Stepping onto the set of Find Me in Paris is like stumbling into a secret world where 1905 Parisian grandeur meets modern-day grit, all against a backdrop of breathtaking ballet. If you've ever wondered what it takes to bring Lena Grisky's time-traveling adventures to life, then welcome to the ultimate deep dive. We're pulling back the curtain for an exclusive look Behind The Scenes With Find Me In Paris Actors On Set, revealing the dedication, camaraderie, and sheer hard work that transforms script pages into the captivating series you know and love.
From the painstaking choreography to the rigorous filming schedules, the magic of Find Me in Paris isn't just in its fantastical premise; it's woven into the very fabric of its production by a truly exceptional cast and crew.
At a Glance: What You'll Discover
- The demanding production schedule including seven-day work weeks and a six-month filming window.
- How elaborate dance scenes are filmed, utilizing both the actors' skills and professional dance doubles.
- The unexpected journey of lead actress Jessica Lord, from "coffee girl" to time-traveling ballerina.
- The strong Canadian connections behind the show's creation and cast.
- Insights into the cast's real-life friendships and the challenges they tackle together.
- The meticulous process of blending different eras and cultures in a seemingly seamless way.
The Dance Between Worlds: Unpacking the Find Me in Paris Premise
At its core, Find Me in Paris captivates with a high-concept twist on the classic ballet drama. We follow Lena Grisky, a Russian Princess and an exceptionally talented student at the elite Paris Opera Ballet School. Her world is turned upside down when a magical necklace propels her from 1905 straight into 21st-century Paris. Suddenly, Lena must navigate smartphones, social media, and a whole new style of dance, all while keeping her time-traveling secret safe from the relentless Time Collectors hot on her trail.
This intricate narrative demands not only superb acting but also formidable dance prowess and a believable portrayal of two distinct historical periods colliding. The challenge for the cast and crew is immense: to create a world where historical charm meets contemporary cool, all without missing a beat (literally).
Inside the Filming Studio: Paris, Via Belgium
While the show is undeniably Paris in its essence, brimming with iconic French backdrops and the undeniable spirit of the city, the actual filming takes place a bit further north. The primary location is a dedicated studio in Londerzeel, just outside Brussels, Belgium. This allows the production team to meticulously construct sets that transport viewers from grand 1905 ballrooms to modern-day ballet studios, offering the control needed for complex scenes, especially those involving time travel effects.
Of course, outdoor scenes do make it to screen, adding that authentic Parisian flair. But much of the day-to-day grind, the intimate moments, and the majority of the demanding dance sequences are carefully staged and shot within the Belgian studios. This clever logistical choice is a common practice in television production, maximizing efficiency and creative control while still delivering the desired aesthetic.
Stepping Into the Pointe Shoes: Meet the Core Ensemble
The heart of Find Me in Paris beats strongest through its incredible cast, whose chemistry and dedication shine through in every episode. Let's delve into some of the key players who bring this time-bending ballet saga to life.
Jessica Lord as Lena Grisky: The Reluctant Time Traveler
The star of the show, Jessica Lord, carries the series on her nimble feet and expressive acting. Lena Grisky is a role that demands a rare combination of classical ballet training, comedic timing, and dramatic depth.
Born in Manchester, England, Jessica moved to Toronto, Canada, at the tender age of six. Her journey into dance began even earlier, at age four, where she developed a strong foundation in ballet, jazz, and hip hop. Before Find Me in Paris, fans might remember her as Lola on "The Next Step," another dance-centric series.
What's truly remarkable is her path to securing the role of Lena. Jessica reportedly landed the part after working as a "coffee girl" during the initial auditions—a testament to seizing opportunities and her undeniable talent breaking through. While Lena is a Russian princess, Jessica portrays her with a refined English accent, a deliberate choice that adds to the character's elegant yet slightly out-of-time aura, rather than attempting a less authentic Russian one.
It's also worth noting the demanding nature of the role. While Jessica is a trained dancer, the intricate, high-level ballet sequences often feature the seamless integration of dance doubles. For close-up foot shots that require the absolute pinnacle of classical technique, real prima ballerinas from Paris step in, ensuring every arabesque and pirouette is visually flawless. This collaborative approach allows Jessica to focus on Lena's character arc while delivering stunning visual dance performances.
Eubha Akilade as Ines Lebreton: Lena's Modern Confidante
Every time traveler needs a loyal friend in the new era, and Eubha Akilade perfectly embodies this role as Ines Lebreton. Ines is Lena's first friend in the present day, a sharp, tech-savvy, and fiercely supportive individual who helps Lena navigate the bewildering complexities of the 21st century.
