Saturday, April 30, 2016
Candace Cameron Bure stars in "Three Bedrooms, One Corpse: An Aurora Teagarden Mystery"
MOVIE REVIEW
Movie: Three Bedrooms, One Corpse: An Aurora Teagarden Mystery
Network: Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
Original Air Date: June 12, 2016
CAST:
Candace Cameron Bure ... Aurora Teagarden
Lexa Doig ... Sally Allison
Yannick Bisson ... Martin Bartell
Miranda Frigon ... Det. Lynn Liggett Smith
Marilu Henner ... Aida Teagarden
PLOT:
Aurora Teagarden is a beautiful young librarian with a passion for solving murders. At an open house showing, Aurora meets Martin Bartell, a charismatic gentleman with a mysterious past, and happens upon the body of a local realtor who was strangled in the backyard. When the police arrive at the crime scene and open a homicide investigation, Aurora decides to launch an investigation of her own.
Movie Review:
Coming...
See or Skip:
Coming...
--
Movie: Three Bedrooms, One Corpse: An Aurora Teagarden Mystery
Network: Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
Original Air Date: June 12, 2016
CAST:
Candace Cameron Bure ... Aurora Teagarden
Lexa Doig ... Sally Allison
Yannick Bisson ... Martin Bartell
Miranda Frigon ... Det. Lynn Liggett Smith
Marilu Henner ... Aida Teagarden
PLOT:
Aurora Teagarden is a beautiful young librarian with a passion for solving murders. At an open house showing, Aurora meets Martin Bartell, a charismatic gentleman with a mysterious past, and happens upon the body of a local realtor who was strangled in the backyard. When the police arrive at the crime scene and open a homicide investigation, Aurora decides to launch an investigation of her own.
Movie Review:
Coming...
See or Skip:
Coming...
--
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Alison Sweeney and Cameron Mathison star in "Murder She Baked: A Deadly Recipe"
MOVIE REVIEW
Movie: Murder She Baked: A Deadly Recipe
Previously Known As: Murder She Baked: A Fudge Cupcake Mystery
Network: Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
Original Air Date: June 19, 2016
CAST:
Alison Sweeney ... Hannah
Cameron Mathison ... Mike
Barbara Niven ... Delores
Lisa Durupt ... Andrea
Gabriel Hogan ... Norman
Toby Levins ...
Juliana Wimbles ...
PLOT:
via Hallmark:
Bakery owner Hannah Swensen (Sweeney) just can’t keep her hands out of the batter when murder stirs things up in Lake Eden, Minnesota, leaving the sheriff dead, a deputy accused, and a killer on the loose. For Hannah, life seems to be lacking a certain flavor lately. Maybe it’s the local sheriff’s election that’s got her down.
For years, Sheriff Grant’s been the iron hand in town. But now, Hannah’s brother-in-law Bill is giving the old blowhard the fight of his long, dubious career—and Grant’s not taking it well, especially once the polls show Bill pulling ahead. But before anyone can taste victory, things go sour. While Hannah’s emptying the trash, she makes a very unappetizing discovery: Sheriff Grant’s body in the Dumpster behind the high school where she’s teaching her cooking class. And as if that weren’t bad enough, the poor man still has fudge frosting on his shirt from one of her cupcakes.
The number one—and only—suspect is Bill, but Hannah’s not swallowing it. Plenty of people had reason to hate Sheriff Grant. Soon, Hannah’s dishing up scandalous secrets, steaming hot betrayals, and enough intrigue to keep the gossip mill at The Cookie Jar going through several pots of decaf. And the closer Hannah gets to the truth, the closer she gets to finding the murderer with a calorie-laden, nasty recipe for silencing people.
Movie Review:
‘Murder She Baked: A Deadly Recipe’ is deliciously sweet and satisfyingly suspenseful!
The original all-star cast: Alison Sweeney, Cameron Mathison, Gabe Hogan, Barbara Niven, and Lisa Durupt return for this all new mystery!
