Alison Sweeney Shares What It Was Like for Son, 18, to Work on Her Latest Hallmark Movie Set (Exclusive)

Alison Sweeney's son is exploring careers in film

Alison Sweeney's son is all grown up!

The actress, 47, tells PEOPLE that the making of her latest Hallmark film, A Zest for Death: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, was extra special because she got to work with son Ben, 18, who served in a number of different roles as he got a hands-on lesson in film production.

"As a parent, I always strive to teach my kids new life skills. There are so many different career opportunities available today that I love when opportunities allow Ben to understand all the options available to them," she says, noting the same is true for daughter Megan, 14, whom she also shares with husband David Sanov.

"Ben is such a conscientious worker. He has a part-time job during the school year and he thrives with the responsibility," the proud mom raves. "From being on set, he's developed a new understanding and appreciation of camera operations, which has been fun to watch him explore."

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Explaining his role, Ben tells PEOPLE, "I had a rotating internship. One of my roles on set was helping out the props department. Another was an assistant to the camera operator. I learned a lot about the dynamics of a set and how the crew works together."

Ben agrees with his mom that he most enjoyed "working with the camera."

"Learning about the mechanics of the camera and how it works is fascinating. I also enjoyed learning about the focus and the zoom and how they work with each other by manipulating how light enters the lens," he shares.

Ben says that his mom was able to offer "some insight" during his time working with the props department.

"My mom gave me some insight into the level of detail that I need to pay attention to. I thought she just wanted me to hold her things for her, but my mom told me the importance of holding actors' props for them so they keep a critical prop from getting lost," Ben says.

"While it was sometimes nerve-wracking, I would love to work on another film set. It was a new and unforgettable life experience to see what it is like to perform a full-time job."

For Sweeney, she hopes that the experience leaves a lasting impression on her son as he enters the professional world.

"With every experience, I hope my kids take away more confidence in themselves to thrive in any dynamic and a greater understanding of the hard work that goes into every job," she says. "I always love having my kids with me at work and when they better understand the roles of crew, it makes the time even more interesting and fun for them."

A Zest for Death: A Hannah Swensen Mystery premieres Friday, Oct. 6 at 9:00 p.m./8:00 p.m. C as part of Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.

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