If you are cognizant of the inner workings of TV and films, you may be aware of the vital role that executive producers play in every step of production of these artistic endeavors. Recently, I had the opportunity to interview the executive producer of Chesapeake Shores, Dan Paulson, for the third time, and there is no doubt that this man is one of the main reasons this show has continued to prosper as long as it has. While actors, writers, directors, networks, and everyone else is essential to a stellar production of any kind, there is no doubt that EP’s like Dan comprise the backbone of amazing shows like Chesapeake Shores. It is my honor to share our recent chat with my readers today.
RH: Dan, it’s so great to chat with you again. Thank you for taking the time.
DP: My pleasure, and thank you for your interest and your support, Ruth.
We are so happy that Chesapeake Shores has come back for season four.
It’s good to be back.
This season is a little bit shorter, I know. Only six episodes this season.
That’s right. But we hope everyone will tune in and enjoy season four as we look towards a possible season five.
Absolutely. So what can you tease about this season?
Well, there’s going to be a lot going on in the romance department. I don’t want to do a spoiler, but some people get together, and some people go apart. And some people haven’t quite decided which way they are going yet. That’s really all I can say without giving away anything.
Right, I understand that. Now, I know there are a few new characters this season. In fact, it seems like there might be some competition for Abby’s and Trace’s affections.
I can’t say too much, but that might be a possibility.
It seems like there might be a girl that catches Trace’s attention and a guy that catches Abby’s attention. Is that correct?
Yes, that is correct. Fans will have to see how it plays out.
Jerry Trimble, Lainey McAuley and Jesse Metcalfe
In fact, fans might recognize Greyston Holt from other productions. I have been following his career for a while now, so I was pleasantly surprised to see him added to the cast.
Yes, he is one of them. Lanie McAuley is the girl that has been added, so watch for her as Emma Rogers. Greyston plays Jay Ross.
Sounds like there might be some potential drama there with Trace and Abby. We saw some last week.
Yes, I think you’re right.
Barbara Niven, Treat Williams Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
I know everybody is pulling for Trace and Abby. But what can you tease about Mick and Megan? I know a lot of us fans are interested to see if there will be any more development between them.
Let me say this, Ruth. There’s a little chemistry going there. Again, without giving anything away, there’s some interesting sparks that we explore. They’ve always been friends. But the question is–does it go further than that or not? Well, we’ll see.
Now, since we only have six episodes this season, what can we as the fans do to ensure that there’s going to be another season?
Barbara Niven, Treat Williams, Meghan Ory,Laci Mailey, Emilie Ullerup, Brendan Penny, Jessica Sipos, Abbie Magnuson, Kayden Magnuson Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
That’s a very good question. My answer to that is this. Watch the series, and have your friends and relatives watch as well.
That sounds like an excellent plan, Dan. Now, this may be a hard question, but do you have a favorite episode?
If I’m not mistaken, I believe it is episode three. We had some nice drama with the various couples, and the entire episode just laid out very nicely. I was intrigued all the way through that episode. And this was after reading the scripts and seeing it shot. It just held up very nicely for me. In fact, there was one scene in particular…after seeing the director’s cut, I recall saying how I really liked this one. I think this one is the best in the four seasons of the show.
Diane Ladd Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
What are the challenges of having a show with such a large cast?
Well, first and foremost, you have a bunch of threads hanging out there. You want to keep them going, and you want to tie them up to a certain extent. And you have to be careful that you don’t spread yourself too thin. We want to get beneath the surface with all these characters and their relationships. And there’s a bunch of them. You have three sisters and two brothers. There’s five right there. Plus a mom and a dad that we play with a bit. So there’s a lot going on. And you’ve got a grandma too. There’s lots of characters we have to work with, and you want to pay everything off to some extent, especially as we look potentially at going into season five. When you’ve got all these characters, you just want to do everybody right.
I think you guys have a done a good job of focusing on each character with equal weight. Perhaps some might criticize you for not spending enough time on “their favorite character,” but I think you guys have done the best you can when dealing with such a large cast.
We can’t please all the people all the time. We do the best we can, but there will always be someone who says, “What happened to my character?” I think everybody feels the same way. They are interested in their characters being developed. But we do try. We are very cognizant of each and every role.
You know, I can’t think of any other show on any network that has such a large cast like this. I think you all do really well. And it’s something the whole family can watch together.
