Filming a romantic kiss in a Hallmark movie may seem like a fairy tale moment on screen, but behind the scenes, it’s a whole different story. For stars Ashley Williams and Andrew Walker, the chemistry that viewers see during the kiss is often overshadowed by the awkwardness of filming such intimate moments in front of a large crew.
The duo, who star together in the Christmas-themed Hallmark movie Jingle Bell Run, have shared candid insights into what it’s really like to film these signature romantic scenes, where they navigate a mix of familiarity, professional requirements, and, of course, the bustling circus-like atmosphere of a movie set.
A Behind-the-Scenes Circus
Andrew Walker, known for his extensive work in Hallmark films, admits that the experience of filming a kissing scene can be particularly strange, especially when the actors involved are close friends outside of work. “This is the circus. It’s a freak show,” Walker joked during an interview with PEOPLE on set, referring to the bustling production environment where the intimate moments are captured. “I’m used to it now, but we had our kissing scene last week, and it’s always a little awkward when you know someone so well.”
Walker, 45, and Williams, 46, share more than just professional camaraderie— they’re close friends in real life. The two families are neighbors, and both have children of similar ages who are fast friends. “When they first called me about this movie, they said, ‘It’s The Amazing Race but at Christmas.’ Then they said it would be with Andrew Walker, and I said, ‘Where do I sign up?'” Williams shared. “We live two minutes away from each other, and we’ve got two boys who are the exact same age and love each other.”
The closeness between the families adds an extra layer of humor and awkwardness to the situation. “I know her husband really well, and we’re very good friends,” Walker said, acknowledging that filming such scenes with someone else’s spouse around can feel like an odd experience. Even though their real-life spouses, Neal Dodson and Cassandra Troy, are supportive of the film, it doesn’t eliminate the comedic discomfort when the cameras roll on a passionate kiss.
The Kids React
The real comedy comes from how their children have reacted to the news that their parents are filming romantic scenes together. Williams recounted a funny moment when her son, Gus, and Walker’s son, West, discussed the project. “West was in the car and said, ‘So, Daddy, I was talking to Jonah, and Jonah said that you and Gus’s mommy are going to be making out in your next movie!'” Williams laughed, recalling how it made her feel like the subject of a schoolyard gossip train. “The fact that they said ‘making out’ makes me think they don’t understand at all,” she added.
While the kids’ reactions may be innocent and a bit too honest, they reflect how surreal the process can be for everyone involved. For Walker, this means hearing his young son’s candid comments every time he watches the final cut of the movie. “The minute the kiss happens, they both look at me,” he chuckled. “My 4-year-old will say, ‘Daddy, you can’t do that!’ Or he’ll be really quiet and try to physically hurt me a little bit after.” These moments of embarrassment are a lighthearted reminder that even in the world of Hallmark movies, filming a kiss can bring unexpected reactions from the littlest critics.
A Friendship and Career Milestone
Despite the awkwardness that often accompanies filming intimate scenes with close friends, Williams and Walker found that working together was an unforgettable experience. They’ve known each other for years but had never been cast as co-stars in the same Hallmark movie until Jingle Bell Run. “It’s such a dream come true,” Williams said. “We’ve never done a movie together before, and it’s such a joy to be part of this project.”
Their bond goes beyond the screen. Both Williams and Walker have been deeply affected by Alzheimer’s disease, with each having lost a parent to the disease. This shared experience brought them even closer, and together, they have participated in events like the Dance Party to End Alzheimer’s, further solidifying their friendship. These personal connections made their on-screen chemistry even more authentic, despite the inherent awkwardness of shooting romantic scenes.
Embracing the Humor of the Job
For Williams, the awkwardness of filming a kissing scene is just part of the job. In fact, she’s had plenty of practice with her Hallmark family, including fellow actor Paul Campbell. The two starred together in the 2024 movie Falling Together, and during filming, they couldn’t help but laugh at how bizarre the whole process felt. “We made up a song to the tune of Twist and Shout,” Williams explained. The impromptu lyrics went something like, “When you kiss your friend, when you kiss your friend, it’s really weird, you kiss your friend… Now it feels normal, to kiss your friend. Oooooh!” The playful song captured the humor they found in the situation, and it was a way for them to make light of the sometimes uncomfortable nature of their jobs.
“It’s just part of the job,” Williams continued, acknowledging the humor in the seemingly bizarre nature of Hallmark movie moments. “But it’s funny.”
Kissing Scene or Not, Hallmark Movies Are All About Heart
While shooting a kissing scene in a Hallmark movie may not be as romantic or seamless as it appears on screen, it’s clear that the chemistry between actors like Ashley Williams and Andrew Walker is genuine. The behind-the-scenes moments of awkwardness, laughter, and friendship are what make these movies even more relatable and charming. As the stars navigate the playful discomfort of filming these intimate moments, it’s easy to see that their real-life bonds help create the magical atmosphere that fans love about Hallmark movies.
And though the kissing scenes may always be a bit “strange” for Williams and Walker, it’s all part of what makes the magic happen on screen—and that’s something fans can always look forward to during the holiday season.