Eubha's portrayal provides a grounding force for Lena, offering both comic relief and heartfelt emotional support. Her chemistry with Jessica Lord is palpable on screen, mirroring a real-life bond that has grown strong over the seasons. In fact, Jessica and Eubha are incredibly close friends and have even discussed plans to buy a house together in Los Angeles, proving that some on-screen friendships translate beautifully off-screen.
Rory Saper as Max Alvarez: The Love Interest with a Secret
Rory Saper brings a charming complexity to Max Alvarez, one of the first people Lena connects with in the present day. Max is a talented dancer with his own set of aspirations and secrets, often finding himself caught in the intricate web of Lena's time-traveling predicament. His journey involves navigating his feelings for Lena while dealing with the demands of the ballet world and the mysteries surrounding her.
Castle Rock as Jeff Chase: The Canadian Connection
As Jeff Chase, Castle Rock adds another layer to the diverse cast of characters. Jeff is a contemporary dancer and a key member of the main group. What many fans might not realize is that Castle, like Jessica Lord, also has strong Canadian ties. He's previously appeared in Disney's "Descendants" and "Descendants 2," showcasing his versatility across different genres. His presence underscores the significant Canadian influence on Find Me in Paris, a thread we'll pull on more later.
Christy O'Donnell as Henri Duquet: Lena's Past, Present, and Future
Christy O'Donnell portrays Henri Duquet, Lena's love interest from 1905 who accidentally follows her to the future. Henri's character is crucial to the time-travel narrative, as he represents Lena's past and the dangers of altering history. Christy expertly balances Henri's historical sensibilities with his struggle to adapt to the future, often creating humorous and poignant moments as he tries to reunite with Lena and return to their own time.
The depth of the cast extends far beyond these core characters, with each actor bringing their unique talent and personality to the screen. To explore the full ensemble and their roles, you can delve deeper into the backgrounds and contributions of everyone from Rik Young's Armando Castillo to Hannah Dodd's Thea Raphael. You can Meet the Find Me in Paris cast and discover the diverse talent that makes the show so compelling.
The Grind and the Glamour: A Day in the Life on Set
Bringing a show like Find Me in Paris to fruition is no small feat. It requires immense dedication, long hours, and a highly organized production schedule. For its third season, for example, filming commenced in July and wrapped up on December 4th. That's a rigorous six-month stretch, often involving seven-day work weeks for the cast and crew.
Imagine the intensity: waking up each day knowing you're facing another full day of rehearsals, choreography, scene blocking, and shooting, all while maintaining peak physical condition for the dance sequences. It's a testament to the actors' professionalism and passion.
Shooting Priorities: Dance First
The production team has a clear strategy for tackling such a demanding schedule, prioritizing scenes in a specific order:
- Dance Scenes: These are often the most time-consuming and physically demanding. They require extensive rehearsal, precise choreography, multiple takes from different angles, and the careful integration of dance doubles where necessary. By tackling these first, the production can ensure the dancers are fresh and that ample time is allocated to perfect these visually crucial moments.
- Outdoor Scenes: Filming outdoors is always subject to the whims of weather, natural light, and logistical challenges (like securing permits or managing crowds). By scheduling these next, the team can maximize good weather windows and streamline exterior shoots.
- Indoor Scenes: These are often the most controllable, as they take place on constructed sets within the studio. They can be scheduled with more flexibility and used to fill gaps or continue shooting even if outdoor conditions aren't ideal.
This methodical approach allows the production to make the most of every hour and every resource, ensuring that the high quality seen on screen is consistently maintained.
Beyond the Script: Friendships, Challenges, and Craft
The bond between the Find Me in Paris cast members extends far beyond the confines of their characters. The grueling schedule and shared experiences forge deep connections that become evident in their on-screen chemistry and off-screen camaraderie.
A Real-Life Ballet Family
The close friendship between Jessica Lord and Eubha Akilade is a shining example. Their on-screen portrayal of Lena and Ines's unwavering support for each other mirrors their genuine connection, making their scenes together particularly resonant. This kind of authentic relationship undoubtedly adds a layer of warmth and believability to the show's core friendships.
The shared experience of combining demanding acting roles with extensive dance training creates a unique bond among the cast. They rely on each other for support, motivation, and understanding, forming what many describe as a "ballet family."
The Demands of the Dual Role: Actor and Dancer
For actors like Jessica Lord, the challenge isn't just delivering emotional performances but also maintaining the physical peak required for ballet. Even with dance doubles for the most complex footwork, the actors themselves must perform significant portions of the choreography. This means constant training, rehearsals, and attention to diet and injury prevention.
