Andrew Walker Signs Multi-Picture Deal

Crown Media Family Networks and Andrew Walker (“My Christmas Family Tree,” (“The 27-Hour Day”) have agreed to an exclusive, multi-picture overall deal.

“Andrew has a special talent and charm that shines through in every role,” shared Lisa Hamilton Daly, Executive Vice President, Programming, Crown Media Family Networks. “He’s become a favorite among our viewers for good reason. We couldn’t be happier to continue our partnership with Andrew and can’t wait to see him in his next role.”

“I’m humbled and grateful to have been a part of the Hallmark family for a decade now. I love diving into each character, to create quality films with positive content that make people feel good,” Walker enthused. “The impact this network is making on its viewers is infectious and I’m thrilled to be continuing our collaboration.”

Walker was first seen on Hallmark Channel in the 2012 original movie, “A Bride for Christmas.” Since that time, he has become a regular presence on the network having starred in “Bridal Wave,” “The Perfect Catch,” “My Secret Valentine,” and “Bottled with Love” For Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, Walker has starred in “Wedding Planner Mystery,” “Christmas Tree Lane” and most recently, “Curious Caterer: Dying for Chocolate.”

Hallmark Channel has announced start of production on a new original movie as part of this year’s “Summer Nights” programming event, “Two Tickets to Paradise”. Ashley Williams (“Sister Swap: A Hometown Holiday”), Ryan Paevey (“Christmas at the Plaza”) and Mary-Margaret Humes (“A Valentine’s Match”) star in the film which is being shot on location at the iconic Royal Hawaiian Resort on the island of Oahu in Hawaii.

Two strangers meet on what feels like the worst day of their lives. Hannah Holt (Williams) and Josh Wyatt (Paevey) have both just been stood up at the altar, and as chance would have it, sit down next to each other in the park. Meeting each other turns out to be the morale boost they need to commit to taking their honeymoon vacations as they try to turn lemons into lemonade. Soon after they embark, they realize they have landed at the same honeymoon resort and keep crossing paths in tropical paradise. Josh introduces Hannah to his friend from the past, Alice (Humes), who lives on the island and shares her wisdom with the heartbroken duo. Seeing the futility of fighting fate, Hannah and Josh eventually join forces and help learn from one other to enjoy their vacations.

Crown Media Family Networks and Taylor Cole (“Making Spirits Bright”) have signed an exclusive multi-picture overall deal, the company announced.

“We are thrilled to have Taylor on board to star in multiple movies for Hallmark,” said Lisa Hamilton Daly, Executive Vice President, Programming, Crown Media Family Networks. “She brings so much joy and positivity to the Hallmark family and we look forward to continuing our work with her to create heartfelt stories that will touch our viewers.”

“I am beyond excited for what is in store next,” said Cole. “Being able to continue creating such amazing stories is something that I hold near and dear to me. I am forever grateful for the work I get to do with Hallmark.”

Taylor Cole can be seen starring in a number of Hallmark original movies, most recently “Making Spirits Bright” and “South Beach Love” for Hallmark Channel along with “One Winter Proposal” and “One Perfect Wedding.”

Crown Media Family Networks and Luke Macfarlane (“Christmas in My Heart") have signed a multi-picture deal, the company announced today.

“Luke is an actor whose ability to bring to life characters with heart makes him a fan favorite and we are lucky to work with him,” remarked Lisa Hamilton Daly, Executive Vice President, Programming, Crown Media Family Networks.

“I’m excited to be part of the joy that Hallmark brings to their viewers – not only for Christmas but to be able to participate in telling these heartfelt stories all year long,” Macfarlane said. “I’m really grateful to have this opportunity.”

Luke Macfarlane made his feature debut in Bill Condon’s Kinsey. And was recently seen in the Netflix feature, Single All the Way, and next appears in the Universal Pictures film BROS. Known for his memorable role as Scotty Wandell, on the hit ABC series “Brothers & Sisters,” Macfarlane was previously in the Syfy series “Killjoys” for five seasons, in the PBS critically acclaimed series “Mercy Street” for Scott Free productions, FX’s “Over There,” and NBC’s “Smash.”

Macfarlane is set to star in “Moriah’s Lighthouse,” a new original premiering in June, on Hallmark Channel.

In theatre, he has appeared on Broadway in The Normal Heart (Drama Desk award for best ensemble) and off-Broadway in plays including The Busy World of Hushed, Where Do We Live and Juvenilia.

Macfarlane’s most recent credits for Hallmark Channel include “A Valentine’s Match,” “Chateau Christmas” and “Taking a Shot at Love.”

Jaicy Elliot, Benjamin Hollingsworth and model/designer Candice Huffine star in “Romance in Style,” a new, original movie premiering during Hallmark Channel’s annual “Fall into Love” programming event.

