Have you ever found yourself watching a holiday romantic comedy on networks like Hallmark Channel or Lifetime and thought, “I could write that”? While it may seem simple, turning that thought into a reality is more complex and just as engaging as it sounds.
Regular contributors to holiday films for various channels like Hallmark, Great American Family, and Lifetime share insights about the unique process of crafting Christmas television movies, shedding light on common misconceptions and the most effective storytelling techniques in this festive genre.
For those whose careers revolve around Christmas storytelling, the season is a year-round endeavor. Writers such as Anna White, who worked on “The Holiday Junkie,” directed by Jennifer Love Hewitt, note that there’s no downtime in between projects. “When I’m not writing Christmas movies, I’m pitching them, so it feels like it’s Christmas all year round,” she explains.
However, setting the right festive mood can be tricky, especially when the real-world temperature feels nothing like a winter wonderland. Rick Garman, who penned the recent hit “Christmas on Cherry Lane” for Hallmark Channel, often finds himself writing these cheerful tales in warmer months. Living in Savannah, Georgia, he admits it can be challenging to tap into the spirit of Christmas when summer’s heat swirls around. To combat this, Garman shifts his perspective, reminding himself of the joy his movie will bring to viewers.
When it comes to writing scripts, it can often feel like a repeated experience, akin to hearing the same seasonal song play on loop. Cara Russell, an executive producer for “Christmas Under the Northern Lights,” acknowledges the struggle in crafting unique narratives amidst a sea of holiday movies. She elaborates, stating the competitive landscape can often lead to similar pitches which might inadvertently sound too familiar. This calls for writers to innovate continually and search for original angles and perspectives in their storytelling.
Interestingly, many people speculate if there’s a strict formula for creating Christmas movies. However, Weinman debunks that myth, clarifying, “It’s a misconception that a checklist exists for these films. There’s no predetermined list of features.”
Weinman also applauds Hallmark for its recent efforts to expand the diversity of its Christmas content. “In past years, there was limited creativity. Now, the network understands that taking bold risks pays off,” she asserts, pointing out her success in having written various successful films, including one that finally got the green light after a decade of waiting.
Modern festive films have also embraced varied narratives, including LGBTQ themes and stories centered around different cultural holidays. Julie Sherman Wolfe, who has created both “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story” and “Hanukkah on the Rocks”—her first Hanukkah-themed production—celebrates the breadth of representation that these films can offer, enriching the holiday viewing experience.
Despite the absence of a rigid guideline, writers are reminded that their target audience loves the charm of Christmas. Weinman mentions, “Expectations include lighthearted themes; the content will remain within family-friendly boundaries.” Garman echoes this, pointing out that audiences expect uplifting conclusions and feel-good endings. He advises aspiring writers to ensure their plots are driven by the Christmas spirit, weaving it meaningfully throughout the character arcs. He adds that villains, when they do appear, typically undergo transformation, offering a message of hope that resonates with viewers.
As the Christmas season approaches, networks are acutely aware of audience enthusiasm. With Hallmark unfolding its annual Countdown to Christmas starting as early as October 18, viewers eagerly anticipate fresh content. Bill Abbott, the president of Great American Family, reflects on how the timeline for holiday movie viewing has expanded significantly to cover most of the fall and winter months.
If writing a Christmas movie piques your interest, White’s journey may inspire you. After majoring in screenwriting, she explored various jobs before crafting her first holiday-themed script and diligently researching the genre. “I wrote it on speculation and reached out to people in the industry, ultimately landing my manager, who connected me with production companies,” she shared. Her experience emphasized the constant demand for fresh holiday stories, assuring aspiring writers that the appetite for these films remains robust throughout all seasons.