The biographical drama I Was Honey Boo Boo takes us deep into the life of Alana Thompson, better known as “Honey Boo Boo.” Directed by Katie Boland and narrated by Alana herself, the film is an emotional yet honest portrayal of her journey from a popular child reality TV star to a young woman facing real-life challenges. This Hallmark drama, featured on platforms like NetFilming, doesn’t just retell events—it helps audiences understand the ups and downs of fame at a young age.
Alana first gained attention at just six years old on Toddlers & Tiaras, a hit reality series. But what seemed like a storybook quickly turned into something much more difficult. The movie explores her rise to fame, her complicated relationship with her mother, known as Mama June, and the struggles that occurred behind the scenes, which were not always visible to the public. When Alana learns a painful truth about her mom, everything she thought she knew changes in a big way.
Let’s take a look at where this compelling film was shot and the talented cast who brought these true events to life.
I Was Honey Boo Boo Filming Locations
The whole movie was filmed in Bournemouth, a lovely coastal town in Dorset County, in the southwest of England. Filming started in early March 2025 and ended in the same month, making it a quick but important production. Bournemouth was chosen for its unique vibe, which fit the movie’s emotional & realistic tone perfectly. This is different from other Hallmark filming locations like Vancouver or Toronto. The crew was able to make a backdrop that feels both relatable and captivating to look at thanks to the town’s beautiful scenery and flexible settings.
Vale Cooper, who plays Alana Thompson as a child, told Curiocity about some fun things that happened behind the scenes. She told her tutor, Beth about going crabbing, making bracelets with production coordinator Rosie, and even giving apples to a donkey named Ron Weasley. These stories show how the community and natural beauty of Bournemouth made the filming experience special and added to the movie’s atmosphere.
Why Bournemouth, England?
The beautiful beaches, lively culture and great production facilities make Bournemouth a great place to visit. The town’s award-winning beaches, such as Alum Chine and Southbourne, are beautiful places that probably made the film’s outdoor scenes more captivating. Its production studios, equipped with cutting-edge technology, made it easy for the crew to shoot both indoor and outdoor sequences with a realistic feel. While Bournemouth might seem like an unusual choice for a story rooted in American reality TV, it’s not the first time Lifetime or Hallmark has turned to England. The Presence of Love and Jolly Good Christmas are two movies that have also used the country’s different landscapes to tell their stories.
Bournemouth is more than just a place to film. The town is full of life and has Victorian and Edwardian buildings, like St. Peter’s Church and the Russell-Cotes Museum. There is also a literary history there. Famous authors like J.R.R. Tolkien, who lived there in his last years and Robert Louis Stevenson, who wrote Treasure Island in Bournemouth, called it home. There are always fun things going on in the town, like the Bournemouth Air Festival with Royal Air Force stunts and the Bournemouth Food and Drink Festival. This makes it a lively place for both locals and tourists.
The big screen has been to the Dorset area before. Broadchurch, Dunkirk and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince are just a few of the well-known movies and TV shows that have used its dramatic cliffs and calm beaches as settings. I Was Honey Boo Boo, and Bournemouth was the perfect place to bring Alana’s story to life because it has both modern amenities and beautiful scenery.
The Cast of I Was Honey Boo Boo
The movie boasts a talented cast who bring depth to this real-life story. Leading the pack are Vale Cooper as young Alana Thompson, Isabelle Ayres as teenage Alana and Chelsea Larkin as Mama June, Alana’s mother. Their performances, combined with a strong supporting cast, make the film a compelling watch. Let’s take a closer look at the key players and what they bring to the table.
Vale Cooper as Young Alana Thompson
Vale Cooper shines as the young Alana, capturing the energy and innocence of the reality TV star. A student at Born to Act Studios in Kelowna, British Columbia, Vale is also an athlete who loves volleyball, soccer and climbing. She’s no stranger to the screen, having debuted in 2021 with Hallmark’s A Christmas Together with You as an elf child. Her other roles include young Rebecca in Deck the Halls on Cherry Lane, young Missy in Happy Face alongside Dennis Quaid, and Ryan in We Need A Little Christmas. Vale’s natural charm and on-set chemistry with her co-stars make her a standout in this role.
Isabelle Ayres as Teenage Alana Thompson
Isabelle Ayres plays Alana as a teenager, showing how the character grows and faces challenges as she deals with fame and personal problems. Isabelle is a regular at the Bradford Playhouse in Bradford, England, and she gives the movie a new perspective. She has also played Gemma in the short comedy The Tooth Fairy, which is about a girl who wants the tooth fairy to help her with money. Isabelle is still early in her career, but her ability to deal with complicated feelings shows that she has the potential to become a big star.
Chelsea Larkin as Mama June
Chelsea Larkin plays Mama June, Alana’s mother, whose own struggles are a key part of the story. A comedian with experience at The Second City and Just For Laughs, Chelsea brings both humor and heart to the role. Her past roles include Jill Gaston in Dual Suspects (2011), the wine sample lady in Children Ruin Everything, and the perfect mom in the short film Mom Jail. Her versatility as an actor helps her portray the layered character of Mama June with authenticity.
Supporting Cast
The film’s ensemble cast adds even more depth to the story. Georgia Small plays Pumpkin, Alana’s sister, while Richard Nicholas Emerson takes on the role of Geno Doak. Hainsley Lloyd Bennett portrays Dr. Ish and Eoin Lynch plays Mark. Other notable actors include Neil Chinneck as Sugar Bear, Freddie Cohen as Josh Efrid, Kamara Bacchus as Susie, Emily Nevitt as Jessica Shannon and Kieran Mortell as Justin. The cast is rounded out by Helen Belbin as a scout woman, Daisy Barlow as a pageant girl, Bern Collaço as a supermarket shopper, Norma Butikofer as a producer and Rebecca Finch as a judgmental mother. Together, they create a believable and engaging portrayal of Alana’s world.
Keep exploring with us to learn more about your favorite movies and where they were filmed. We love finding out the stories behind the screen and we can’t wait to tell you about them!
Must Read: Where Was Hallmark’s Hats Off to Love Filmed? Top Filming Revealed