Ella (Elliot) is a confident and passionate aspiring plus-size fashion designer who wants to make clothing for women like herself. While working as a freelance seamstress at a high-profile fashion magazine, she meets the handsome and disarming Derek (Hollingsworth), the “Prince of Publishing,” who is working on taking over the magazine business from his father. Derek needs to learn the fashion business quickly and enlists Ella to show him the ropes. Ella and Derek come from two different worlds but are somehow drawn to one another. Can they work past their differences to overcome unexpected work obstacles and expectations of what makes a conventional couple, proving love can be found where you least expect it?

“We are very excited to bring our viewers this movie that celebrates self-love and self-acceptance,” said Lisa Hamilton Daly, Executive Vice President, Programming, Crown Media Family Networks. “We are committed to a more diverse and inclusive slate of projects, so we are happy to share a story showing that love comes in all shapes and sizes.”

The Fall Into Love event begins with all-new movie premieres on Saturday August 6. You can also catch Benjamin Hollingsworth in "Love Under the Olive Tree" streaming on Hallmark Movies Now.

Hallmark Channel is excited to announce “Wedding of a Lifetime,” starring Brooke D'Orsay and Jonathan Bennett in a new, original movie currently in production for airing later this year on Hallmark Channel. Bennett also serves as an executive producer.

Darby (D’Orsay) and Jake (Bennett) are an engaged couple who have been together since their days as high school sweethearts in a close-knit mountain town. Over the years they have found themselves in a rut and out of love. As Darby and Jake prepare to break the news of their separation to their families, they inadvertently find themselves entered in a “romantic relationship competition” hosted by a popular national daytime TV show after being nominated by the whole town. The grand prize is a televised, all-expenses-paid “Wedding of a Lifetime!” Though Darby and Jake are uncomfortable pretending they are still engaged, they decide to continue with the show. Neither of them wants to disappoint their family and friends, and being on the show could potentially give both their careers a boost. Will the charade end with Darby and Jake coming clean and going their separate ways, or will the competition rekindle their romance?

“This is the kind of fun, feel-good rom-com our viewers have come to expect from us,” remarked Elizabeth Yost, Senior Vice President, Development, Programming, Crown Media Family Networks. “Jonathan Bennett and Brooke D’Orsay are terrific together and will have fans rooting for them every step of the way.”

“I love working with Hallmark and am grateful to expand our work together as an executive producer on this project. While it’s always fun to act in these movies, it has been a very different and rewarding experience to work on the filmmaking side and to collaborate with such talented people behind the scenes to bring it to life,” said Bennett. “I’m so proud of this story and hope the fans love it as much as I do.”

Hallmark Media has signed Nikki DeLoach to an exclusive, multi-picture overall deal.

Hallmark Channel viewers should recognize DeLoach from her starring roles in such original movies as The Perfect Catch, Christmas Land, A Dream of Christmas, Truly, Madly, Sweetly and Love Takes Flight, which premiered as a Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation. She also developed, executive produced and starred in Reunited at Christmas, as well as co-wrote Christmas for Keeps with her writing partner Megan McNulty, which aired during “Miracles of Christmas” on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.

DeLoach also starred as the lead in the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries original Two Turtle Doves opposite Michael Rady. She executive produced and starred in Taking the Reins for Hallmark Channel and showcased her acting range in Five More Minutes, which premiered in 2021 during “Miracles of Christmas” on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.

Most recently for the network, DeLoach brought her talent to Curious Caterer: Dying for Chocolate.

“Nikki is one of those rare actors who has a range of skills that allows her to play both comedy and drama while making it look effortless,” said Lisa Hamilton Daly Executive Vice President, Programming, Hallmark Media. “Her warmth and likability shine through in every role she takes on, making her a favorite among our viewers.”

As part of the deal, DeLoach will next star in the DaySpring movie The Gift of Peace, premiering exclusively on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries on Saturday, December 10, 9 p.m. ET/PT.

DeLoach is also known for her role as Lacey Hamilton on Awkward and from the iconic The All New Mickey Mouse Club. She’s guest starred in NCIS, Criminal Minds, CSI, CSI: NY, Cold Case, Mad Men, Grey’s Anatomy, Without a Trace, and most recently 911. DeLoach was also a series regular on North Shore.

Her films include Love & Other Drugs, Flying Lessons, and the French comedy Hollywoo.

align-left

Hallmark Media and Brooks Darnell (“The Young and the Restless”) have agreed to a multi-picture overall deal, it was announced today.

“We are so lucky to have Brooks Darnell here at Hallmark; he is a triple threat – an amazing actor, singer and musician,” said Lisa Hamilton Daly, Executive Vice President, Programming, Hallmark Media. “Brooks is such a delight to work with and we’re all so excited for viewers to see him in his next movie, ‘Holiday Heritage,’ which is our our first-ever movie celebrating Kwanzaa.”

