The drama film “Guiding Emily,” which is based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Barbara Hinske, follows Emily, a young lady, as her life completely unravels when she loses her sight. As she struggles to adjust to her new life, she meets Garth, a guide dog who is having issues with his training.
As they get through their challenges and roadblocks, Emily and Garth find solace in one another with a little assistance. The spectator is left wondering where “Guiding Emily” was filmed as the Hallmark production, directed by Andy Mikita, is set in several intriguing locales, such as the protagonists’ home and the seashore.
British Columbia was the primary location for “Guiding Emily” filming, particularly in and around Victoria. According to reports, the drama film’s production started in mid-June 2023 and finished in early July of the same year, after a few weeks or so.
So, without further ado, let’s explore every spot in the Hallmark film when Emily and the guide dog develop a close friendship!
Filming Locations
Victoria, British Columbia
Almost all of the key scenes in “Guiding Emily” were filmed in Victoria, British Columbia’s capital city, which is located on Vancouver Island’s southernmost point. To capture key shots on location against appropriate backgrounds, the production squad toured the city to various streets and neighborhoods.
Although they primarily used real downtown establishments to record the interior scenes, it’s possible that they also made use of a film studio’s services. They are known as the Garden City. Victoria’s incredibly diverse and picturesque terrain is showcased throughout the film.
You may recognize a number of the city’s landmarks in the background, including The Empress Hotel, the gothic Christ Church Cathedral, the Victoria Bug Zoo, Market Square, and Beacon Hill Park.
Victoria’s landscapes have been included in numerous more movies and TV series in addition to “Guiding Emily” over the years. “Little Women,” “Five Easy Pieces,” “The Professor,” “It Was Always You,” and “Maid” are a few of the well-known ones.
More About The Show
Emily is portrayed by Sarah Drew (Grey’s Anatomy) as an extremely accomplished Type A career lady. She has a supportive team, a Type-A fiancé in Toby Levins of The Night Agent, and a great gym with an awesome indoor rock wall where she can get her climbing fix.
Everything changes when Emily and her fiancé, Connor, go hiking, and Emily has an accident that, hopefully, temporarily renders her blind. When Connor can no longer handle Emily’s growing dependence, he essentially leaves her with her mother, Christine Willes, and makes peace.
Emily is unaware that in the meantime, a small yellow Lab puppy named Garth has been placed with Sharon Taylor from Altered Carbon, a first-time foster mother and trainer. Garth is a highly energetic person with a voracious appetite for snacks. Will he be able to get in shape enough to get his ideal job as Emily’s guide?
Regarding Emily, will her damaged self-esteem and a severe case of depression prevent her from taking back her life? The most crucial question is: When will Emily and Garth ultimately combine to form the powerful team that we know they can?
Sarah Drew plays Emily in “Guiding Emily,” a story about a young woman who goes blind. For nine seasons, she played Dr. April Kepner on ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” so many viewers are familiar with her face.
Following her tenure as a regular cast member on “Everwood,” she secured other prominent parts in a string of successful productions. She appears in several films, including “Radio,” “Moms’ Night Out,” “Cruel Summer,” and “The Baxter.”
Antonio Cupo, on the other side, plays Emily’s love interest, Matthew. The native of Vancouver began to gain roles in several shows, including “The L Word,” “Taken,” and “Dark Angel,” after participating in several theatrical performances and receiving acting honors for them.
Once his acting career took off, he was invited to play the lead role in “Elisa Di Rivombrosa.” In addition, several other cast members have important but supporting roles in the drama film, including Peter Benson as Mark, Eric McCormack as Garth, Julie Bonnett as Julie, Christine Willes as Martha, Matty Finochio as Drew, and Toby Levins as Conner.
Not to mention Linda Ko (Dr. Anderson), Kerensa Cooper (Zoe), David Attar (Carlo), Celina Martin (Linda), Lillian Doucet-Roche (Gina), Alison Matthews (Doris), Laura Adkin (Steph), Preston Drabble all have significant roles.
