Key Insights
Why did television executives start mass producing holiday romance movies?
They identified an untapped audience craving PG-rated romance and seasonal content.
How did the production budget for holiday rom-coms compare to theatrical releases?
Holiday rom-coms had significantly lower budgets, often around $12-15 million compared to $25 million for a single theatrical rom-com.
Why did holiday rom-coms often shoot in Canada?
Ontario offers a tax credit of 35-40%, incentivizing productions to hire local labor and services.
Why did romance novelists see a significant increase in income during the early 2010s?
They adopted e-books early and self-published, keeping more of their sales revenue.
How did romance writers benefit from open elite networks?
They shared publishing opportunities and income details, fostering a supportive community.
Why did romance readers prefer e-books over print?
E-books allowed for discreet reading of explicit content and offered higher royalties for authors.
Chapters
This chapter explores the history of Hallmark's holiday rom-coms, from their humble beginnings to their current status as a seasonal tradition. It discusses the network's frugal business model, the evolution of its budgets, and the formulaic nature of its films.
- Hallmark launched "Countdown to Christmas" in 2009.
- Early Hallmark holiday films were made on a shoestring budget, around $12-15 million for a dozen movies.
- The network's cost-saving measures included simple settings, quick shooting schedules, and filming in Canada to take advantage of tax credits.
Shownotes Transcript