In the fourth installment of the ‘Murder She Baked’ series… the love triangle tension between baker Hannah Swensen with Detective Mike Kingston and Dentist Norman Rhodes... is heating up a bit more as each man shamelessly vies for more of Hannah’s attention.
But, when Hannah and her sister Andrea find the Sheriff murdered, after a cooking class… everything changes! Mike is warned not to share information with Hannah regarding the investigation, which is impossible for him to do, while trying to convince her not to get involved.
Norman, who in the beginning is away, makes his way back into town – just in time to try to protect Hannah and help her solve a new case.
Hannah initially agrees not to interfere in the case and let Mike do his job, until her Brother-n-law Bill becomes suspect #1 and her sister begs for her to clear his name. Of course, Hannah cannot refuse her sister, who is expecting and ready to deliver any day!
Who-Dun-It is a mystery until the very end. Can you solve this case before Hannah does?
And… don’t miss the arrival of a precious new addition to the ‘Murder She Baked’ family!
See or Skip:
See! As I shared above...
‘Murder She Baked: A Deadly Recipe’ is deliciously sweet and satisfyingly suspenseful!
--------------------------------
*Special Thank You to the Anonymous Commenter who shared the link to the poster above!
*Images credit: Hallmark Crown Media
Movie: Murder She Baked: A Deadly Recipe
Previously Known As: Murder She Baked: A Fudge Cupcake Mystery
Network: Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
Original Air Date: June 19, 2016
Image: Hallmark Crown Media, via Alison Sweeney Facebook |
CAST:
Alison Sweeney ... Hannah
Cameron Mathison ... Mike
Barbara Niven ... Delores
Lisa Durupt ... Andrea
Gabriel Hogan ... Norman
Toby Levins ...
Juliana Wimbles ...
PLOT:
via Hallmark:
Bakery owner Hannah Swensen (Sweeney) just can’t keep her hands out of the batter when murder stirs things up in Lake Eden, Minnesota, leaving the sheriff dead, a deputy accused, and a killer on the loose. For Hannah, life seems to be lacking a certain flavor lately. Maybe it’s the local sheriff’s election that’s got her down.
For years, Sheriff Grant’s been the iron hand in town. But now, Hannah’s brother-in-law Bill is giving the old blowhard the fight of his long, dubious career—and Grant’s not taking it well, especially once the polls show Bill pulling ahead. But before anyone can taste victory, things go sour. While Hannah’s emptying the trash, she makes a very unappetizing discovery: Sheriff Grant’s body in the Dumpster behind the high school where she’s teaching her cooking class. And as if that weren’t bad enough, the poor man still has fudge frosting on his shirt from one of her cupcakes.
The number one—and only—suspect is Bill, but Hannah’s not swallowing it. Plenty of people had reason to hate Sheriff Grant. Soon, Hannah’s dishing up scandalous secrets, steaming hot betrayals, and enough intrigue to keep the gossip mill at The Cookie Jar going through several pots of decaf. And the closer Hannah gets to the truth, the closer she gets to finding the murderer with a calorie-laden, nasty recipe for silencing people.
Movie Review:
‘Murder She Baked: A Deadly Recipe’ is deliciously sweet and satisfyingly suspenseful!
The original all-star cast: Alison Sweeney, Cameron Mathison, Gabe Hogan, Barbara Niven, and Lisa Durupt return for this all new mystery!
In the fourth installment of the ‘Murder She Baked’ series… the love triangle tension between baker Hannah Swensen with Detective Mike Kingston and Dentist Norman Rhodes... is heating up a bit more as each man shamelessly vies for more of Hannah’s attention.
But, when Hannah and her sister Andrea find the Sheriff murdered, after a cooking class… everything changes! Mike is warned not to share information with Hannah regarding the investigation, which is impossible for him to do, while trying to convince her not to get involved.
Norman, who in the beginning is away, makes his way back into town – just in time to try to protect Hannah and help her solve a new case.
Hannah initially agrees not to interfere in the case and let Mike do his job, until her Brother-n-law Bill becomes suspect #1 and her sister begs for her to clear his name. Of course, Hannah cannot refuse her sister, who is expecting and ready to deliver any day!
