Behind the Scenes: F&L

Alexis Reynolds
Dec 23, 2025
2 min read

As requested, here is a recap of my experience while filming for Friends & Lovers now available to watch on LifeTime in a two part movie as part of their Love of A Lifetime series.

Let me just say that first off, I'm really proud of how hard I worked in the film industry in August 2025 in particular. During the filming of Friends and Lovers, I was also working almost daily on Sweet Magnolias season 5 at the same time. I regrettably couldn't pull off working on Just Picture It (starring Millie Bobby Brown) since the timing and various locations just had me in shambles haha. During that time, I did experience some of my greatest highs and sleep deprived lows but it's all come together beautifully!

When I got the notice I'd been cast for Friends & Lovers, I was not sure at all what network it was for or what the real title was. It was so hush hush that I everyone was wondering if it was a bigger box office style film (it very much was not haha). Working for LifeTime in general has been a blast, I've done a few films for them now & do expect to work more with them and Hallmark next year.

Overall, a lot of the staff and crew were not friendly. I was scolded many times for very minor stuff. If you remember my rate the catering blog entry you'll remember the super heavy, carby homemade food on that plate. It was delicious, but incredibly low budget. The building we were in for location was apparently caked in black mold and a lot of the cast did get sick and left early. Filming for this was like pulling teeth honestly. Several of the main cast got into an argument that resulted in one of the lead male actors leaving entirely for several days which slowed production. I'm amazed they got it all finished and into post production so quickly and flawlessly (we filmed this at the end of August and by November it was aired). Overall, that team was a shit show, but LifeTime as a whole has been great.

I'm very grateful that I was featured and focused on several times in this film, it's always a good feeling to be chosen in that way. I got to keep the yellow dress because it fits me like a dream! I also did the drink spit in one single take (luckily for those around me haha). It was brutal shooting until 3am, but it was still a lot of fun.

After it was out, I noticed as well that the location for the bay area apartment was none other than the location we used for my photoshoot with Bonjour Boudoir in October!