Then there's the craft of acting itself. Portraying a character who time travels means navigating emotional displacement, cultural shock, and the delicate balance between retaining her 1905 sensibilities and adapting to the modern world. Jessica's ability to convey Lena's grace, vulnerability, and resilience, often through non-verbal cues and nuanced expressions, is a testament to her skill.
The decision to have Lena speak with a refined English accent, despite being a Russian princess, is an interesting creative choice. It allows Jessica to maintain a consistent vocal performance without the added pressure of mimicking an accent that might detract from the character's emotional truth. This commitment to specific character details, down to accent, showcases the thoughtful crafting that goes into each role.
Canadian Roots, Global Reach: The Production Story
Find Me in Paris boasts a distinct international flavor, being set in France, filmed in Belgium, and featuring a diverse cast. Yet, it also has surprisingly strong Canadian roots that have shaped its development and reach.
The Creative Minds: Jill Girling and Lori Mather-Welch
The series was created by Jill Girling and Lori Mather-Welch, both accomplished Canadian producers and writers. Their vision brought this unique blend of ballet, fantasy, and teen drama to life, crafting a narrative that appeals to a global audience. Their Canadian background highlights the country's growing influence in international television production.
Canadian Talent on Screen
Beyond the creators, key cast members also hail from Canada. As mentioned, Castle Rock, who plays Jeff Chase, is Canadian. And while Jessica Lord was born in England, she moved to Toronto at a young age and began her dance career there, giving her a significant connection to the Canadian entertainment industry.
Broadcasting Home: CBC Gem and CBC TV
Reflecting these strong Canadian ties, Find Me in Paris found a prominent home in Canada. Season 1 became available on CBC Gem, the national public broadcaster's streaming service, and new seasons subsequently premiered on CBC TV. This robust support from the CBC has undoubtedly helped the show reach a wide Canadian audience and cemented its place within the country's cultural landscape.
The blend of Canadian creativity, European filming locations, and a diverse international cast makes Find Me in Paris a truly global production, demonstrating how compelling storytelling can transcend borders.
The Art of Illusion: Seamless Dance and Time Travel
One of the show's biggest draws is its spectacular dance sequences, particularly the classical ballet. Achieving the level of perfection seen on screen requires a sophisticated blend of the actors' dedication and the skilled work of professional dance doubles.
When Doubles Step In
While Jessica Lord is a highly trained dancer, the series demands choreography that often reaches the peak technical abilities of prima ballerinas. This is where the dance doubles come in. For complex pirouettes, breathtaking fouettés, or incredibly swift and intricate footwork, professional ballerinas from Paris are brought in. These skilled artists execute the demanding close-up foot shots and wider, technically challenging sequences.
The magic, of course, is in the seamless integration. Through clever editing and careful staging, viewers often can't tell where the actor ends and the double begins. The actors perform the initial parts of a routine, focusing on character and expression, and then the doubles step in for the hyper-technical sections. This collaborative approach ensures that the dance always looks authentic and breathtaking, without placing undue physical strain or impossible demands on the lead actors for every single frame.
Choreography and Cinematography
Beyond the dancers themselves, the choreography and cinematography play crucial roles. Experienced choreographers design routines that not only showcase incredible skill but also advance the story and express character emotions. The camera work, in turn, needs to capture these performances dynamically, utilizing various angles, slow-motion, and close-ups to highlight the beauty and power of ballet.
The time travel aspect also relies heavily on visual effects and clever staging. Whether it's the shimmering portal effects or the subtle changes in set design that denote a shift between eras, every visual element is carefully crafted to maintain the illusion and immerse the audience in Lena's extraordinary journey.
Keeping the Magic Alive: Dive Deeper Into Find Me in Paris
The world of Find Me in Paris is a testament to the hard work, talent, and passion of everyone involved—from the Canadian creators to the international cast and crew in Belgium. Knowing the intricate details of what goes on Behind The Scenes With Find Me In Paris Actors On Set only enhances appreciation for the captivating story and the mesmerizing performances.
If this peek behind the curtain has deepened your appreciation, consider revisiting Lena's journey. You might notice new details in the choreography, appreciate the nuances in the acting, or simply marvel at the sheer dedication it takes to bring such a complex production to life. Continue to support the talented individuals who make shows like this possible by watching their work, exploring their other projects, and sharing your love for Find Me in Paris with others. The magic of ballet, time travel, and enduring friendship is waiting to be rediscovered.