Who-Dun-It is a mystery until the very end. Can you solve this case before Hannah does?
And… don’t miss the arrival of a precious new addition to the ‘Murder She Baked’ family!
See or Skip:
See! As I shared above...
‘Murder She Baked: A Deadly Recipe’ is deliciously sweet and satisfyingly suspenseful!
--------------------------------
*Special Thank You to the Anonymous Commenter who shared the link to the poster above!
*Images credit: Hallmark Crown Media
Hallmark's "Chesapeake Shores" changes Premiere Date!
The Hallmark Channel series "Chesapeake Shores" is still scheduled to premiere this Summer... but word has it that it will now premiere on August 14! (Source for this News: Commercial seen during Home & Family on the Hallmark Channel on April 27, 2016 by Hallmark super fan Lori Meeker, who is an administrator on Lisa Colangelo's Hallmark Facebook group. Thank you Sherry for sharing this news!)
*UPDATE 5/12/16: It's official: the Hallmark Channel sends out Press Release confirming 'Chesapeake Shores' will premiere on Sunday August 14, 2016!
According to Hallmark's press release, "the series will launch with a two-hour movie, followed by eight one-hour episodes" and "stars Jesse Metcalfe (“A Country Wedding”), Meghan Ory (“Dashing Through the Snow”), Golden Globe® nominee Treat Williams (“Everwood”), Academy Award® nominee Diane Ladd (“Wild At Heart”), and Barbara Niven (“Cedar Cove”). Based on the novels of the same name by New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods."
Stay tuned for more details!!!
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
The "It's a Wonderful Movie" POLL is Back! VOTE NOW for Your Favorite ACTOR from a TV MOVIE!
See ALL the NOMINEES Below!
VOTE Now for YOUR FAVORITE TV Movie Actors from 2015!
Please see the complete list of Nominees below, listed in alphabetical order, with their pictures, to choose which ones were your favorites. Then, you may Vote for your favorites by taking the Poll listed directly in this post! Please- one vote per person. Results will be kept confidential, until the ultimate winner is revealed.
POLL #4:
Your Favorite Actors from 2015:
(You may choose as many as you like and Vote for ALL of Your Favorites!)
Nominee List: (Scroll Down & Vote in the Poll Below...)
1. Paul Campbell
-- Surprised by Love - Hallmark Channel
2. Robin Dunne
-- On the 12th Day of Christmas - Hallmark Channel
3. Colin Egglesfield
-- Autumn Dreams - Hallmark Channel
4. Brennan Elliott
-- All of My Heart - Hallmark Channel
5. Paul Greene
-- Perfect Match - Hallmark Channel
-- A Christmas Detour - Hallmark Channel
6. Geoff Gustafson
-- Signed, Sealed, Delivered: From Paris With Love - Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
-- Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Truth be Told - Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
-- Signed, Sealed, Delivered: The Impossible Dream - Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
7. Gabriel Hogan
-- Murder She Baked: A Chocolate Chip Cookie Mystery - Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
-- Murder She Baked: A Plum Pudding Mystery - Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
-- Last Chance Christmas - Lifetime
8. Jesse Hutch
-- Harvest Moon - Hallmark Channel
9. Rupert Penry-Jones
-- Crown for Christmas - Hallmark Channel
10. Daniel Lissing
-- When Calls the Heart: New Years Wish - Hallmark Channel
11. Eric Mabius
-- Signed, Sealed, Delivered: From Paris With Love - Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
-- Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Truth be Told - Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
-- Signed, Sealed, Delivered: The Impossible Dream - Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
12. Cameron Mathison
-- Murder She Baked: A Chocolate Chip Cookie Mystery - Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
-- Murder She Baked: A Plum Pudding Mystery - Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Gerald
13. Gerald McRaney
-- Coat of Many Colors - NBC
14. Jesse Metcalfe
-- A Country Wedding - Hallmark Channel
15. Travis Milne
-- A Gift Wrapped Christmas - Lifetime
16. Dylan Neal
-- Gourmet Detective - Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
-- Gourmet Detective: A Healthy Place to Die - Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
17. Alan Powell
-- Christmas in the Smokies - INSP
18. Ricky Schroder
-- Coat of Many Colors - NBC
19. Andrew Walker
-- Dashing through the Snow - Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
20. Chad Willett
-- So You Said Yes - Hallmark Channel
THIS POLL IS CLOSED!
and for your Enthusiasm
in the "It's a Wonderful Movie" Polls!