“I am excited to continue my relationship with the Hallmark family,” said Darnell. “I feel blessed that I get to make feel-good movies that all families and people can enjoy and look forward to seeing what’s next!”

Darnell has starred in a number of Hallmark original movies such as the 2016 Hallmark Channel original movie “All Yours” and 2019’s “A Christmas Miracle” on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. Most recently, he starred in the Hallmark Channel original movies “Advice to Love By” and “A Winter Getaway.” Darnell appeared in the 2012 feature film Total Recall, had a recurring role in Freeform’s “Shadowhunters” and has guest starred in episodes of “Bones,” “Breakout Kings” and “Nikita.”

Tamera Mowry-Housley (“Inventing the Christmas Prince,” “Girlfriendship”), Chelsea Hobbs (“The Holiday Sitter,” “The Picture of Christmas”) Roger Cross and Andrew J. Hampton star in “Dream Moms,” a new, original movie premiering Saturday, May 13 at 8/7c, on Hallmark Channel. The movie also launches Hallmark’s “Make Her Mark” Women’s Directing Program.

Mowry-Housley is given the opportunity to show off her vocal talents and performs “Dream That Dream,” “Bring it Back” and “So Right,” three original songs that were written expressly for the movie.

“On Mother’s Day weekend, we are excited to bring our viewers a movie celebrating moms and the overwhelmingly important role they play in their family’s lives,” commented Elizabeth Yost, Senior Vice President, Development, Hallmark Media. “We hope people will be inspired by seeing the magic that can happen when you have the courage and support to follow your dreams.”

Danielle (Mowry-Housley), a one-time off-Broadway performer and former backup singer, and Claire (Hobbs), a once-aspiring dancer, both had dreams of making it to the Broadway stage. Many failed auditions and years later, Danielle is married Mark (Cross), a successful lawyer, and has a ballerina daughter, who is positioned for NYC ballet, living in the Upper East Side. Claire is a single mother raising two sons and working as a bookkeeper in the Garment District. Now consumed with motherhood, they no longer have time for themselves and have deferred their own dreams. Danielle’s brother RJ (Hampton) introduces the two after Claire begins taking classes at his dance studio. He is impressed with Claire’s dance technique and wants to bring the women together to compete in a nationally televised talent contest. As they start practicing for the show, Danielle and Claire begin to regain their sense of self and passion they once had as performers. When competing priorities arise with their families and cause them to reconsider, the pair ultimately realize they need to show up for themselves and set an example to never give up your dreams. They compete in the talent contest and with the support of their families, Danielle and Claire learn it’s never too late to become what or who you want to be.

As previously announced, “Dream Moms” marks the launch of Hallmark Media’s Make Her Mark Women’s Directing Program, which was created by beloved Hallmark talent and creative partner, Ashley Williams. The initiative allows an aspiring female director to shadow an established director throughout the entire production process of a Hallmark movie. The initiative’s inaugural participant, Crystal Lowe, was paired with “Dream Moms” director Jessica Harmon, and will eventually go on to direct her own Hallmark movie.

Dream Moms
Premieres Saturday, May 13 8/7c
Starring Tamera Mowry-Housley, Chelsea Hobbs, Roger Cross, Andrew J. Hampton

Danielle (Mowry-Housley), a one-time off-Broadway performer and former backup singer, and Claire (Hobbs), a once-aspiring dancer, both had dreams of making it to the Broadway stage. Many failed auditions and years later, Danielle is married Mark (Cross), a successful lawyer, and has a ballerina daughter, who is positioned for NYC ballet, living in the Upper East Side. Claire is a single mother raising two sons and working as a bookkeeper in the Garment District. Now consumed with motherhood, they no longer have time for themselves and have deferred their own dreams. Danielle’s brother RJ (Hampton) introduces the two after Claire begins taking classes at his dance studio. He is impressed with Claire’s dance technique and wants to bring the women together to compete in a nationally televised talent contest. As they start practicing for the show, Danielle and Claire begin to regain their sense of self and passion they once had as performers. When competing priorities arise with their families and cause them to reconsider, the pair ultimately realize they need to show up for themselves and set an example to never give up your dreams. They compete in the talent contest and with the support of their families, Danielle and Claire learn it’s never too late to become what or who you want to be.

Love in Zion National: A National Park Romance
Premieres Saturday, May 20 8/7c
Starring Cindy Busby and David Gridley
Lauren (Busby) is an assistant curator who is out to prove a set of ancient vases belongs with the Pueblo Nation. She journeys to Zion to find what she needs to make her case and along the way meets Adam (Gridley), a native Puebloan park ranger, who helps her on mission.