Hallmark Execs Talk Great American Family, Talent & Hallmark’s ‘Secret Sauce’
While some of the stars you’re used to seeing on Hallmark have signed deals with Great American Family, the execs are instead focusing on the talent pool they do have, noting they’ve also kept a lot of their talent under option.
Among the stars viewers have become used to seeing in Hallmark rom-coms and Christmas movies that have signed deals with Great American Family are Trevor Donovan, Danica McKellar, Jen Lilley, and Candace Cameron Bure.
Meanwhile, stars including Lacey Chabert, Brennan Elliott, Holly Robinson Peete, and Jonathan Bennett have signed deals with Hallmark Media (formerly Crown Media).
“We’re looking for new talent all the time,” Lisa Hamilton Daly, EVP, Programming said during the Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour. “I think there’s a lot of talent out there we’ve worked with in the past that GAC is now working with but I think we also are constantly trying to evolve the talent pool that we’re working with. I think we retained almost everybody that we’re really excited to have.”
Added Wonya Lucas, President & CEO, “I would also say beyond GAC, talent works with Netflix, talent works with Lifetime, and that’s kind of the way that the industry works.” However, she noted that what makes Hallmark stand out is the family aspect of the company. “That’s the secret sauce we have that’s Hallmark and that continues today. We have existing talent that’s been with us a long time and we have new talent that we’re bringing in as well,” she said. “That will be consistent. That is consistent of the past. That is consistent today.”
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R
So very true!! They need to step it up a bit
16 2
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R
Oh yes, yes it is. It's just friendly to more than one type of family now. Perhaps take your homophobia elsewhere.
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P
How about Marc Blucas
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G
I love Candace, Trevor, Danica, Jen, Jill, Merritt, Cameron and Jessica Lowndes.
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B
I agree with all but Candace Cameron. Love Lacey though Charbert
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O
I enjoyed a bunch of Bure’s Hallmark movies (like the one in which she played a twin) but her loss won’t be that big. Hallmark has a great roster of talent. Some people are annoyed by her religious and political views and it’s likely she wasn’t comfortable with the diversity changes at Hallmark. I’d be surprised if any gay characters show up at GAC any time soon.
But she seems like a good person, and her fundamental Christian views didn’t prevent her from having a true friendship with someone like Bob Saget. I don’t want other people’ s religion forced down my throat, and I’ll oppose them on things like reproductive rights, but for some people, like my socially progressive sister, and my increasingly enlightened best friend, being a Christian works.
11 3
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R
The day that "family friendly" is no longer a dog whistle for homophobia can't come soon enough.
9 1
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G
I sure would like to see MICHAEL RADY in some upcoming HALLMARK OR GAC MOVIES.
8 2
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B
So would I. He is talented. He has been on Chicago Med recently off and on again
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G
The remote allows us the ability to exercise choice. No need to complain about a show/network. Simply change the channel and watch what you do like.
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G
Wow, pot, kettle, black. Don’t think you are one to be calling others mean and nasty. She said absolutely nothing bad in this article. Sounds like you’re projecting your own anger and hate onto her.
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C
Actually it’s gac. Airing movies not theirs half the movies gac airs aren’t theirs except their 12 Christmas movies from 2021 and you gullible ones believe all the movies you see on gac are their Movies
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O
Lisa Hamilton and Wonya Lucas should have discussed how every movie made is not hallmark’s movie and why the huge library of movies they have why do they air movies that first aired on ION, Uptv or Lifetime. I watch GAC and follow them on social media. Whenever GAC makes a post about a movie some Hallmarkie’s will comment that is Hallmark’s movie how can they show it. The movie can be a original GAC movie since they have made so far 12 Christmas movies and 2 regular movies. Or one that previously aired on ION, Uptv or Lifetime. They argue until someone posts who made/aired the movie first. Than it is silence from them. It is so funny.
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O
Your precious Hallmark actresses are too old too. Holly Robinson Peete is 57. Andie Macdowell is 63. Kimberly William Paisley is 50. If Good Witch comes back Catherine Bell is 55.
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G
Where did you “hear” that from?
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J
For some reason I just can't like Candace Bure. Not sure why, but I've never liked her as an adult. Of course, since I don't watch Hallmark movies, and won't watch GAC, I don't foresee having a reason to complain. 😛
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R
It’s hard to take someone who, along with her brother Kirk, is waiting for “The Rapture.”
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O
If you don’t watch Hallmark, why are you even commenting? That would be like me commenting on cricket, which I don’t watch.
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J
First of all, anyone is free to comment on any article. Feel free to share your feelings about cricket on a cricket forum.
Second of all, I *want* to like Hallmark movies. In fact, I used to watch them.... back a decade or two ago before they started churning them out like McDonald's churns out fries. In this case, quantity (of movies, 50+/year) does NOT equal quality--at least, not for me. Instead they turn into repetitive cookie-cutter productions.
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B
No they went to GAC . I would watch Danica in any movie on that channel
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B
Respectful disagree. He is talented and handsome. They need him. Most of the new Hallmark don’t have chemistry and don’t like Hallmark anymore.
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B
Don’t you have to pay to see hallmark media? They will loose viewers if they don’t show our favorite actors.
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R
The plots of Hallmark movies are the same. If you fall asleep during one and wake up during another the only difference you notice is the actors. Takes a minute to realize the movie is different. Boring.
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R
Why?
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G
Are you seriously just casually admitting you’re a small-minded bigot?
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T
They're both terrible leaders, and they clearly have no idea what Hallmark's real audience wants.
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G
Hallmark used to be AMAZING! Did you ever see the Hallmark original “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, so good, not gory just very good family friendly. Same time there was “ghost cat” not sure if by Hallmark but shown on it. They had “Good Witch” ofc. Then they completed ignored Halloween, acting like only Christmas (which I love…but not in October!) existed. They had some wonderful Fall/Autumn movies for Thanksgiving, but then just OD’d on Christmas! I hope she changes it back from such nonsense! I love my holidays, Halloween can be as “family friendly” as much as Christmas.
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J
You're missing a lot of real life.
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O
Candace is mid 40s not 50.. I’m in my 40’s and have a lot of friends looking for a second love. Something that is more common these days
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G
50 is not old and if you haven't hit it 50 yet you'll know when you do cause sometimes the body might be old but the mind still feels like your in your 20's. This is FYI on being old. Lol
I'm 59 and my body feels old and that's cause I have herniated and bulgie disks but other than that I'm not old.
Melissa
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J
Sure it is. It's practically as bland and generic as it's always been.
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