Planet Money
Romance on the screen and on the page: Two Indicators
Oct 23, 2024
Dive into the fascinating world of holiday rom-coms and discover how TV executives mastered the art of mass-producing seasonal love stories. Uncover the rise of romance novels from supermarket shelves to mainstream success, thanks to e-books and strategic networking among authors. Explore Hallmark's secret sauce for festive films, and learn how today's romance writers are breaking barriers with diverse narratives and innovative storytelling. It's a captivating intersection of love, business, and creativity!
17:28
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Quick takeaways
- Holiday romantic comedies have become a viewer favorite due to their heartwarming plots and budget-friendly production strategies.
- The romance novel industry has thrived through self-publishing and community networking, making it a leading segment in publishing today.
Deep dives
The Rise of Holiday Rom-Coms
Holiday romantic comedies have become a staple of seasonal television, with their formulaic yet endearing plots captivating audiences. Bill Abbott, a former CEO of Hallmark, recognized the untapped potential for Christmas-themed content, leading to the launch of Countdown to Christmas in 2009. Initially, the network aired a handful of films, but this expanded to 12 original holiday movies that quickly became viewer favorites. The success of these movies can be attributed to their endearing storylines and a strategic focus on budget-friendly production methods, solidifying the rom-com's place in holiday traditions.
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