Hallmark Channel and Lifetime Writers Reveal How to Write a Holiday Rom-Com

And while nowadays Holiday movies are made and filmed throughout the year, there is a special atmosphere around Christmas time that makes these movies even more popular, even if they are not that good. The people want to see some holiday magic, and these movies deliver such magic, even if they’re not masterpieces.

But, there is a trick to writing a good holiday movie, especially when it comes to romantic comedies, which are generally one of the more popular subgenres of holiday movies. So, if you ever want to know the story behind successful holiday rom-coms, we have something for you.

Namely, experts who write these movies for Hallmark Channel, Great American Family and Lifetime have decided to share some insight into their work for the New York Post and in this report, you will find out everything you need to know about their work and the advice they have for prospective writers.

Christmas may seem like a short season for most people, but for those writing holiday TV movies, it’s a year-round job. Writers constantly pitch new ideas, work on scripts, and rush to meet deadlines so films can be ready in time for the holiday season.

Anna White, who wrote and executive produced The Holiday Junkie starring Jennifer Love Hewitt, says it’s a never-ending cycle. ‘I feel like when I’m not writing Christmas movies I’m pitching them, so I feel like it’s Christmas all year round,’ she shared.

However, it’s not always easy to get into the Christmas spirit when the outside world doesn’t match the festive mood.

Rick Garman, who wrote Christmas on Cherry Lane for Hallmark Channel and its sequels, often works on Christmas movies in the middle of summer. He admitted that to keep focused, he reminds himself that the movies bring joy to the audience.

The holiday movie market is so crowded that some writers get tired of the usual clichés, like cookie baking or mistletoe kisses. Garman acknowledged that after a while, it’s hard to keep things interesting. ‘There’s only so many times that they can bake cookies,’ he said.

With hundreds of Christmas movies out there, it can be tough to come up with fresh ideas. Cara Russell, executive producer of Christmas Under the Northern Lights, explained the challenge of finding something new. ‘It is tricky to come up with a different idea or a new twist on an old idea,’ she said.

But there’s no strict formula for writing Christmas movies, despite the rumors. Nina Weinman explained, ‘There is no checklist.’ She added that the key is to stay true to the Christmas spirit.

The genre is about comfort and joy, so there’s always a happy ending, and the characters usually find love. While some movies might follow familiar plots, each one is different in how it conveys the warmth and magic of the season.

Even with no set checklist, the key to success in the Christmas movie world is keeping things festive. Weinman noted, ‘It’s comfort food. The couple is going to end up together. Nobody’s going to die.’ Garman also emphasized that Christmas should always drive the story forward.

How does the season bring characters together or help them achieve their goals?

Viewers love knowing everything will turn out well by the end, which is why Christmas movies are so popular. Even as networks start airing Christmas films earlier, the demand is higher than ever.

Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas began on October 18, while Lifetime waited until mid-November. Bill Abbott, president and CEO of Great American Media, noted that Christmas movies now hold viewers’ attention from October all the way through the end of the year.

Writing Christmas movies is tough work, but the demand is high, and for writers like Garman, the reward is worth the effort. ‘There’s always demand for them,’ he said. ‘They sell really well internationally.’

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