FYI: This poll will close May 4th at 12 noon eastern standard time and the poll for Favorite Actress from 2015 - will arrive that same day!
Have fun choosing all your favorites!!!
Lori Loughlin stars in "Garage Sale Mystery: The Novel Murders"
MOVIE REVIEW
Movie: Garage Sale Mystery: The Novel Murders
Network: Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
Original Air Date: June 5, 2016
CAST:
Lori Loughlin ... Jennifer Shannon
Sarah Strange ... Dani
Kevin O’Grady ... Detective Lynwood
Steve Bacic ... Jason Shannon
Eva Bourne ... Hannah Shannon
Connor Stanhope ... Logan Shannon
Jason Cermak ... Police Officer
PLOT:
via Hallmark: Jennifer Shannon (Lori Loughlin) is a garage sale shopping expert whose sharp observation skills allow her to uncover valuable antiques, as well as help her local police department solve mysteries. Jennifer is asked to make a home delivery for a customer, but she finds the recipient has been murdered. Jennifer soon realizes that the victim's cold-blooded demise is a re-enactment of a murder in a classic mystery novel. When Jennifer discovers connections between suspects and victims, and uncovers their ties to the literary world, she must race against time to solve the Novel Murders case, without becoming the killer's next victim.
Movie Review:
Coming...
See or Skip:
Coming...
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Image Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss
Monday, April 25, 2016
Hallmark Announces June Wedding Movies!!!
screen capture via Yahoo-TV video announcement |
Actress Danica McKellar (Perfect Match, Crown for Christmas) announced via Yahoo TV video the 4 new movies for the Hallmark Channel's "June Wedding" theme... including one she will star in!
All details below via Yahoo-TV:
UPDATE: MS. MATCHED ADDED TO THE JUNE WEDDINGS SCHEDULE! SEE DETAILS HERE!
Wedding Bells, premiering (UPDATED!) Saturday, June 5 at 9 p.m. ET
Stars: Danica McKellar (The Wonder Years), Kavan Smith (When Calls the Heart), Bruce Boxleitner (Cedar Cove), Tammy Gillis (Unleashing Mr. Darcy)
Molly Quinn is a young New York fashion designer who would rather be single than risk being hurt by love. As she struggles to create a new fashion line, Molly’s socialite best friend, Amy, and her fiancΓ©, James, invite her to dinner. At a trendy restaurant, Molly meets handsome chef Nick Turner, a confirmed bachelor, who also believes that love only leads to heartache. When Amy learns that her wealthy family has suddenly gone broke, she is forced to cancel her elaborate wedding plans. Lending a helping hand, Nick offers to cater the affair at his father’s closed-down Massachusetts inn, and Molly volunteers to spearhead the wedding preparations.
At the inn, Molly and Nick are greeted by Charlie, Nick’s gruff-but-lovable dad, who is still grieving over the loss of his wife. As they beautify the resort and prepare for the upcoming wedding, Molly’s vintage tastes and emphasis on comfort clash with Nick’s refined sensibilities. Before long, Molly and Nick are inspired by a collection of Charlie’s old love letters and — despite their not believing in romance — find themselves falling for each other. On the day of the wedding, Amy and James realize they are not right for one another and decide to call it off. As her friends’ wedding plans unravel, Molly worries that a relationship with Nick wouldn’t work out, and suggests they part ways. But when she returns to the New York fashion scene, Molly can’t stop reminiscing about her time at the inn — and her time with Nick. With the inn now staged for a perfect wedding, the young fashion designer wonders if it’s too late to finally take a chance on love.
