For several years now, Christmas TV movies have become a true institution. In 2023 alone, no less than 42 new TV movies arrived on the Hallmark Channel, the legendary American channel specializing in romantic comedies.
And with every new TV movie, it’s always the same story: an ambitious woman living in a big city (preferably New York) finds herself in a small town that only lives for Christmas.
There she meets a handsome lonely young man who breaks her heart and encourages her to leave everything behind to finally live a happy life away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Despite this, the audience does not watch them to immerse themselves in the magic of Christmas. In fact, what are the secrets to making Christmas TV movies?
The magic of Christmas was recreated in midsummer
Do you see these actors and actresses in winter coats and big scarves? Well, chances are they sweat profusely.
It’s no secret that the vast majority of Christmas TV movies are shot in the middle of summer. “This gives us enough time to finish editing and publish it in December.“, Allociné told Jeffery Beach, who especially earned love at first sight of the Christmas market, which was broadcast a few weeks ago on TF1.
“So we usually shoot in the summer, in pretty hot weather with fake snow, and the actors are sweating in coats and sweaters.That’s why actors have a temperature-regulating technique.
Alison Sweeney, who fell in love at first sight in Christmas Village, revealed in an interview that she has kept.Ice packs in his jacket to keep him cool. When you’re sweating under a woolen hat, it spoils the magic of Christmas a little.”
Fake snow and lots of illusions
As for snow, an essential element of Christmas TV movies, the production also has its own little technique. “We use a combination of snow cannons and computer graphics to recreate the winter landscapeJeffery Beach added.
And because snow is expensive, it rarely snows in a TV movie. Usually, teams will play with the camera focused so that the spectators do not notice that it is actually white blankets covering the lawns. “And then adding Christmas lights helps the winter look.– concluded producer Jeffery Beach.
Express shooting
Another fact to consider is that Christmas TV movies are produced on tight budgets and in record time. according to Business InsiderEach film costs about $2 million, which is the same as the cost of one episode of the series.
And as for the duration of filming, it is two to three weeks. Lacey Chabert, a veteran of Christmas TV movies, compared the process to “Military camp“. “It’s intense – it’s difficult to shoot a film in 15 days“, he told the website. “They know what they are doing“.
Editing also happens at the speed of light. Teams shoot exactly what they need, which avoids wasting time. And it also allows you to start working on the following projects.
According to the information vanmag.comProducers are paid when they deliver a TV movie, which gives them an incentive to work as quickly as possible.
Specification Respectfully
Christmas TV movies often have very similar synopses. But they also have to answer very specific points at a certain number.
That’s why there should be scenes where we see characters wrapping presents, buying a Christmas tree, or even baking cookies. Elements that create this warm atmosphere that is so loved by the community.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
