Canada, the home of winter, looks to have no shortage of snowy inns set against fairytale-like landscapes with piles and piles of the white, fluffy stuff.
That’s because Hallmark, long a major producer of Christmas TV movies, shoots a lot of holiday flicks in Canada, even if the plotlines are set south of the border. So do a lot of other U.S. producers for whom British Columbia, Manitoba and Ontario offer real snow, iconic mountains and other varied wintry locations to keep American producers in furry parkas coming north with their cameras and Hollywood stars.
In fact, there’s more to budget-friendly production tricks than fake snow on these TV movie shoots, as humble Canada stands in small-town America strung with colorful lights. Shooting north of the border allows producers to tap generous tax breaks and currency savings, seasoned local actors and crews and ample studios and costume...
That’s because Hallmark, long a major producer of Christmas TV movies, shoots a lot of holiday flicks in Canada, even if the plotlines are set south of the border. So do a lot of other U.S. producers for whom British Columbia, Manitoba and Ontario offer real snow, iconic mountains and other varied wintry locations to keep American producers in furry parkas coming north with their cameras and Hollywood stars.
In fact, there’s more to budget-friendly production tricks than fake snow on these TV movie shoots, as humble Canada stands in small-town America strung with colorful lights. Shooting north of the border allows producers to tap generous tax breaks and currency savings, seasoned local actors and crews and ample studios and costume...
- 12/25/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Technology wasn’t Santa Claus’ best friend this morning, but in the Spirit of Christmas everything is A-ok now, according to Norad.
Carried by TV stations and online platforms around the world, the beloved Santa Tracker that the good folks at North American Aerospace Defense Command put up every holiday season suffered a glitch this Christmas Eve. For about an hour, the live video (watch Santa’s travels above) was unable to provide specific locations for the Fatman and his reindeer.
Hey Santa Trackers. There is some technical difficulties with tracking Santa's location. He is heading to Fiji! #NoradTracksSanta #NoradSanta
— Norad Tracks Santa (@NoradSanta) December 24, 2023
Not that all was lost.
Hey Santa Trackers! The tracker is back up and running! Thank you for your patience! https://t.co/6qfPToRTlN #NORADTracksSanta #NORADSanta
— Norad Tracks Santa (@NoradSanta) December 24, 2023
As the problem was being dealt with Norad volunteers and live operators on the...
Carried by TV stations and online platforms around the world, the beloved Santa Tracker that the good folks at North American Aerospace Defense Command put up every holiday season suffered a glitch this Christmas Eve. For about an hour, the live video (watch Santa’s travels above) was unable to provide specific locations for the Fatman and his reindeer.
Hey Santa Trackers. There is some technical difficulties with tracking Santa's location. He is heading to Fiji! #NoradTracksSanta #NoradSanta
— Norad Tracks Santa (@NoradSanta) December 24, 2023
Not that all was lost.
Hey Santa Trackers! The tracker is back up and running! Thank you for your patience! https://t.co/6qfPToRTlN #NORADTracksSanta #NORADSanta
— Norad Tracks Santa (@NoradSanta) December 24, 2023
As the problem was being dealt with Norad volunteers and live operators on the...
- 12/24/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
The image of Santa Claus has been curated over the years to become wholesome and a symbol of happiness. In the past, he had been seen as a representation of Saint Nicholas or Father Christmas. In the 80s, he seemed to take a darker turn as horror filmmakers decided to use his visage to corrupt the viewer’s expectations. This sweet and gentle man would now be a killer. Multiple films decided to use this idea, and a whole sub-genre of horror films was born. Which ones are the best killer Santa movies?
Violent Night (2022)
This newer film has the jolly man fighting for the side of good. This little twist makes the film even more fun. A wealthy family is held hostage, and it turns out their only hope is the fat man himself. David Harbour plays the legendary figure who is losing faith in the holiday. When he stumbles upon the situation,...
Violent Night (2022)
This newer film has the jolly man fighting for the side of good. This little twist makes the film even more fun. A wealthy family is held hostage, and it turns out their only hope is the fat man himself. David Harbour plays the legendary figure who is losing faith in the holiday. When he stumbles upon the situation,...
- 12/18/2023
- by Bryan Wolford
- JoBlo.com
Between Thanksgiving and It’s a Wonderful Knife, it’s been an especially rewarding year for seasonal slasher fans, an esteemed group that Santa Isn’t Real does not join. Writer and director Zac Locke’s low-budget Christmas massacre barely has a pulse until the final few minutes, only thanks to a few teaspoons of gore. Performances are stiff, characters have no spatial awareness with a killer on the loose, and technical elements can get pretty ugly, all dooming this snoozy Christmas Horror dud to the naughty list.