Stop the Wedding, premiering Saturday, June 11 at 9 p.m. ET
Stars: Rachel Boston (The Witches of East End), Alan Thicke (Growing Pains), Teryl Rothery (Cedar Cove)
When Annabelle Coakley, a young, single attorney, finds out that her beloved aunt who raised her is marrying a famous actor who is known just as much for his multiple failed marriages as for his acting career, Annabelle’s protective instincts take over and she is determined to keep her aunt from making a big mistake. The groom-to-be’s son also runs to the rescue of his father, believing he has once again found a bride in love with his money instead of him. When the two young saviors meet, things get messy. But in the process of trying to stop the wedding, they find themselves falling in love and learning to let go.
The Convenient Groom, premiering Saturday, June 18 at 9 p.m. ET
Stars: Vanessa Marcil (General Hospital, Las Vegas)
In the charming New England town of Nantucket, Dr. Kate Lawrence, a celebrity relationship expert, shoots another dating advice video for her popular blog. Later, at a farmers market, Kate shops with her fiancΓ©, Bryan, a handsome and perfectly polished businessman. There, Kate runs into Lucas Wright, a carpenter specializing in handcrafted furniture, who has had a crush on her since their high school days. Hoping to land a book deal, and urged by her aggressive show-business agent, Kate plans to publicly announce her engagement — and film the subsequent wedding arrangements for her blog — as a way to build her fanbase. At an upscale event, as Kate prepares to share the news, Bryan shocks her by breaking up with her and calling off the wedding. Wanting to save her from humiliation and protect her public image, Lucas steps in and pretends to be Kate’s fiancΓ©. With her career at risk, Kate reluctantly moves forward with her agent’s plan to let the public continue believing that Lucas — whom she considers just a friend — is her soon-to-be husband.
As a film crew shoots Kate and Lucas’ wedding preparations, the counterfeit couple starts to develop real feelings for each other. When Lucas declares his affections, Kate panics and — fearing a relationship would end in heartbreak — pushes him away. As her career soars, Kate feels guilty about betraying her fans and decides to confess that Lucas is not her fiancΓ©. But before Kate can apologize, Bryan’s new girlfriend posts a viral video, exposing Kate as a liar and her engagement to Lucas as a fraud. With her career and life now in shambles, the young relationship expert learns an unexpected lesson about love, and sets out to revive the romance she let slip away.
The Wedding March, premiering Saturday, June 25 at 9 p.m. ET
Stars: Jack Wagner (The Bold & The Beautiful) and Josie Bissett (Melrose Place)
Olivia Parsons is a fortysomething home stager and single mom to her 20-year old daughter, Grace. Though she favors work over romance, Olivia plans to marry Josh Johnson, a prominent — and career-obsessed — New York realtor. At Grace’s suggestion, Olivia agrees to have her wedding at a picturesque New England inn. When Olivia arrives at the inn, she’s shocked to find it is owned and operated by her college sweetheart, former pop star Mick Turner (Jack Wagner, When Calls the Heart). Having separated on bad terms over two decades ago, Olivia’s chance reunion with Mick becomes even more awkward when her wedding band cancels and Mick’s college-bound daughter, Julie, arranges for him to perform in their place.
As the wedding day approaches, Olivia and Mick initially lock horns but soon, feelings for each other begin to resurface. Meanwhile, Josh learns that Mick is considering selling the inn and jumps at the chance to become his realtor, focusing on breaking into the New England real estate market instead of his upcoming marriage. When Grace and Julie notice sparks reigniting between their respective mom and dad, they subtly — and not so subtly — encourage the former couple to reunite. Though Olivia and Josh make a perfect team as business partners, Olivia starts to question whether they’re romantically compatible — and wonders if romance might be more important to her than she originally thought. When Mick makes his true feelings known at the rehearsal dinner, Olivia must decide if she’s going to walk down the aisle as planned, or give her first love a second chance.