TCA’s 2018
Well, as I say, we try, and that’s the Hallmark brand. We always want to stay within those lines and those lanes, so to speak. But it is a challenge. Every episode can be challenging for various reasons. But for me, the key is the fans. If the fans come back to the series, that’s a great feeling. My hope is always that we keep our audience.
I understand that two of the leading ladies on the show this season were pregnant in real life.
Yes, that is true.
In fact, it seems like a lot of Hallmark’s leading ladies are getting pregnant in real life. It’s happened quite a bit recently.
There must be something in the water! {laughs} But that’s the Hallmark brand. People get married. They get pregnant, and they hopefully live happily ever after. That’s what it’s all about. Family!
TCA’s
That’s always what we want for these actors as well as for the characters they portray.
Right. In the end, everybody wins in this scenario.
Will you also be live-tweeting with the cast, crew, and fans?
I know the cast is getting very busy with live-tweeting and even with Instagram. I did live tweet last year, and I am trying my best to do it this season as well. It is always fun.
Totally. There’s something special about live-tweeting. When I end up missing the live-tweeting and I have to go back and watch by myself, it’s just not the same.
Yes, our social media presence is large.
There is no doubt about that. So Chesapeake Shores started last Sunday, and we have five more episodes including this week’s episode. And then I believe you’re working on something for Netflix as well.
Yes, I am. It’s called Sweet Magnolias.
That is based on a book series as well, correct?
Yes, another book series by Sherryl Woods. Same author as Chesapeake Shores. It is her New York Times best-selling series of books. We are filming right now.
I have been trying to keep up with it. There have been lots of great updates about the show. Is there a projected date for that series to be released?
I believe it will be dropped next summer sometime, if I’m not mistaken. It will be ten episodes.
Now, while it’s not Hallmark, it seems like it will appeal to a similar audience.
Yes, I do hope that all the Hallmark audience will watch it. It’s a little bit edgier, so it might have a bit of a wider appeal. It’s also hopeful that it will bring in a younger demographic in addition to the demographic that we already have. That is the intent. Hallmark has a very loyal audience, and a number of networks are very impressed with what Hallmark does.
I’ve noticed that too. Other networks are noticing what Hallmark is doing and trying to emulate that.
That’s right. All these Christmas movies that Hallmark does…Netflix does them. Lifetime does them. They’re real staples. What do they say? Imitation is the best form of flattery. That’s real. If you’re doing well, other people want to get in on it as well.
Well, I’m looking forward to Sweet Magnolias. Hopefully, by the time that drops, we’ll be celebrating another season of Chesapeake Shores as well.
Yes, fingers crossed. We are certainly hoping for season five.
And I’m right there with you. It’s gonna be a quick season four, here and gone before you know it. But I’m committed to doing what I can, and I hope all the other Chessies will join me.
Thank you, Ruth. I really appreciate your support over the years. I appreciate the support of all the fans. And we hope to bring you more Chesapeake Shores for many years to come. Enjoy season four!
I don’t know about you, but I’m not ready to bid adieu to Chesapeake Shores for good just yet. If season four is the end of the road for the O’Brien family, I would be very sad, and I have no doubt that Dan along with so many of the cast, crew, and fans would feel exactly the same way. I know how arduously Dan works on every one of his productions, no matter the studio which ultimately releases the show or film, and Chesapeake Shores has persevered to become one of those special projects that has provided heartwarming, family-friendly viewing for a diverse, appreciative audience. Whenever I chat with Dan, I can always sense the vibrancy in his voice as well as the electricity that emanates from his entire being as he speaks of something that is near and dear to his heart. I recognize and appreciate the dedication of all those involved with the creative process of bringing Sherryl Woods’ books to life, and I discover that I am that much more invested in every aspect of this magnificent show. I hope that everyone will tune in to the Hallmark Channel or Super Channel Heart & Home tonight (September 1st) for episode two of Chesapeake Shores season four, and don’t forget to invite all your friends and family to do the same. And while you’re doing that, make a date these next four Sunday nights as well so that this season concludes on the highest note ever for this dynamic series. Moreover, I invite everyone to visit Dan’s links below and consider following him where applicable. He does the most excellent job imaginable of sharing behind-the-scenes, candid photos and anecdotes, and true Chessies never want to miss any of these. It is my honor to support Dan and all of his projects, and I hope that every one of my readers will join me in this worthy undertaking.
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CHECK OUT MY OTHER INTERVIEWS WITH DAN PAULSON
Interview With Executive Producer Dan Paulson, “Chesapeake Shores”
Interview With Executive Producer, Dan Paulson, “Chesapeake Shores”
