PODCAST

Christmas Movie Screenwriter

Caryn McCann

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

tv & film film interviews

All Episodes

52:27

40: Can Your Christmas Idea Become a Limited Series?

Christmas Movie Screenwriter ·

2025/12/05

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:

31:18

39: ❄️ Script Risks - Secret to Hollywood Yes?

Christmas Movie Screenwriter ·

2025/11/16

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/

23:19

38: Heartfelt Christmas Screenwriting - Director's Tips

Christmas Movie Screenwriter ·

2025/09/26

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

16:54

37: What Makes Producers Say Yes?

Christmas Movie Screenwriter ·

2025/08/27

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

35:32

36 📩 Email Query Tips for Christmas Scripts

Christmas Movie Screenwriter ·

2025/07/26

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

47:23

35:🎄Want to Sell Your Holiday Script? Start Here

Christmas Movie Screenwriter ·

2025/05/29

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

36:18

34: Are Actors the New Gatekeepers for Writers?

Christmas Movie Screenwriter ·

2025/04/26

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/

27:23

33: ⛄ Are Christmas Tropes Ruining Your Script?

Christmas Movie Screenwriter ·

2025/03/24

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

42:26

32: How Do Producers Instantly Spot an Amateur Script?

Christmas Movie Screenwriter ·

2025/02/26

How Do Producers Instantly Spot an Amateur Script? Award-winning producer Robyn Wiener of Synergy Cinema discusses what are the biggest red flags that make producers reject scripts instantly. Learn how to avoid amateur mistakes, refine your storytelling, and turn familiar formulas into fresh, compelling screenplays that stand out in a competitive market. For an action checklist, the show notes and the full transcript - go here:

34:31

31: Why Won't Christmas Producers Buy Your 🎄 Script?

Christmas Movie Screenwriter ·

2025/02/13

Struggling to sell your 🎄 script? Screenwriter Gary Goldstein reveals what producers really want—and the biggest mistakes that keep writers from getting a deal! 🎬✨ In this episode, Gary discusses the evolving landscape of holiday movies, the balance between established tropes and originality, and the writing process from pitch to production. Gary shares networking strategies for aspiring writers and emphasizes the importance of drawing from personal experiences to enrich storytelling. He also

25:30

30: 🎥 Distributors Want Your 🎄 Script!

Christmas Movie Screenwriter ·

2025/01/21

Discover why targeting distributors, not just producers, can expand your opportunities to sell your Christmas scripts and reach broader markets year-round. In this episode, producer Brigitte Kingsley shares why targeting distributors can be a game-changer for your holiday screenplays. Learn how distributors connect with broadcasters, offer global reach, and have year-round demand for Christmas content. Plus, find out how to pitch effectively, when to reach out, and why you should include both high

49:10

29: Pitch Perfect - Selling Your Holiday Script

Christmas Movie Screenwriter ·

2025/01/01

Writer-Director-Producer John Stimpson of H9 Films discusses how to craft irresistible pitches, build a standout portfolio, and sell your holiday screenplay in the competitive Christmas movie market. In this episode you’ll learn how to: Build a Diverse Portfolio of Ideas Understand Market Demands. Break the Rules with Fresh Perspectives. Be Pleasantly Persistent Pitch with Confidence and Clarity For an action checklist, the show notes and the full transcript – go here:

30:55

28: Should Christmas Writers Say 'I Do' to Romance...

Christmas Movie Screenwriter ·

2024/12/10

🎬 Exploring Year-Round Opportunities Beyond the Holiday Season 💘 Should Christmas scribes focus on romance scripts? Producer Kristofer McNeeley reveals why the romance genre might be a smarter move. Is the romance market bigger than Christmas scripts? Producer Kristofer McNeeley shares insider tips on standing out in a packed market, from crafting unique concepts to creating diverse, relatable characters. He explains why modern Christmas and romance movies thrive on internal conflict and

25:16

27: Is Cold Querying Producers Worth It?

Christmas Movie Screenwriter ·

2024/11/20

Discover Candice Cain’s journey from self-starter to successful screenwriter and learn her top strategies for breaking into the Christmas TV movie market. Whether you’re crafting your first Christmas script or looking to grow in the festive film industry, this episode is packed with actionable advice. For a full transcript, an action checklist and the show notes – go here: https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/27-is-cold-querying-producers/

32:04

26: Why Tears of Joy Sell Christmas Scripts

Christmas Movie Screenwriter ·

2024/11/05

Screenwriter Zac Hug shares why crafting moments of joy, especially tears of joy, is key to creating compelling Christmas movies that attract producers. Learn how to balance innovation while staying true to the genre’s emotional core. Whether you're writing for a seasoned audience or aiming to sell your first script, Zac’s insights on crafting joy-filled moments, effective writers' groups, and pitching strategies will help you stand out in the Christmas TV-movie market. For the show notes, an

41:55

25: What Producers Want In a Christmas Script

Christmas Movie Screenwriter ·

2024/10/22

Screenwriter and author Bob Sáenz discusses what producers want in Christmas scripts and advises on how to turn your holiday script into a production-ready masterpiece. Bob emphasizes the significance of writing to budget, particularly in the Christmas movie genre, as limited resources necessitate creative storytelling within defined parameters. He candidly shares how he navigates the industry, the importance of networking, and establishing authentic relationships to get scripts read, while also

33:15

24: How a Great Story Concept Can Save a Flawed Script

Christmas Movie Screenwriter ·

2024/10/01

Seasoned Christmas movie writer and director Ron Oliver reveals how a strong story concept can attract producers, even if the script has flaws. For all the show notes, an action checklist and the full transcript – go here: https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/24-how-a-great-story-concept-can-save-a-flawed-script/ Now on YouTube too! https://youtu.be/9iNrVrDX4Ug Fuel more great content by buying me a hot cocoa on https://buymeacoffee.com/christmasmovie

35:48

23: Secrets to Breaking Into Christmas Movies

Christmas Movie Screenwriter ·

2024/09/10

Screenwriter Kelly Peters offers practical tips on how to make your Christmas scripts stand out to producers, from focusing on the producibility of your script to understanding the importance of networking. This episode is packed with actionable advice for screenwriters looking to make their mark in the Christmas movie genre. For our action checklist, the show notes and the full transcript - go here: https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/23-secrets-to-breaking-into-christmas-movies/ (NEW) See

28:33

22: Where to Get a Mentor For Christmas Scripts

Christmas Movie Screenwriter ·

2024/08/25

Screenwriter Lisa Hepner shares how she found a mentor who became integral to her career. She also highlights how mentorship programs can offer industry insights that elevate your writing. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, this episode offers practical advice on why having a mentor could be the key to your success. To get our action checklist, a full transcript and the show notes – go here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SF1USP83AS6Qya2QFSJ3Ak6ZZseVjdza/view?usp=sharing Check

01:06:29

21: Are You Targeting the Right Christmas Producer?

Christmas Movie Screenwriter ·

2024/08/13

Screenwriter Karen Schaler discusses how to strategically target the right producers, ensuring your Christmas movie idea lands in the hands of those most likely to bring it to life. Discover the importance of researching production companies that align with your story's theme, how to tailor your pitch to their specific preferences, and why your success largely depends on strategic targeting after your script is written. If you're looking to turn your holiday screenplay into a beloved Christmas

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Christmas Movie Screenwriter

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