The film opens with the eggnog-sipping Nikki (Kaya Coleman) cozying up by the fire after setting red frosted cookies and milk by a decorated tree per Christmas traditions. Much to Nikki’s surprise, Santa shimmies down her chimney — and slices her arm open with a kitchen knife before bashing her unconscious with a snowglobe. A year later, Nikki wakes from her coma...
The film opens with the eggnog-sipping Nikki (Kaya Coleman) cozying up by the fire after setting red frosted cookies and milk by a decorated tree per Christmas traditions. Much to Nikki’s surprise, Santa shimmies down her chimney — and slices her arm open with a kitchen knife before bashing her unconscious with a snowglobe. A year later, Nikki wakes from her coma...
- 12/8/2023
- by Matt Donato
- bloody-disgusting.com
Hallmark's latest holiday film drops Thursday, December 7, on Hallmark Movies Now, reminding us to be cautious of what we wish for.
Rescuing Christmas follows a woman overwhelmed with the holidays, so she wishes it would disappear. When she's filled with wish regret, she needs to bring it back, and she turns to an unlikely ally: her recent blind date and her brother-in-law's friend Sam.
Rachael Leigh Cook and Sam Page star in this holiday rom-com, and neither is a stranger to the Hallmark franchise.
Cook has had the perfect blend of comedy and romance since she appeared in She's All That 25 years ago, and she still rocks it when she reaches the end of her rope and then tries to fix things.
If you ask anyone, they'll confirm that planning for Christmas is as overwhelming as it is joyous. You need to buy all the presents, do the holiday baking,...
Rescuing Christmas follows a woman overwhelmed with the holidays, so she wishes it would disappear. When she's filled with wish regret, she needs to bring it back, and she turns to an unlikely ally: her recent blind date and her brother-in-law's friend Sam.
Rachael Leigh Cook and Sam Page star in this holiday rom-com, and neither is a stranger to the Hallmark franchise.
Cook has had the perfect blend of comedy and romance since she appeared in She's All That 25 years ago, and she still rocks it when she reaches the end of her rope and then tries to fix things.
If you ask anyone, they'll confirm that planning for Christmas is as overwhelming as it is joyous. You need to buy all the presents, do the holiday baking,...
- 12/6/2023
- by Laura Nowak
- TVfanatic
Get ready for a festive journey into the heartwarming world of holiday magic with “The Toys That Built America” Season 3, featuring the special episode “The Santa That America Built.” Tune in on History at 9:00 Pm, Sunday, December 10, 2023, for an enchanting exploration of the beloved figure, Santa Claus.
In this special episode, viewers will unravel the extraordinary tale of how creative minds, iconic brands, and major events collaborated to shape the enduring image of the jolly ol’ St. Nick. “The Santa That America Built” delves into the rich history and cultural impact of Santa Claus, transcending him from a mere symbol to one of the most beloved and famous faces on Earth.
This festive installment promises to be a delightful mix of nostalgia and discovery, celebrating the spirit of hope and goodwill that Santa embodies. From the origins of his iconic red suit to the evolution of his image, this...
In this special episode, viewers will unravel the extraordinary tale of how creative minds, iconic brands, and major events collaborated to shape the enduring image of the jolly ol’ St. Nick. “The Santa That America Built” delves into the rich history and cultural impact of Santa Claus, transcending him from a mere symbol to one of the most beloved and famous faces on Earth.
This festive installment promises to be a delightful mix of nostalgia and discovery, celebrating the spirit of hope and goodwill that Santa embodies. From the origins of his iconic red suit to the evolution of his image, this...
- 12/3/2023
- by Jules Byrd
- TV Everyday
Benjamin Edelman and Manual Camilion’s Santastein delivers a comedic and bloody Christmas riff on the classic tale of Frankenstein. Laced with laughs and some revolting gore, Santastein sleighs his way through a Christmas Eve filled with murder and mayhem.
Every Christmas-stricken child wishes to prove their mean classmates wrong. Santa does exist! While attempting to gather that fleeting proof, young Max Causey accidently kills Santa, his contraption causing St. Nick to fall into a badly placed fireplace poker. Cut to present day, the Christmas holiday has ceased to exist, along with any merry cheer whatsoever. Not forgetting the pain he’s caused, Max (Jared Korotkin) attempts to resurrect him using stolen cadavers and the unwitting help of his friend Paige (Ophelia Rivera). The two friends successfully revive a dead rat for a science project, providing all the confirmation Max needs to right the wrong from his childhood. The experiment is a resounding success,...
Every Christmas-stricken child wishes to prove their mean classmates wrong. Santa does exist! While attempting to gather that fleeting proof, young Max Causey accidently kills Santa, his contraption causing St. Nick to fall into a badly placed fireplace poker. Cut to present day, the Christmas holiday has ceased to exist, along with any merry cheer whatsoever. Not forgetting the pain he’s caused, Max (Jared Korotkin) attempts to resurrect him using stolen cadavers and the unwitting help of his friend Paige (Ophelia Rivera). The two friends successfully revive a dead rat for a science project, providing all the confirmation Max needs to right the wrong from his childhood. The experiment is a resounding success,...
