Mastering Holiday Rom-Com Writing: Expert Tips for TV Success
Have you ever watched a holiday rom-com on Hallmark Channel or Lifetime and thought, *I could write that*? While it might seem simple, crafting a Christmas TV movie is both challenging and rewarding.
Regular writers for Hallmark Channel, Great American Family, and Lifetime share their insights, misconceptions, and tips for writing a festive rom-com. From keeping the Christmas spirit alive year-round to finding fresh twists on classic tales, these experts offer a glimpse into the world of holiday movie magic.
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Christmas is 365 Days a Year
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For writers of Christmas TV movies, the holiday season never truly ends. The pressure to generate new ideas and scripts is constant, with no real downtime between assignments.
Anna White, who wrote and executive produced *The Holiday Junkie*, shares that she feels like it’s Christmas all year round. Rick Garman, the writer of *Christmas on Cherry Lane*, often finds himself writing Christmas movies in the sweltering heat of June.
Despite the challenges, these writers stay motivated by remembering the joy their movies bring to audiences.
Maintaining the Christmas Spirit
Getting into the Christmas mindset can be tough when the outside world doesn’t match the festive scenes being created. Garman, who resides in Savannah, Georgia, deals with high heat and humidity while writing his Christmas scripts.
He overcomes this by focusing on the happiness his movies will bring to viewers. For these writers, Christmas is more than a season; it’s a year-round state of mind.
Writing a Christmas TV movie can sometimes feel like listening to the same holiday song on repeat. With hundreds of Christmas movies produced over the years, coming up with a unique idea or a fresh twist on a classic story is challenging.
Cara Russell, executive producer of *Christmas Under the Northern Lights*, emphasizes the difficulty of selling a script without encountering déjà vu. Nina Weinman, who wrote *Debbie Macomber’s Joyful Mrs. Miracle*, experienced this firsthand when her pitch was met with *we have something identical already in development*.
Finding New Hooks
Writers must push themselves to discover new ways to tell their stories. Anna White constantly asks herself questions like, *What is a new hook into this? What is something we’ve never seen? What is a world we’ve never seen?*
This creative challenge keeps writers engaged and ensures that audiences continue to enjoy fresh and exciting holiday tales.
No Recipe Required
Many people wonder if there’s a formula for writing a Christmas movie, but according to Nina Weinman, there isn’t.
She credits Hallmark Channel for allowing more creative freedom in recent years. This shift has led to bolder and more diverse content, such as the caper-themed *Catch Me If You Claus* and movies with LGBTQ and Hanukkah storylines.
Embracing Diversity
Julie Sherman Wolfe, who is Jewish, has written several Hanukkah-themed movies for Hallmark Channel, including *Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story* and *Hanukkah on the Rocks*.
These films allow her to incorporate culturally significant moments and stories from her own life, adding depth and authenticity to the holiday movie genre.
Keep the Christmas Vibes
While there’s no checklist for writing a Christmas movie, it’s crucial to keep the content Christmas-y. Fans of the genre expect certain elements, such as a happy ending and a focus on the Christmas spirit.
Weinman emphasizes that these movies are *comfort food* for viewers, with no room for dark or edgy content. Rick Garman, who teaches classes on writing Christmas movies, advises students to ensure that Christmas drives the story and helps characters achieve their goals.
Creating Relatable Antagonists
In the world of Christmas TV movies, bad guys aren’t outright villains. Instead, they are often misguided individuals who learn their lesson by the end of the story. This approach ensures that viewers can enjoy a feel-good experience, knowing that everything will be okay by the end of the movie.
The Christmas Countdown Starts Early
Networks are aware of the early demand for Christmas movies and have adjusted their schedules accordingly. Hallmark Channel kicks off its annual Countdown to Christmas in mid-October, while Lifetime starts in mid-November.
Great American Family, however, begins even earlier, airing its first Christmas movie as early as October 10th. This extended holiday season reflects the growing popularity of Christmas movies and the desire for festive content throughout the fall and winter months.
Meeting Audience Demand
Bill Abbott, president and CEO of Great American Media, notes that the demand for Christmas movies has grown significantly over the years. Initially, he expected these movies to be popular from Thanksgiving through Christmas, but now they are in demand from October through the end of the year.
This trend highlights the enduring appeal of holiday rom-coms and the comfort they provide to viewers.
Taking the First Step
Writing a Christmas TV movie may seem daunting, but with passion and perseverance, it’s possible to break into the industry.
By keeping the Christmas spirit alive year-round, finding fresh story ideas, and embracing diversity, aspiring writers can create memorable and heartwarming holiday rom-coms that resonate with audiences worldwide.
So, grab your pen and paper, and start crafting your own festive tale. Who knows? Your movie might just become the next holiday classic.
