Behind the Scenes of Minerva’s Hallmark-Style Holiday Movie

What do you get when a small Ohio town, a Hallmark-style holiday romance, a former sitcom star, an NBA championship connection, and a humble newspaper writer all collide? You end up with A Christmas Drawn Together, an indie film that wrapped production with little fanfare but a whole lot of charm, nostalgia, and a surprising dose of star power.

Filmed across Stark and Carroll counties, this movie proves Christmas magic doesn’t need Hollywood gloss to shine. Here, it’s all about community spirit, long days on set, quirky mishaps, and deep ties to Ohio’s pop culture roots.

It’s already getting buzz—somehow—well before its planned Christmas 2026 release. And honestly, it’s not hard to see why.

Small-Town Ohio Becomes a Holiday Movie Playground

There’s just something about holiday movies set in small towns, right? A Christmas Drawn Together leans into that tradition with both arms.

Minerva, Carrollton, Magnolia, and the nearby areas didn’t just host the film—they became part of it. From Walker’s Cafe to the busy downtown streets, these towns offered a lived-in warmth you can’t fake.

Locals showed up as extras, businesses kept their lights on late, and the whole place buzzed with movie-making energy. It’s the kind of thing you wish happened more often.

Fifteen Days, Long Hours, and Real Commitment

This wasn’t a laid-back shoot. Filming stretched over about fifteen days, with some days running a brutal ten to thirteen hours.

Everyone pushed through—crew, actors, even the restaurant staff. One server at Walker’s Cafe worked the early breakfast shift, headed home, then came back late at night to film scenes. That’s dedication you can’t buy.

A Hallmark-Style Story With Streaming Ambitions

A Christmas Drawn Together might feel like it was made for Hallmark, but it’s aiming higher. The plan is to release it around Christmas 2026 and pitch it to big platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.

At its core, the movie wants to capture the warmth, romance, and gentle humor that make holiday movies so comforting. Picture cozy cafés, honest conversations, and that festive glow that makes you want to stay in for the night.

Directed and Written With Personal Roots

Josh Menning directed, while Duane Abel—Minerva local, cartoonist, and co-producer—penned the script. Abel’s wife, Coral, co-produced too, which kept the whole thing grounded in community values and not just some studio formula.

You can feel that personal touch. The script nods to classic Christmas films but still manages to do its own thing.

From Sitcom History to Holiday Nostalgia

Maybe the best surprise? There’s a real connection to TV history here. MaryAnn Black, an Ohio native who had a role in a 1978 episode of Three’s Company, shows up in a supporting part.

This isn’t a blink-and-you-miss-it cameo, either. It’s her feature film debut, after decades in Broadway, classic sitcoms, and teaching.

A Long-Promised Role Finally Delivered

Black’s role comes with a story. She was once Duane Abel’s dance teacher, college professor, and musical choreographer at the University of Akron. Years back, he promised he’d put her in a movie. Now, he finally has.

She’s poised, professional, and looks totally at home on screen. It’s a nice nod to Ohio’s entertainment roots, too.

A Christmas Story Connection That Fans Will Love

Would it even be an Ohio Christmas movie without tipping the hat to A Christmas Story? This film doesn’t hold back. Scott Schwartz—Flick, the kid who took the triple dog dare—shows up as Mr. Ashton.

This casting was no accident. It’s a little celebration of Ohio’s holiday movie legacy.

Honoring a Cinematic Tradition

The filmmakers say bringing Schwartz in was about more than just a recognizable face. It’s about honoring a legacy. A Christmas Story was shot in Cleveland back in 1983, and it’s still a holiday staple.

By including Schwartz, A Christmas Drawn Together plants itself firmly in Ohio’s Christmas film tradition.

An NBA Champion Steps Into the Spotlight

Not every day does a holiday movie pull in a pro sports connection. Malcolm Tubbs, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s emcee, plays Preston in the film.

The Thunder are the current NBA champs, so Tubbs brings some unexpected star wattage to the set.

From Basketball Arenas to Movie Sets

Tubbs is famous for his booming voice and infectious energy—both of which worked just fine on a movie set. His involvement came thanks to personal ties with the executive producer’s family, built over years of Thunder games.

When he walked onto set, the vibe just lifted. Charisma travels, apparently.

Product Placement With Local Flavor

Forget the big soda brands. A Christmas Drawn Together went with something way more meaningful: NORKA, a sparkling beverage from Akron (and, fun fact, “Akron” spelled backward).

The drink, first launched in 1924 and brought back in 2015, pops up in several café scenes.

A Nostalgic Brand Reborn On Screen

NORKA bottles showed up on tables during filming, and the cherry-strawberry and ginger ale flavors fit the red-and-green Christmas vibe perfectly.

Back in the 1930s, NORKA pumped out 24,000 bottles a day. Its screen time is both a subtle ad and a little love letter to Ohio’s past.

Extras, Mayors, and Real Community Pride

About 150 extras appeared in the film—locals, business owners, even Minerva’s Mayor Mason Boldizar.

The mayor didn’t just breeze through, either. He actually took part in scenes, ordering food and eating on camera, while talking up Minerva’s charm.

A Town That Embraced the Spotlight

Boldizar called the film one of the most interesting things to hit Minerva in years. Businesses welcomed the cast and crew, social media buzzed, and visitors raved about the town’s friendliness.

There was a real sense of pride. Proof, maybe, that small towns can pull off big-screen magic when they get the chance.

Quirky On-Set Moments That Feel Straight Out of a Movie

No shoot goes off without a hitch. Here, heavy trucks sometimes rumbled past Walker’s Cafe, forcing sound delays. And then there was the Christmas Yeti decoration outside the café that let out a wild growl during filming.

The fix? Just turn the Yeti off. Problem solved.

Santa Suits and Surprise Cameos

Carroll County’s Tom Konst, a real-life Santa performer, pops up throughout the movie as different versions of Santa Claus. He even lent one of his Santa coats to Scott Schwartz for a scene.

These kinds of playful touches add a layer of charm you might not notice at first—but you’ll definitely feel.

Why This Christmas Movie Might Sneak Up On Everyone

*A Christmas Drawn Together* doesn’t come with a blockbuster budget. You won’t find any A-list stars here, either.

But honestly, that’s part of its charm. There’s an authenticity to it that’s hard to find these days.

The film leans into nostalgia and community. Its storytelling feels warm and genuine—almost like a breath of fresh air.

If you’re looking for cozy escapism, this one’s got you covered. Ohio gets another moment in the holiday movie spotlight, too.

And if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be part of a film, even just as an extra, this movie quietly reminds you: sometimes the smallest roles leave the biggest mark.