How to Craft a Holiday Rom-Com for TV: Expert Insights

Have you ever found yourself envisioning the possibility of crafting a holiday rom-com like those on Hallmark Channel or Lifetime? It might seem more challenging than it appears, yet it holds an undeniable allure. Regular writers of Christmas fare share their insights on the ins and outs, along with the misconceptions and exceptions involved in writing these beloved TV movies.

Dive into the World of Christmas TV Movie Writing

Christmas: A Year-Round Endeavor

Some claim the holiday season flies by quickly, but for those whose jobs depend on it, Christmas is constantly on their minds. Writers are constantly on the lookout for their next gig, leaving no real rest or downtime between assignments. The pressure is on to come up with fresh ideas, get them sold, and start writing to ensure the films can be made and aired in time.

Actress Lacey Chabert, dubbed the “Queen of Hallmark Christmas Movies” for her appearance in over 30 films, echoes this sentiment. She says, “I feel like when I’m not writing Christmas movies, I’m pitching them. It truly feels like Christmas all year round.”

Even when life outside doesn't match the Christmas world they're creating, writers like Rick Garman face the challenge. Garman, who wrote the 2023 Hallmark Channel hit “Christmas on Cherry Lane” and its three sequels this year for Hallmark+, often writes during the hot and humid months of June. But when those moments get tough, he trains himself to think big picture. “I sort of flip back to the idea that people will watch this movie and it will make them happy… and then I get over myself.”

Breaking Free from Cookie Cutter Stories

Writing a script for a Christmas TV movie can sometimes feel like listening to the same holiday song on repeat. Cara Russell, an executive producer of “Christmas Under the Northern Lights,” notes that with hundreds of Christmas movies over the years, coming up with new ideas or twists on old ones is tricky.

Nina Weinman, whose 2024 offering was “Debbie Macomber’s Joyful Mrs. Miracle” for Hallmark, also experiences déjà vu when selling ideas or scripts. Anna White shares her story of getting started writing Christmas movies. She pitched a Christmas idea only to be told, “It’s so good that we have something identical in development.”

Writers like White have to push themselves to find unique ways to tell stories. She asks herself, “What is a new hook? What is a world or topic we’ve never explored? It’s a challenge with so many channels producing Christmas movies, but that’s what makes it exciting.” Garman admits to the same struggle, saying, “There’s only so many times they can bake cookies.”

No Fixed Recipe for Christmas Movie Writing

Many wonder if there’s a specific formula for writing a Christmas movie with certain criteria. Nina Weinman firmly states that there isn’t. “That rumor is completely unfounded. There’s no list out there.”

While there’s no real checklist, writers do offer some standard practices. If you want to write Christmas movies, be prepared to experience Christmas year-round. Originality is welcome, but don’t forget your audience. There are no true villains in a Christmas TV movie, and every story must have a happy ending.

Telling Diverse Christmas Stories

Weinman credits Hallmark Channel for expanding their Christmas content in recent years. “There wasn’t much creative freedom when I first started. Now, they know they have to go bigger or bolder to keep the audience coming back, and they do. I’m especially proud of ‘Catch Me If You Claus,’ a caper movie I wrote last year. It took 10 years to get made.”

In recent years, Hallmark Channel and Lifetime have added LGBTQ storylines and Hanukkah-themed films. Julie Sherman Wolfe, who is Jewish, wrote both “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story” and “Hanukkah on the Rocks” for Hallmark Channel. She was able to incorporate her family's cultural experiences into the movies.

White, who grew up Jewish, appreciates that these Christmas movies are non-religious and focus on the pop culture of Christmas.

Keeping the Christmas Vibes

With no checklist to follow, it’s crucial to remember the audience. Weinman says, “There’s no sex, drugs, or rock and roll. It always stays on brand.” Garman adds, “It’s comfort food. The couple will end up together, and nobody will die.”

Garman teaches classes on writing Christmas movies and tells students to focus on how Christmas drives the story. “How does the Christmas spirit help people achieve their goals or bring them together? That’s what makes these movies special.” Russell describes the bad guys as “misguided” people who usually learn their lesson by the end.

The Early Christmas Countdown

Some people start putting up their Christmas trees as soon as Halloween is over. Networks are well aware of this and ready to meet the demand. Hallmark Channel kicked off its annual Countdown to Christmas with original films and repeats on October 18. Lifetime started their schedule on November 16.

Bill Abbott, the president and CEO of Great American Media, has witnessed the demand for Christmas movies start earlier each year. “Initially, I thought Christmas movies were popular from the week before Thanksgiving to Christmas. But now, it’s from October through the end of the year.” Great American Family even started their holiday season earlier, with the first Christmas movie airing on October 10, exceeding expectations.

So, if you think you can write a Christmas movie, go for it. As one writer put it, “I wrote one on spec and it led to great opportunities. There’s always demand for them, and they sell well internationally.”

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