I hope you will *fall in love*
with all of these new "June Weddings"
coming soon to the Hallmark Channel!
*Thank you to Sherry in California, who already had figured out most of this casting above... And, also to Lisa Colangelo's Facebook Group Page, L. Monroe, and Jill for sharing information about this press release with me!!!
Hallmark Channel's Prom Movie "Date With Love" starring Shenae Grimes-Beech, Andrew Walker and Bailee Madison!
MOVIE REVIEW
Movie: Date With Love
Network: Hallmark Channel
Original Air Date: May 21, 2016
CAST:
Shenae Grimes-Beech
Andrew Walker
Bailee Madison
Andrea Brooks
PLOT:
When a small-town boy’s video “promposal” to a star goes viral, it scores him a date to prom with his celebrity crush. But when the star begins to fall for the boy’s teacher, things get complicated.
Movie Review:
Coming...
See or Skip:
Coming...
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Movie: Date With Love
Network: Hallmark Channel
Original Air Date: May 21, 2016
CAST:
Shenae Grimes-Beech
Andrew Walker
Bailee Madison
Andrea Brooks
PLOT:
When a small-town boy’s video “promposal” to a star goes viral, it scores him a date to prom with his celebrity crush. But when the star begins to fall for the boy’s teacher, things get complicated.
Movie Review:
Coming...
See or Skip:
Coming...
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*Christmas Movie* Interview: Bestselling Author Landria Onkka of 'The Rooftop Christmas Tree'... an upcoming UP Original Christmas TV Movie!
On this 25th day of April - 8 months 'til Christmas... I am most thrilled to share with you all today - my interview with writer Landria Onkka whose first book 'The Rooftop Christmas Tree' - will become a TV Movie this upcoming Christmas Season! (Yes, you read that right - Landria's first book ever is becoming a TV movie!)
Landria Onkka has been in touch with me on the making of the movie, and I thought it would be fun to share an interview with all of you, which gives some fascinating insight into the movie's story, behind-the-scenes details, and more...!!!
I'm also certain most of you will recognize the leading actors in "The Rooftop Christmas Tree" - Michelle Morgan (Lou Fleming-Morris, Heartland), Stephen Huszar (The minister Father Scott Aubrey, "A Bone to Pick: An Aurora Teagarden Mystery"), and Tim Reid (WKRP in Cincinnati, Sister, Sister), and more...!!!
Hope you all enjoy our interview *chat* below...
--------------------
INTERVIEW
LANDRIA ONKKA
--------------------
Net, It's a Wonderful Movie: First of all, congratulations on your book The Rooftop Christmas Tree! Please share with us your inspiration for writing this story?
Landria Onkka: Thank you! It’s pretty exciting to see my first published book go direct to television. I’m especially excited because, as you know, “The Rooftop Christmas Tree” is based on a true story. I heard about it a few years ago from friends that were involved in the case. Basically, a small town resident (Mr. Landis, not his real name) keeps placing a Christmas tree on his roof. Because it violated city codes, he would get cited. Refusing to take it down, he’d end up standing before the local Judge (a friend of mine), year after year. I took it into fiction by adding the romance between Sarah and John, but the circumstances around Mr. Landis are real, as is the ending. Whenever I shared the story with friends, they would cry. I realized that it represented hope and faith and reinforces what we all know - that miracles are possible. The fact that the scenario took place at Christmas made it even more magical. It was a story that had to be shared and I hope it inspires others for years to come!
on the set of "The Rooftop Christmas Tree image via: Millstonenews.com / Almonte doubles as ‘Rosedale’ (Ian MacLean) |
Net, It's a Wonderful Movie: Before you recently became a published writer, you were working in the ever-evolving world of business and finance. What inspired you to leave that behind, and start writing?
Landria Onkka: Wow! Talk about a major shift! After 20 years as an investment banker, making a change wasn’t easy. But I wasn’t having fun anymore. I was always known for being a good writer and loved it, but never thought of it as a career. Going from Wall Street to writing books wasn’t even a consideration. Then my parents and my doggy died suddenly and within months of each another. I realized that life is short and it was time to go after my dreams!
