that local businesses were able to sell their decorations to the production, which then served as props for the movie.
Meet the Cast
Hallmark’s synopsis reads “Vi, better known as Princess Violet of Wingravia, adores the privileges of being a royal, if none of the responsibilities. After being disappointed by Vi one time too many, the Queen decides to test her daughter’s mettle once and for all and issues an ultimatum: Vi must pass a vigorous leadership boot camp in Colorado or lose the throne to her uncle. At boot camp, Vi and her fellow cadets are put through a rigorous grind under the uncompromising supervision of Captain Ryan Douglas.”
Erica Durance, who plays Queen of Wingravia, is a Canadian actress best known for her portrayal of Lois Lane in the TV series “Smallville,” according to her bio. Her film credits include “The Untold,” “The Butterfly Effect 2,” “Final Verdict,” and “Painkillers.”
Durance is an advocate for World Vision Canada. In 2006, she co-hosted an art auction at the Wizard World Chicago Convention. It raised $70,000 and she refused her appearance fee, instead donating the money toward the auction. The auction supported a scholarship in memory of Loeb’s son, who had died of bone cancer.
Ali Skovbye is Violet. According to her bio, she began her acting journey at just four years old in a national car commercial. Her career quickly took off with guest spots on popular shows like “Supernatural,” “Fringe,” “Smallville,” and “Once Upon a Time.”
At 11, Skovbye starred in her first lead role in Hallmark’s “One Christmas Eve,” earning a Young Artist Award nomination. She later won a Joey Award for her role in “Campfire Kiss.”
In 2019, Ali landed the role of teenage Tully Hart in Netflix’s “Firefly Lane,” based on Kristin Hannah’s bestselling novel. She portrays a charismatic wild child navigating friendship in the 1970s.
Derek Klena plays Ryan. His brother, Dillon, is also an actor. Klena lives in New York City with his wife, Elycia Scriven. They welcomed their first child, Dax, on September 8, 2022.
Klena is currently starring in “Moulin Rouge!” on Broadway.
Also starring, according to IMDb, are:
- Kheon Clarke
- Tanja Dixon-Warren
- Aman Mann
- Ingrid Park
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Where Was ‘Private Princess Christmas’ Filmed? See Cast Stories & Locations