Hallmark Holiday Films!

Welcome to a SPECIAL EDITION of the Piece of Advice Newsletter!

Good morning! Today, we’re looking into the history of the super corny but beloved Hallmark Holiday films that become more and more popular every year. I was even lucky enough to ask a few questions to an amazing production designer who has worked on the Holiday Hallmark film Open by Christmas; Christine Condradt!

Hallmark holiday movies have become a beloved seasonal tradition, filling our screens with heartwarming stories, cozy settings, and just the right amount of festive cheer. The magic really began in 2001 with the launch of “Countdown to Christmas”, a programming event that brought viewers a lineup of original holiday films. Since then, Hallmark has become the go-to destination for feel-good stories about love, family, and the holiday spirit.

The charm of these movies lies in their timeless themes: love, redemption, and community. Many stories follow characters who return to their hometowns, reconnect with old flames, or discover the true meaning of Christmas. There’s a comforting predictability to them, but that’s part of the appeal. Over the years, Hallmark has also worked to include more diverse storylines and characters, reflecting the world we live in while still delivering that classic cozy holiday feel.

A big reason these movies hit the right notes is writers like Christine Conradt. With over 100 credits in TV movies, including Hallmark favorites like “Open By Christmas” and “12 Days of Giving”, Conradt has a knack for blending holiday magic with real, relatable emotions. Her stories balance romance, humor, and heart, helping shape the Hallmark holiday brand into the powerhouse it is today. Her contributions have had a lasting impact, inspiring countless other writers in the genre.

Fun Facts:

• Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas kicked off in 2001 and has become a seasonal must-watch for fans.

• Many movies feature characters returning to their hometowns, sparking romance or family reconnections.

• Christine Conradt has written over 70 TV movies across Hallmark, Lifetime, and other networks.

• The films aim to evoke nostalgia and warmth, giving viewers a comforting escape during the holiday season.

• Hallmark has gradually added diverse characters and storylines to reflect a broader audience.

From its early days to today, Hallmark holiday films have become more than just movies; they’re a ritual, a source of comfort, and a celebration of everything we love about the season. Thanks to storytellers like Christine Conradt, these films continue to charm audiences year after year, proving that the magic of Christmas never goes out of style.

Bonus Questions:

Giancarlo: What was your favorite movie growing up? 

Christine: Stand by Me. I loved the short story by Stephen King and the movie was even better. It's a coming of age story about four young boys, all with different familial struggles, who grow up while on a journey to find a dead body rumored to be in the woods before a gang of bullies find it first. 

Giancarlo: Did you have any push back from friends and family on wanting to be a writer?

Christine: Luckily, no. I loved to write as a child and teen and my family was very supportive when I decided to go to film school and pursue a degree in screenwriting.

Giancarlo: Which of the films you worked on are you the most proud of?

Christine: That's a tough one. There are things I love about all of them. If I had to choose one, it would be a little, low-budget indie film I did several years ago called '12 Days of Giving.' It's a family Christmas movie available on Amazon Prime. We didn't have much money to make it so the production value isn't as good as a lot of the other film's I've done but it has so much heart. Every year, I receive emails from viewers saying that they watched the film for the first time and loved it. I'm most proud of it because I know that for two hours it makes people happy and allows them to tap into the spirit of Christmas.

Giancarlo: What is your favorite aspect of “Open By Christmas”?

Christine:  I love that the lead character, by going on her journey of trying to figure out who gave her the anonymous Christmas card, is able to reframe her perspective of what high school was like. She believes that everyone is still laughing at her for her terrible faux pas, but by seeking out all of these guys who knew her, she realizes that people saw her differently than she sees herself. They don't remember her for her mistake. They remember her for the kind person she was. By Christmas, she's able to come to peace with her past and not be so hard on herself, which is a great gift.

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is this best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Christine: One of my film school professors who has since passed away, Stanley Ralph Ross, once said to our class, "Never say no to an opportunity." That advice has helped me grow as an artist and individual over the years. Of course there have been offers that I've turned down, but when opportunities come, the idea is to consider them even if they're outside your comfort zone. That's how you grow. And you never know when one opportunity will lead you to a fantastic place that you never considered going before.

Check out her work: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0175768/

Thank you for reading! Have an amazing day and we will catch you again Monday!

-Giancarlo