Actors Rebecca Hanssen and Henry Czerny chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about starring in “Paris is Always a Good Idea” on Hallmark.
The synopsis is: Career-driven nonprofit executive Chelsea Martin (Chabert) travels to Paris to secure a major donor and is shocked when her confident rival-turned-ally, Jason Knightly (Foster) is sent to join her.
While in Paris, an unexpected and heartfelt message from her late mother — and a push from her father (Czerny) and her sister (Hanssen) — sends her on an unexpected journey to reconnect with the three past loves she once left behind in Europe. From the rolling hills of Ireland to the magic of Paris, and the sun-kissed vineyards of Spain, Chelsea retraces old footsteps and discovers that sometimes moving forward means first looking back.
The series premieres on Thursday, July 30th, with the first two episodes, followed by a new episode every Thursday through August 27th, exclusively on Hallmark+.
How was your experience working on this series?
Henry: It was as lovely as it looks on screen. It was a really nice experience.
What did you like most about your characters?
Rebecca: I love how fun and funny Annabelle is, but also that there’s so much more to her. She has a lot of heart behind all of that.
Henry: I love that Glenn is able to hold space for whatever is happening and to work with the people around him—and with himself—to find the most harmonious way through whatever comes up.
How did it feel to work with Hallmark?
Henry: I loved it. They’re great people who really care about their cast. I especially enjoyed working with the technicians they brought together in France and Spain. They were wonderful to work with, so the whole experience was a gift.
Rebecca: It was a joy — a dream. Everyone at Hallmark is so passionate about what they do. They’re like one big family, and as soon as you join a production, they make you feel so welcome. Everyone is committed to creating the best series possible, and you can feel that every day.
How did it feel to film on location in all those beautiful places?
Henry: (Laughs) It was terrible—you’re surrounded by all these beautiful buildings! But seriously, it was incredible.
We started filming in Paris at the end of Fashion Week, so there were models everywhere taking photos in front of places like the Louvre.
It was amazing to see not only those glamorous moments but also people from all over the world coming to experience the romance and beauty of the city.
What did the screenplay teach you about yourselves?
Rebecca: That’s a great question. At first, I thought Annabelle was a lot like my sister—very spontaneous, fun, and feisty.
Throughout filming, I often found myself asking what I would do in certain situations instead of what Annabelle would do. More often than not, I realized I agreed with Annabelle, so maybe I’m more spontaneous than I give myself credit for.
Henry: It reminded me that the work I do often ends up being much more autobiographical than I initially think—just in different ways. (Laughs) I’ve never been the head of the CIA, though!
What would you like to say to your fans?
Henry: Watch the series! Remember, no matter what you’re feeling or what things look like, stay open. Life is unfolding in your favor.
What’s the one thing you hope audiences take away from the film?
Henry: Exactly that! Paris is always a good idea.
Rebecca: I hope people come away with a sense of joy and wonder about life’s journey, the people you meet along the way, and the loved ones who stay closest to you. Even through the darkest moments, those experiences can make your bonds even stronger.
