Business Wars Christmas Movie Wars | A Very Merry Rivalry | 1
Dec 1, 2021
Dive into the festive rivalry between Hallmark and Lifetime in the world of holiday movies. Discover how Hallmark's 'Countdown to Christmas' revolutionized the genre, setting off a competitive frenzy. Explore the hurdles each network faces in casting and creating original stories, all while maintaining the holiday spirit. Learn about the pressures of turning dreams into reality for aspiring screenwriters battling in this lucrative marketplace. Get ready for a sprinkle of lighthearted charm and the behind-the-scenes drama of making the perfect Christmas flick!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Hallmark's Location Scouting Challenges
- In 2017, Hallmark's production manager, Jamie Lake, scouted filming locations in Canada for "A Rocky Mountain Christmas".
- He struggled to find quaint towns that hadn't already been used in multiple Hallmark movies, highlighting the channel's repetitive settings.
Christmas Movie Rivalry as Big Business
- Hallmark and Lifetime's Christmas movies, despite being criticized for cheesiness, generate substantial ad revenue.
- In 2009, Hallmark's "Countdown to Christmas" propelled them to the top of cable charts, prompting Lifetime's competitive response in 2012.
Hallmark's Emphasis on Christmas Atmosphere
- In 2010, Hallmark executives Bill Abbott and Michelle Vickery were dissatisfied with the Christmas atmosphere in a movie they were previewing.
- Abbott stressed the importance of "Christmas in every inch of the frame" to compete with channels airing classic Christmas films.