Encore A Very Hallmark Holiday

A Very Hallmark Holiday

Special Weekend Encore

Saturday Dec. 19 - Dec. 20, 2020

4 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Eastern (1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Pacific)

What would the holidays be without a happily-ever-after romance? From Hallmark movies to bestselling books, this genre is wildly popular, with plenty of opportunity for aspiring and established writers.

How do you plot a classic holiday romance? What do Hallmark producers look for in a script? What kinds of tension are expected between characters, and how can you introduce unique twists?

This weekend course is for novelists and screenwriters alike—and for anyone who wants a behind-the-scenes look at the making (and marketing) of holiday joy.

FACULTY

From magic to mistletoe, our faculty members know holiday romance

inside and out.

The course will overflow with writing tips, inside secrets and specific instructions to help
you write YOUR holiday romance.

James Crawford will reveal the secrets of Hallmark’s unique nine-act structure, plus
a behind-the-scenes look at casting, production budgets and more.

Joany Kane will share the story behind her Emmy-nominated Hallmark movie, The
Christmas Card, and how to adapt romance novels for the screen.

Anne Carlucci, executive producer for the Hallmark Channel, will walk you through the
steps from script to production.

Jeff Arch will share his wisdom from writing Sleepless in Seattle, one of the most iconic
holiday romances of all time.

Anne Carlucci

Executive Producer for The Hallmark Channel, with films such as Matching Hearts, Picture a Perfect Christmas; Love, of Course; Destination Wedding, All Things Valentine and 'Tis the Season for Love.

Jeff Arch

Jeff is the writer of the classic rom-com charmer, Sleepless in Seattle starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. He was nominated for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, a Writers Guild award and a BAFTA Award. Sleepless in Seattle is often mentioned in the best romantic comedies of all time. Jeff’s other major credits include Disney’s Iron Will, Sealed with a Kiss, and Saving Milly nominated for the Humanitas Prize.

Joany Kane

Writer of The Christmas Card, which premiered on the Hallmark Channel in 2006 and broke all-time ratings records for the channel. The movie received an Emmy nomination and was one of the inspirations for the current Hallmark Christmas craze. Joany has also written a slew of other holiday movies including Moonlight & Mistletoe, A Christmas Kiss, Matchmaker Santa, Christmas Belle, A Christmas Kiss I and II, and Merry Kissmas! She is the original founder of Passion Flix, which turns romance novels into movies and series.

James Crawford

James Crawford has developed and produced seven movies for Hallmark Channel and UPTV, including Magic Stocking (Bridget Regan), Love's Complicated (Holly Marie Combs), and A December Bride (Jessica Lowndes). James has particular expertise in adapting novels for the screen with titles from HarperCollins Faith and Zondervan, and loves nurturing the creativity of new writers.

Executive Producer for The Hallmark Channel, with an indelible body of work including celebratory movies on Christmas, Valentine's Day

and weddings.

Academy Award nominated writer of the beloved rom-com classic, Sleepless in Seattle, starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.

Writer of Hallmark's The Christmas Card, which broke all records for the channel, was nominated for an Emmy, and started the Hallmark Christmas craze.

A new writer advocate, James has developed and produced for Hallmark and UPTV, Magic Stocking, Love's Complicated, and A December Bride.

It’s going to be a VERY jolly weekend!

For this festive time of year, we want to make our Very Hallmark Holiday Special Weekend Encore extra special. That’s why we have several gifts and surprises in store.

Those who attended A Very Hallmark Holiday week-long course can attend the Special Weekend Encore free of charge and can invite a loved one to the class.

AND the course will be filled with good cheer and fun surprises, making it a holiday
event you don’t want to miss.

If you love Hallmark Christmas movies and holiday romance, there’s no place you’d
rather be December 19-December 20.

Who doesn’t need a love story at this time of year?

Stories of holiday romance have a greater impact than we may realize. Often, it seems,
their combination of beauty, love, humor and happy endings help people get through
tough times.

One participant, for instance, told us she couldn’t have gotten through chemotherapy
without them.

Others turn to Hallmark movies when they feel lonely or they’re missing a loved one.
Another said she and her mom get together every year to watch their favorite Hallmark
Christmas movies. It’s one of their most beloved holiday traditions.

The truth is, these stories bring us together and keep us alive.

So if they hold a place in your heart—as a writer or a viewer—please join us. You’ll fall
in love with happy endings all over again, making this a true holiday celebration.

Faculty Schedule

Saturday Dec. 19: Anne Carlucci & Jeff Arch

Sunday Dec. 20: James Crawford & Joany Kane

Please note: The classes are designed specifically for live participation, so your
attendance is important. If you need to miss a class for any reason, though, you’ll receive
a passcode-protected link to watch the recordings after the course is over.