Hallmark Holiday Movie Mastermind, Nina Weinman

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‘Tis the season for all the holiday movies. Hallmark alone has 42 new ones this year — including “A Merry Scottish Christmas,” “Christmas on Cherry Lane,” and “A Biltmore Christmas.” Plus, “Catch Me If You Claus,” which involves an aspiring news anchor on the verge of her big break when she captures an intruder claiming to be Santa’s son. To learn more about what it’s really like to make one of these holly, jolly tales, we interviewed Nina Weinman, the writer behind “Catch Me If You Claus” and dozens of other Hallmark movies. Here’s what she had to say…

Q: When you first started writing movie scripts, did you set out to work on rom-coms and holiday movies?  

I’m a rom-com girl through and through. My favorite movies are “Legally Blonde,” “10 Things I Hate About You,” and all of those really fun, young romantic comedies. I’ve always flocked to those, so that’s what I wanted to write. My very first spec script was called “Always a Bride,” which Hallmark ended up making years ago as “I Married Who?” 

Q: So I’m guessing there aren’t any horror films or thrillers in your future?

I don’t know. It’s not really my voice. I like to write things that make me happy and excited. The world is kind of crazy, so I like to write things that I want to see.

Q: How many Hallmark movies are you currently working on — and how many of those are for the holidays?

At any given time, I can be working on between four and six projects. When COVID hit and production was shut down, they were only focusing on development — I had eight movies in various stages of development over 18 months, which was kind of crazy ... It’s funny, because it’s Christmas season right now, but my life feels like it’s always Christmas. I pretty much always have a Christmas movie in development, so my head is always in that space. If I don’t, it’s like, I need to think of some stories. I need to find a book and pitch something. I’ve got to get my Christmas movie for next year.

Q: Is there anything a Hallmark holiday movie absolutely must have?

One thing we always hear is, ‘more Christmas, more Christmas, more Christmas.’ Whenever we turn in a draft, it’s like, ‘more Christmas.’ Hallmark is a 113-year-old brand, and it’s unwavering. The brand is front and center, so we’re never going to veer away from [that] in any way, shape, or form. That’s number one. Beyond that, it’s really just keeping with the Christmas spirit: love, family, togetherness, all that feel-good stuff. No matter what’s going on in the world, people know they can go to Hallmark, and they’re going to smile for two hours. They’re not going to be thrown for a loop. Yes, there’s a formula to the rom-com — that’s true at Hallmark and everywhere. But [it’s about] taking people on a really fun ride to get there. 

Q: Speaking of formula, Hallmark has become quite famous for having lots of overlapping plots and themes. How true is that?

I do think it’s changing a lot, especially this season. [We’re thinking about] what stories we haven’t yet told — while still staying on brand. That’s what I’m always looking for, and I think this year’s lineup at Hallmark is really evident of some big swings that’ve paid off. There’s this cliche of a girl going back to her small town and falling in love with her ex — but I don’t think there’s been any of that this year ... We’re getting to take more risks and do things a little differently now.

Q: Have you ever used your own life or your friends’ lives as inspiration for your movies? 

I take moments, [but] I’ve never taken anybody’s real story. [Around 2015], I [was working on] a movie, and I was supposed to go to Jamaica for a wedding. The bride had a medical emergency and couldn’t [make it]. She was fine, so everybody else still went. [During the trip], I had a notes meeting with Hallmark [and] they asked how the wedding was. I said, “Well, there’s a story there,” and [by the end] they were like, ‘Oh, that’s a movie.’ I fictionalized just the event of everybody going to a wedding — except the bride and groom — and turned it into “Destination Wedding.” So, inspiration? Yes. The actual story? No, because it wasn’t anything like what really happened … I’m always thinking in stories — I see the world as a writer. I’ll see little things, posts, or whatever, and I’ll think, That’s the seed of a movie.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite holiday movie and why?

“Elf.” It’s one of those movies that had a resurgence in my life, thanks to my kids [and] watching it with them. It’s fun and funny ... and it makes me laugh every single time. My husband and I will even quote it to each other. He’ll be like, “You sit on a throne of lies.”

❤️ In relationships…

As more couples are vowing to have “non-wedding weddings,” other pairs are realizing the holidays aren’t always the most wonderful time of year. So if you’re newly single, perhaps you can learn a thing or two from these real-life golden bachelors and bachelorettes. And beware of the latest ick: travel stories that are, at best, questionable. 

💄 In beauty…

Think those $500 beauty advent calendars are over the top? The Golden Globes gift bag includes a $1,025 “Pure Gold” balm. Meanwhile, glitter lips are still getting the kiss of approval, and the “Scandi hairline” is looking pretty bright. Plus, prepare for fragrance to go up in smoke next year.

✈️ In travel…

Who knew, making new friends at airports is taking off — which could be another reason to embrace the new year, new adventure mentality. Worth considering: Why live like a local when you could live with a local? Or, perhaps you’d prefer swapping homes with a stranger. You could also get inspired by the 9-month cruise making waves on TikTok.

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