Hallmark Channel said Thursday that it is ramping up its original movie production, inking development and/or production deals with such producers as Gerald W. Abrams, Orly Adelson and Dan Wigutow.
The network announced during its portion of the Television Critics Assn. summer press tour at the Beverly Hilton that its 2008 lineup will include 30 original movies, the largest-ever development slate of original telefilms in network history. The first movie of the new slate, When You Listen, executive produced by Abrams and starring Tom Bosley, is in preproduction for a premiere date of 9 p.m. Jan. 5.
"This makes us the largest single producer of quality movies ... of any cable network in the industry," said Henry Schleiff, president and CEO of Crown Media Holdings, owner and operator of Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel.
Schleiff added that the movies are budgeted at more than $2 million each.
Hallmark's original movies perform well for the network, including such recent titles as Avenging Angel and You've Got a Friend and such mystery franchises as Murder 101 and Jane Doe.
Listen, meanwhile, centers on a young girl's beloved grandfather who suffers a heart attack, only to use the would-be tragedy to help repair all the broken hearts around him.
The network announced during its portion of the Television Critics Assn. summer press tour at the Beverly Hilton that its 2008 lineup will include 30 original movies, the largest-ever development slate of original telefilms in network history. The first movie of the new slate, When You Listen, executive produced by Abrams and starring Tom Bosley, is in preproduction for a premiere date of 9 p.m. Jan. 5.
"This makes us the largest single producer of quality movies ... of any cable network in the industry," said Henry Schleiff, president and CEO of Crown Media Holdings, owner and operator of Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel.
Schleiff added that the movies are budgeted at more than $2 million each.
Hallmark's original movies perform well for the network, including such recent titles as Avenging Angel and You've Got a Friend and such mystery franchises as Murder 101 and Jane Doe.
Listen, meanwhile, centers on a young girl's beloved grandfather who suffers a heart attack, only to use the would-be tragedy to help repair all the broken hearts around him.
- 7/13/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hallmark Channel executive vp programming David Kenin has extended his contract by two years.
Crown Media Holdings, which owns and operates the network, disclosed Tuesday in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that Kenin's contract will now expire Dec. 31, 2009.
In addition, Kenin's annual base salary will increase to $825,000 next year 2008 and $850,000 in 2009.
Hallmark Channel has been on a roll with its programming, seeing solid numbers for acquired movies like March of the Penguins as well as its original movies, including the mystery franchises Mystery Woman, Jane Doe, Murder 101 and McBride.
Crown Media Holdings, which owns and operates the network, disclosed Tuesday in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that Kenin's contract will now expire Dec. 31, 2009.
In addition, Kenin's annual base salary will increase to $825,000 next year 2008 and $850,000 in 2009.
Hallmark Channel has been on a roll with its programming, seeing solid numbers for acquired movies like March of the Penguins as well as its original movies, including the mystery franchises Mystery Woman, Jane Doe, Murder 101 and McBride.
- 6/27/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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