Why Starring in Christmas Movies is a Smart Career Move
As the holiday season approaches, the allure of Christmas movies becomes irresistible. These festive films not only bring joy to audiences but also offer actors a unique opportunity to revive their careers and earn a substantial income.
The recent article from Business Insider sheds light on the growing trend of actors flocking to holiday movies, the financial benefits they reap, and the stability these projects offer in an otherwise volatile industry.
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The Rise of Holiday Movies
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Over the last decade, Christmas movies have evolved from a niche genre to a significant segment of the entertainment industry. This transformation is largely attributed to networks like Hallmark and Great American Family (GAF), which have capitalized on the public’s insatiable appetite for heartwarming holiday tales.
Candace Cameron Bure, a former *Full House* star, has become a central figure in this genre. She has starred in over 15 holiday films and serves as the chief creative officer at GAF’s parent company, Great American Media.
From Small Beginnings to Big Business
Bure’s journey into the Christmas movie realm began with the 2008 Hallmark film *Moonlight and Mistletoe*. Initially, she was simply grateful for a job after a self-imposed hiatus from Hollywood. However, as the genre grew, so did her career and paycheck.
Bure’s exclusive Hallmark deal reportedly earned her around $1 million annually, and her move to GAF nearly doubled that amount.
Why Actors Love Holiday Movies
For many actors, holiday movies offer a reprieve from the unpredictability of the entertainment industry. The typical made-for-TV Christmas movie has a 15-day shoot, making it a relatively short and stable gig compared to feature films or multi-cam sitcoms.
This stability is particularly appealing in an era marked by industry strikes and budget cuts.
Financial Security and Career Revival
Actors like Lacey Chabert and Chad Michael Murray have found a second wind in their careers through holiday movies. Chabert, known for her role in *Mean Girls*, has become a leading holiday actress for Hallmark and Netflix. Meanwhile, Murray appreciates the stability these films offer while raising a family.
According to Jennifer Goldhar, owner of Characters Talent Agency, a lead actor’s salary in a holiday movie is around $150,000. While this may not be a blockbuster payday, it’s a solid income for a three-week commitment.
The Mental Health Benefits
Beyond financial stability, holiday movies also offer mental health benefits. The lighthearted and heartwarming nature of these films provides a welcome break from the heavy subject matter often encountered in other genres.
Chad Michael Murray, for example, prefers holiday movies because they allow him to go home without the emotional baggage that comes with more intense roles.
A Positive Work Environment
Actors like Sarah Ramos and Danny Pellegrino have praised the positive and smooth working environment on holiday movie sets. Ramos, who initially hesitated to join a Hallmark project, found the experience surprisingly pleasant and was even encouraged by industry peers to take the role.
This positive experience can be a refreshing change from the often stressful and dramatic atmosphere of other film sets.
The Growing Market for Holiday Films
The demand for original holiday movies continues to grow, with networks and streaming services expanding their offerings each year. Hallmark Media’s executive vice president of programming, Lisa Hamilton Daly, stated that 2024 was the company’s biggest holiday season yet, with over 40 new movies debuting across its platforms.
More Players in the Game
It’s not just Hallmark that’s capitalizing on this trend. Other networks and streaming services are also jumping on the holiday bandwagon. Bill Abbott, the former Hallmark executive now heading Great American Family, notes the remarkable growth in the space and the audience’s insatiable appetite for Christmas-themed entertainment.
Overcoming the Stigma
While holiday movies may not carry the same gravitas as a Scorsese film, their reputation is improving. Major streamers like Netflix entering the genre have helped elevate its esteem.
Even high-profile actors like Anne Hathaway have expressed a desire to star in a great Christmas movie, proving that the genre is no longer seen as a career downgrade.
Typecasting Concerns
There is still a risk of typecasting, where actors may be seen as more suited to Hallmark-type roles and not considered for mainstream television. However, this is less of an issue for established actors with extensive bodies of work.
For example, actors like Murray and Jason Priestley have successfully balanced holiday movies with other projects.
The Future of Holiday Movies
The holiday movie genre shows no signs of slowing down. With increasing demand from audiences and more networks and streamers entering the market, the future looks bright for both the genre and the actors who partake in it.
As more actors recognize the benefits of these projects, we can expect to see even more familiar faces bringing festive cheer to our screens each holiday season.
Conclusion
In conclusion, holiday movies offer a unique blend of financial stability, career revival, and mental health benefits for actors. As the genre continues to grow, it provides a reliable and enjoyable avenue for actors to connect with audiences and spread holiday cheer.
Whether you’re a fan of these heartwarming tales or an actor looking for a stable gig, holiday movies are here to stay, bringing joy and stability to all involved.
