Hallmark Channel and Lifetime Writers Reveal How to Write a Holiday Rom-Com

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As a seasoned gamer with a heart for holiday-themed entertainment, I can wholeheartedly attest to the irresistible charm of Christmas movies. Having grown up with a steady diet of these festive flicks, I’ve come to appreciate the intricate dance between tradition and innovation that their creators must perform.

Nowadays, holiday films are produced and shot all year round, but there’s a unique charm during Christmas that boosts their popularity, regardless of their quality. People seem drawn to the holiday enchantment, and these movies effectively capture that magic, even when they fall short of being true masterpieces.

Here’s my take on it:

In this article, you’ll get an exclusive peek behind the scenes as screenwriters who create movies for networks like Hallmark Channel, Great American Family, and Lifetime open up about their process and offer valuable tips for aspiring writers in the New York Post.

For many individuals, Christmas appears to be a brief period of celebration. However, for writers crafting holiday television movies, it’s an ongoing endeavor throughout the year. They are consistently proposing fresh concepts, refining scripts, and racing against the clock to ensure productions are completed well before the holiday season arrives.

Anna White, the writer and executive producer of “The Holiday Junkie” featuring Jennifer Love Hewitt, expressed that it’s a continuous loop for her. “I often find myself penning Christmas movies when I’m not pitching them,” she explained. “So, it seems like Christmas is always around the corner for me.

Sometimes, finding that holiday cheer can be challenging when the reality outside doesn’t align with the festive atmosphere we hope for.

Rick Garman, the creator of “Christmas on Cherry Lane” for the Hallmark Channel and its subsequent sequels, frequently crafts holiday films during the heat of summer. To maintain his focus, he regularly reminds himself that these productions bring happiness to viewers.

In the bustling market of holiday movies, some creators find themselves growing weary of repetitive tropes such as cookie-making scenes or romantic mistletoe kisses. Garman admitted to this predicament, stating that maintaining freshness becomes a challenge over time. ‘There’s only so many times one can bake cookies,’ he explained.

Coming up with original concepts for Christmas movies can be quite challenging due to the numerous options already available. As Cara Russell, the executive producer of Christmas Under the Northern Lights, pointed out, it’s tough to find something truly unique or a fresh take on existing themes.

But there’s no strict formula for writing Christmas movies, despite the rumors. Nina Weinman explained, ‘There is no checklist.’ She added that the key is to stay true to the Christmas spirit.

The theme often revolves around warmth and bliss, ensuring a cheerful conclusion. Characters frequently discover affection along their journey. Though some films may adhere to common storylines, each one uniquely captures the charm and enchantment associated with the period.

Even with no set checklist, the key to success in the Christmas movie world is keeping things festive. Weinman noted, ‘It’s comfort food. The couple is going to end up together. Nobody’s going to die.’ Garman also emphasized that Christmas should always drive the story forward.

How does the season bring characters together or help them achieve their goals?

Audience members seem to appreciate the assurance that things will work out fine in the end, which is one reason why Christmas movies are so beloved. Despite networks showing these holiday films earlier and earlier each year, interest continues to surge at record levels.

Starting from October 18, Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas kicked off, whereas Lifetime delayed their start until mid-November. Bill Abbott, the CEO of Great American Media, pointed out that these Christmas movies can keep viewers captivated right from October up until the end of the year.

Composing Christmas films can be challenging, yet the desire for such stories remains strong. For authors like Garman, the payoff outweighs the labor, as he pointed out, “They’re consistently in demand,” and they have a robust global market.

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2024-12-14 19:14