Christmas Movie Screenwriter

Caryn McCann
  • 5.0 (11)
  • FILM INTERVIEWS

Industry pros offer advice on writing, producing, and selling Christmas TV-movies.

  1. Can Your Christmas Idea Become a Limited Series?

    12/05/2025

    Can Your Christmas Idea Become a Limited Series?

    Showrunners Erin Rodman and Davah Avena reveal how they adapted a Christmas novel into Hallmark's first holiday limited series, built a collaborative room, and why screenwriters need a strong voice, endless ideas, social media, and even self‑publishing in their toolkit.​ For an action checklist, the show notes and a full transcript - go to: https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/40-inside-hallmarks-first-christmas-limited-series/ Check out the YouTube interview here:  YouTube: https://youtu.be/cMk7-vJskWE

    52 min
  2. ❄️ Script Risks - Secret to Hollywood Yes?

    11/16/2025

    ❄️ Script Risks - Secret to Hollywood Yes?

    Unlock the secrets to writing original, captivating Christmas movies with filmmaker Jake Helgren—discover how unique characters, bold storytelling, and industry adaptability can elevate your next holiday script.  Check out our action checklist and the show notes at: https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/39-script-risks-the-secret-to-hollywood-yes/

    31 min
  3. Heartfelt Christmas Screenwriting - Director's Tips

    09/26/2025

    Heartfelt Christmas Screenwriting - Director's Tips

    Unlock the secrets to memorable Christmas TV scripts. Director Heather Hawthorn Doyle shares why cozy visuals—like gestures and silence—speak louder than dialogue, and how emotional arcs and budget-friendly writing help your holiday screenplay stand out. For an action checklist, the show notes and the transcript - go here: Podcast:https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/38-heartfelt-christmas-screenwriting-directors-tips YouTube: https://youtu.be/IDOmOI4BtP8

    23 min
  4. What Makes Producers Say Yes?

    08/27/2025

    What Makes Producers Say Yes?

    Producer Eric Jarboe shares insider tips on what producers truly want in Christmas scripts. He explains how to craft emotionally engaging characters and avoid clichés. Use his advice to make your screenplay irresistible to decision-makers. In this episode, successful producer Eric Jarboe, co-founder of Happy Accidents and producer of over 130 films, reveals exactly what producers want. He breaks down the value of an emotionally resonant Christmas theme. Moreover, he highlights the need for compelling characters with clear objectives. Every story benefits from meaningful transformations that delight audiences. Watch the YouTube interview here: https://youtu.be/ZCTbL8zePao For all the show notes, an action checklist and transcript - go here:  https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/37-what-makes-producers-say-yes/

    17 min
  5. 📩 Email Query Tips for Christmas Scripts

    07/26/2025

    📩 Email Query Tips for Christmas Scripts

    Hallmark screenwriter Nina Weinman shares how to craft email queries that grab attention and pitch Christmas scripts that stand out. Plus, learn how to build a diverse script portfolio, why targeted producer outreach beats contests, and how persistence and self-advocacy can accelerate your screenwriting success. Tune in to make your Christmas script stand out! Check out the YouTube interview here: : https://youtu.be/JIl_FqzZPV8

    36 min
  6. 🎄Want to Sell Your Holiday Script? Start Here

    05/29/2025

    🎄Want to Sell Your Holiday Script? Start Here

    Want to break into the Christmas movie market? Writer-Director-Producer Emily Ting shares how to sell your holiday script, what producers want, and why feel-good, original ideas stand out. The Christmas movie market is hotter than ever. Hallmark, Netflix, and otherer platforms are constantly looking for fresh, heartwarming scripts. But what does it really take to sell one? Award-winning writer, director, and producer Emily Ting shares her path from writing a passion project to landing a deal with Hallmark. In this episode, you'll learn why original ideas matter, how to reach producers directly, and why persistence can pay off—even if your script sits for years. For the show notes and an action checklist – go here: https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/35-want-to-sell-your-holiday-script-start-here/ For the YouTube interview - go here: https://youtu.be/ygpCPH68ZMg

    47 min
  7. Are Actors the New Gatekeepers for Writers?

    04/26/2025

    Are Actors the New Gatekeepers for Writers?

    Director Jason Bourque explores how actors are becoming the new gatekeepers—and how writers can pitch smarter, write bolder, and unlock new paths into the Christmas movie market. For an action checklist, the show notes and a full transcript - go here: https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/34-are-actors-the-new-gatekeepers-for-writers/

    36 min
  8. ⛄ Are Christmas Tropes Ruining Your Script?

    03/24/2025

    ⛄ Are Christmas Tropes Ruining Your Script?

    Director-Producer Colin Theys reveals why leaning too heavily on traditional Christmas tropes can make your script seem stale. He shares practical tips to elevate your storytelling. For an action checklist, the show-notes and the full transcript - go here: https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/33-are-holiday-tropes-ruining-your-story/  Check out the YouTube interview here:  https://youtu.be/qhE3EJsZ8m0

    27 min
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5
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11 Ratings

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Industry pros offer advice on writing, producing, and selling Christmas TV-movies.

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