Directed and produced by Maclain Nelson, Branching Out is a 2024 Hallmark movie that follows the journey of single mom Amelia (played by Sarah Drew) as she sets out to find her daughter Ruby’s biological father, TJ, in the picturesque countryside of Utah and Salt Lake Counties.
As Amelia navigates the small town where her biological father lives, she and Ruby bond with him and participate in the town’s fair. Against the stunning backdrop of rolling hills and a sparkling lake, a burgeoning romance develops between Ruby’s parents as they meet for the first time after the birth of their daughter.
Branching Out Filming Locations
The Hallmark family movie ‘Branching Out’ was filmed across multiple locations in Utah inside the United States. Principal photography began in mid-February 2024 and was completed by February 25, 2024, as per the Instagram post of Samantha Lambson. She wrote in the caption:
That’s a wrap!!!
Utah Country
Located in the northeastern part of Utah, the Utah County is a part of the Provo-Orem Metropolitan Statistical Area, that is known for its natural beauty. With the Wasatch Range to the east and the Oquirrh Mountains to the west, Provo is a vibrant city that combines history, outdoor recreation, and a thriving arts scene.
The lake seen in the movie is actually the Utah Lake, the largest freshwater lake of Utah. It is about 15 miles long and 5 miles wide, with a maximum depth of 280 feet, and has become a popular destination for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. Its shimmering waters and surrounding mountains create a breathtaking backdrop for the film’s romantic and family-centered scenes.
The mountains observed are the towering peaks of the Wasatch Range to the east and the gentle slopes of the Utah Valley to the west. The Wasatch Range runs about 160 miles from Idaho to central Utah and reaches heights over 11,000 feet, providing a dramatic, rugged backdrop.
Utah County’s seat is Provo, a city steeped in history which can also be seen in the film. From its bustling downtown district with eclectic shops and eateries to its scenic trails and parks, it provides a dynamic backdrop.
According to city data, Provo was originally settled in 1849 and is the third-largest city in Utah with a population of around 115,000 as of 2020.
Salt Lake County, Utah
Home to the bustling metropolis of Salt Lake City, sites around Salt Lake County became an integral part of the filming process of “Branching Out.” The city is the capital and the most populous municipality in the state of Utah.
Founded in 1847 by early Mormon pioneers, Salt Lake City has a rich history and serves as the headquarters for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The city’s lively downtown provided a vibrant setting for recreating T.J.’s musical life and the town fair scenes. According to Visit Salt Lake, downtown is home to the iconic Temple Square, City Creek Center shopping complex, along with restaurants, breweries and cultural attractions.
Salt Lake City is known for its stunning architecture, including the iconic Temple Square, and its vibrant arts scene, which includes the Utah Symphony and the Salt Lake Acting Company.
The city’s diverse neighborhoods, thriving food scene, and outdoor recreational opportunities make it an ideal setting for the film’s various scenes.
Utah is a popular filming location among Hallmark filmmakers, but not as popular as Vancouver. Some of the recent productions that were happened in Haul Out The Holly: Lit Up, Letters to Santa, The Holiday Stocking, Love in the Limelight, and Fallout series.
Behind The Scenes
The cast and crew enjoyed their time working on the production of Branching Out, as they shared their experiences on social media and express gratitude for the opportunity to work together.
Juan Pablo shared a few bts photos of the set on Instagram, during the filming.
Sarah Drew posted a beautiful picture of her during the final week of filming. She wrote in the caption:
Just landed in SLC!
Cast
‘Branching Out’ stars Sarah Drew as Amelia, Juan Pablo Di Pace as T.J., Cora Bella as Ruby, Mia Marina as Bianca, Juan Diaz Garay as John Fischer, Cameron Foremaster as Ranch Hand, and Candace Kirkpatrick as Sofia.
Where to watch Branching Out?
Branching Out was released on April 27, 2024 at 8/7c on Hallmark Channel inside the United States, and is scheduled to re-air on the following dates:
- April 28 at 7/6c
- May 2 at 9/8c
- May 11 at 10/9c
- May 21 at 9/8c
