Julie Sherman Wolfe, an award-winning Hallmark writer and producer, shares her journey in creating over 26 movies, including the latest, Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story. She dives into the evolution of Hallmark films, from being seen as 'grandma's entertainment' to a modern cultural staple. The chat reveals the creative process behind these heartwarming stories and her personal experiences with ADHD. A playful game reveals their pitch ideas for future Hallmark movies, intertwining humor and holiday spirit.
The discussion highlights Hallmark's evolving storytelling, incorporating humor and complexity while celebrating classic happy endings for a broader audience.
Julie Sherman Wolfe reveals the intense pace of Hallmark movie production, where writers often complete multiple scripts under tight deadlines to meet seasonal demands.
Addressing her ADHD, Julie shares how it enhances her creativity while balancing the challenges of work-life management and maintaining productivity.
Deep dives
Financial Protection Through Life Insurance
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Celebrating Virginia Diner Peanuts
Virginia Diner has a long history of producing quality peanuts, celebrated for nearly a century in the peanut capital of the world. They utilize extra-large Virginia peanuts, which are known for their exceptional size and taste. The unique cooking process, including soaking and controlled heating, results in their signature crunch and flavor. Their diverse product range, which includes various flavors and mixes, makes for an ideal snack or gift option.
The Rise of Hallmark Movies
Hallmark movies have transitioned from a perception of being primarily for older generations to becoming mainstream viewing. This shift reflects growing pride among audiences, who now openly celebrate their enjoyment of the films. The podcast discusses how Hallmark has enhanced its storytelling, incorporating more humor and dimensionality while maintaining the classic happy ending. Viewers appreciate this refreshing take while still indulging in the endearing formulas that define the genre.
The Rapid Production of Hallmark Films
The pace of creation for Hallmark movies is notably rapid, with writers often under tight deadlines. One screenwriter shares her experience of writing two movies in a single month, showcasing both the intensity and the rewards of the job. The challenge lies in maintaining quality while adhering to swift production schedules, which are often dictated by market trends and seasonal demands. The collaborative nature of film production necessitates flexibility and adaptability in receiving feedback and incorporating changes.
Navigating Creativity with ADHD
Individuals with ADHD can experience unique advantages in creative fields, such as the ability to hyper-focus on projects. A screenwriter discusses her personal journey with ADHD and how it fuels her creativity while also presenting challenges. Creating a work-life balance can be difficult, especially when creative impulses disrupt daily responsibilities. She emphasizes the need for structure and self-awareness, allowing her to harness her strengths while managing time constraints.
Last month on the podcast, we played a bunch of Hallmark movie games in our Christmas Will Fix Itepisode. Penn and I had so much fun that we asked ourselves... should we talk to an actual Hallmark movie writer? Enter Julie Sherman Wolfe! Julie is an award-winning writer and producer who has written 26 MOVIES for Hallmark, including her most recent Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story. We had the best time talking to her about her background, the Hallmark movie making process, and (gasp) the fact she also has ADHD!
Hear us play another Hallmark movie game with Julie as well as pitch who we would play if she wrote us into her next flick. You can follow Julie on Instagram at @julie_sherman_wolfe. Are you a proud Hallmark movie watcher?
Kim and Penn are award-winning content creators known for their online videos, including original music, song parodies, and comedy sketches. Their videos have resulted in over 2 billion views and 9 million followers across their social media platforms since they (accidentally) went viral in 2013. They have a New York Times bestselling book on ADHD, best-selling book on marriage communication, a top-rated podcast, a fun-filled family card game, and most recently, they were the winners on Season 33 of The Amazing Race.
The Holderness Family Podcast is produced by Ann Marie Taepke and edited and engineered by Max Trujillo of Trujillo Media and Sam Allen.