Writing the Perfect Holiday Rom-Com for TV: Expert Tips
Have you ever watched a holiday rom-com on Hallmark Channel or Lifetime and thought, *I could write that*? While it might seem easy, crafting the perfect holiday TV movie is a unique challenge that requires creativity, persistence, and a deep understanding of the genre’s nuances.
Regular writers of Christmas fare for Hallmark Channel, Great American Family, and Lifetime share their insights on how to write a holiday rom-com that captivates audiences and keeps them coming back for more.
Find The Best Accomodations
Check availability at 5*hotels, guesthouses and apartments rated ‘superb’ or ‘exceptional’ by visitors Just like you. No reservation fees.
Christmas Is a Year-Round Affair
Table of Contents
For many writers, the holiday season never truly ends. The pressure to continuously generate new ideas and deliver scripts means that Christmas is always on their minds.
Anna White, an executive producer and writer, mentions that she is constantly pitching or writing Christmas movies, making it feel like Christmas all year round. This relentless pace can be challenging, especially when writing festive scenes in the heat of summer.
Rick Garman, a writer for Hallmark Channel, often finds himself penning Christmas tales in June, battling the heat and humidity of Savannah, Georgia.
Finding Inspiration in Unlikely Places
When the outside world doesn’t match the winter wonderland being created on paper, writers like Garman remind themselves of the joy their movies will bring to viewers. This mindset helps them push through the challenges and stay focused on the bigger picture.
With hundreds of Christmas movies produced over the years, finding a fresh twist on a classic theme can be tricky. Cara Russell, an executive producer, acknowledges the difficulty of coming up with new ideas. Writers often experience *deja vu* when pitching scripts, only to find that similar concepts are already in development.
Nina Weinman, another seasoned writer, emphasizes the need to push oneself to explore new worlds and topics within the Christmas movie genre.
Breaking the Mold
To keep things interesting, writers like White challenge themselves to find unique hooks and unexplored themes. This creativity is essential in a market saturated with holiday films.
Garman also strives to come up with fresh ideas to maintain his own interest and keep the audience engaged.
No Recipe Required
Contrary to popular belief, there isn’t a strict formula for writing a Christmas movie. Weinman dispels the myth that there’s a checklist of must-have elements like a mistletoe kiss or a snowball fight. Instead, the focus is on telling different stories that resonate with audiences.
Creative Freedom
In recent years, networks like Hallmark Channel have embraced more creative freedom in their holiday content. Weinman notes that there is a growing trend towards *going bigger and bolder* to keep viewers coming back.
This shift has led to the inclusion of diverse storylines, such as LGBTQ narratives and Hanukkah-themed films, broadening the appeal of holiday movies.
Keeping the Christmas Vibes
Despite the lack of a rigid formula, it’s crucial to maintain the Christmas spirit in these films. Weinman advises that Christmas movies should avoid themes like sex, drugs, and rock and roll, staying true to the genre’s comforting and wholesome nature.
Garman adds that the essence of a Christmas movie lies in how the holiday spirit helps characters achieve their goals, find love, or rediscover something meaningful.
Happy Endings Are a Must
One of the hallmarks of a Christmas movie is the assurance of a happy ending. According to Russell, even the *bad guys* in these films are usually misguided individuals who learn their lesson by the end.
This predictability is part of the genre’s charm, offering viewers a sense of comfort and stability.
The Christmas Countdown Starts Early
As the demand for Christmas movies grows, networks are starting their holiday programming earlier each year. Hallmark Channel begins its *Countdown to Christmas* as early as mid-October, while Lifetime kicks off its holiday schedule in November.
Bill Abbott, president and CEO of Great American Media, notes that the popularity of Christmas movies now extends from October through the end of the year.
Meeting the Demand
Great American Family has even started airing Christmas movies as early as October 10, exceeding Abbott’s expectations. This early start reflects the audience’s eagerness to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit well before December.
So You Think You Can Write a Christmas Movie?
If you’re inspired to write your own holiday rom-com, take a cue from Anna White’s journey. She majored in screenwriting and spent years doing grunt work before breaking into the Christmas movie market.
By watching numerous holiday films and writing a script on spec, she managed to get her foot in the door and secure a manager who connected her with production companies.
Persistence Pays Off
The key to success in this genre is persistence and a genuine passion for the holiday spirit.
With a constant demand for new Christmas movies, there’s always an opportunity for fresh voices and new ideas to shine.
In conclusion, writing a holiday rom-com for TV is a rewarding yet challenging endeavor.
By understanding the genre’s nuances, staying creative, and keeping the Christmas spirit alive, you can craft a story that resonates with audiences and brings joy to their holiday season.