- 8/15/2023
- by Chris Vogel
Universal City, California, January 13, 2023 – From the producers of Nobody and John Wick comes Violent Night, available to own with bonus features on Digital January 20, 2023 and on Blu-ray and DVD on January 24, 2023 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. “The greatest Christmas action movie of all time” (Cinapse) comes home in a collector’s edition that includes over half an hour of never-before-seen bonus content including deleted and extended scenes, a feature commentary, and behind-the-scenes featurettes delivering more of the movie for your Christmas collection.
When a team of mercenaries breaks into a wealthy family compound taking everyone inside hostage, they are not prepared for a surprise combatant: Santa Claus. David Harbour (Stranger Things) stars as St. Nick in the “wildly entertaining” (Screen Rant) holiday romp, delivering some serious season’s beatings to save the family and the spirit of Christmas.
Directed by Tommy Wirkola, Violent Night also stars Emmy® winner John Leguizamo...
When a team of mercenaries breaks into a wealthy family compound taking everyone inside hostage, they are not prepared for a surprise combatant: Santa Claus. David Harbour (Stranger Things) stars as St. Nick in the “wildly entertaining” (Screen Rant) holiday romp, delivering some serious season’s beatings to save the family and the spirit of Christmas.
Directed by Tommy Wirkola, Violent Night also stars Emmy® winner John Leguizamo...
- 1/13/2023
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
Plot: It’s Christmas Eve, and Tori and Robbie just want to party and get drunk. Unfortunately, a robotic Santa with evil intentions may ruin their plans.
Review: Recently, I went to the World Premiere screening of Christmas Bloody Christmas at this year’s Beyond Fest. Intending to review this flick, I decided to go in completely blind. Indeed, the title gives a little warning, but the lively introduction of writer/director Joe Begos grabbed my attention. Whatever this holiday offering had, it was going to be rambunctious. And now, I’m happy to say that the wild and wooly, fast-paced fright fest is perhaps one of the best St. Nick inspired horror features in recent years. Bloody, with practical effects, and many F-bombs to offend those who don’t like cursing. And I cannot wait to talk about the rockstar performances of Sam Delich and especially Riley Dandy.
It’s Christmas time,...
Review: Recently, I went to the World Premiere screening of Christmas Bloody Christmas at this year’s Beyond Fest. Intending to review this flick, I decided to go in completely blind. Indeed, the title gives a little warning, but the lively introduction of writer/director Joe Begos grabbed my attention. Whatever this holiday offering had, it was going to be rambunctious. And now, I’m happy to say that the wild and wooly, fast-paced fright fest is perhaps one of the best St. Nick inspired horror features in recent years. Bloody, with practical effects, and many F-bombs to offend those who don’t like cursing. And I cannot wait to talk about the rockstar performances of Sam Delich and especially Riley Dandy.
It’s Christmas time,...
- 10/6/2022
- by JimmyO
- JoBlo.com
Stranger Things‘ David Harbour stars as the real Santa, complete with magical powers and a particular set of skills that prove useful against bad guys, in Violent Night. Jolly old St. Nick is not about to have his Christmas deliveries waylaid, and warns, “Santa Claus is coming to town. Time for some season’s beatings.”
In addition to David Harbour, the film stars Emmy winner John Leguizamo (John Wick), Cam Gigandet (Without Remorse), Alex Hassell (Cowboy Bebop), Alexis Louder (The Tomorrow War), Edi Patterson (The Righteous Gemstones), and Beverly D’Angelo (National Lampoon’s Vacation franchise).
Tommy Wirkola directs from a screenplay by Pat Casey and Josh Miller (Sonic the Hedgehog). 87North’s Kelly McCormick, David Leitch, and Guy Danella produce, with Marc S. Fischer executive producing.
The holiday-themed action comedy opens in theaters on December 2, 2022.
The Plot:
To hell with “all is calm.” From 87North comes a coal-dark holiday action-comedy that...
In addition to David Harbour, the film stars Emmy winner John Leguizamo (John Wick), Cam Gigandet (Without Remorse), Alex Hassell (Cowboy Bebop), Alexis Louder (The Tomorrow War), Edi Patterson (The Righteous Gemstones), and Beverly D’Angelo (National Lampoon’s Vacation franchise).
Tommy Wirkola directs from a screenplay by Pat Casey and Josh Miller (Sonic the Hedgehog). 87North’s Kelly McCormick, David Leitch, and Guy Danella produce, with Marc S. Fischer executive producing.
The holiday-themed action comedy opens in theaters on December 2, 2022.
The Plot:
To hell with “all is calm.” From 87North comes a coal-dark holiday action-comedy that...
- 10/5/2022
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
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