I had been sitting on the ‘Rooftop’ story for over a year and knew that it had to be shared. I hammered out the book and self-published within four months. It was a blessing that I had the pressure of getting it out before Christmas! Only a few months later, it was a best seller, got several awards, optioned, and green lit (went into production). My agent said that was unheard of!
I have to admit that I did have an advantage. My finance career had a focus on entertainment, so I knew about contracts, how writers got paid and how much. I had worked with some pretty big producers, knew what made a marketable storyline, what networks wanted and how the system worked. However, coming onto the scene as the writer was a different role altogether. I had to learn all of the important steps required before getting a story in front of publishers, agents and producers. I took courses in Internet Marketing and had to learn how to publish, promote, and market myself. My hard work paid off. It still hasn’t fully sunk in!
Net, It's a Wonderful Movie: I am so thrilled to hear your book The Rooftop Christmas Tree will become a Made-for-TV movie on the UP network! That is truly wonderful! Please share with us, how it happened!
Landria Onkka:As an investment banker, I had worked on many television projects in addition to big screen movies. I knew what they desired from a commercial standpoint and knew that I needed to present an appealing story to the appropriate audience. Before publishing, I watched every UP, Hallmark, and Lifetime Christmas movie possible! I knew that the public craved family entertainment, uplifting stories, and love happy endings at Christmas. So, I made it my goal to deliver just that.
My agent presented to award winning producers with a track record of uplifting movies and I was immediately picked up by a production company and considered by two major networks. I am so pleased that UP Worldwide Entertainment and award winning Director, David Winning, are bringing my story to the public.
Net, It's a Wonderful Movie: What’s the best advice you were ever given, as a writer or business woman?
Landria Onkka: Something that I have always desired was a mentor. I am sad to say that no one ever filled that role for me. Having been a woman in a male dominated industry my whole career, with extensive entertainment, and now artistic experience, I have my own advice to share. Never doubt and never quit. No matter what your circumstances, all things are possible. When you send that message and that belief out to the Universe, there are no limits to what you can receive.
It’s nice to have dreams, but entrepreneurs and the truly successful are action people. When they get kicked, they get back up and use those experiences to become stronger, better, and thankful. Every challenge is an advantage, if we so choose to see it that way and use it. I was usually the only woman in a room full of testosterone and I felt privileged because I learned so much. There is good in everyone and if more people saw the lessons in their struggles, they would have everything in life they ever dreamed of!
Net, It's a Wonderful Movie: Since this will be your first Christmas movie, I must ask, what are some of your all-time favorite Christmas movies?
Landria Onkka: “Miracle on 34th Street” is definitely my number one. Not the remake, but the original. It is timeless. Call me corny, but I still love the animated “Rudolph” special. I’m always looking for new, inspiring ‘favorites,’ but the classics still rank tops with me. Maybe “The Rooftop Christmas Tree” will earn a ‘favorite’ spot for viewers!
Net, It's a Wonderful Movie: What’s next? Do you have any future books or potential movie projects you can share with us?
Landria Onkka: As of this interview, the sequel to “Rooftop” is being printed. It is called “A Bell for Christmas.” Anyone who read “Rooftop” may recall a homeless, old lady and her Terrier roaming the streets. No one knows much about her, but there is a rumor that she comes from wealth. I based that character, Bell, on someone that used to come into my veterinarian’s office. She supposedly came from wealth, but she dressed like a bag lady and would steal the treats on the reception counter, then walk out! I’d see her outside feeding her little dog. It got the wheels turning!
Bell is a major character in the new book and, of course, attorneys Sarah and John are on the case! We learn a lot about Judge Joe (Judge Sam Conner in the movie) and his mysterious past. It’s a combination of mystery and romance. Of course, there is a bit of magic and a miracle or two! The same production company as “Rooftop” will be reviewing the story shortly and you’ll be one of the first to know if they plan on filming it, or if a new producer picks it up. And, because there is a focus on animal rescues (attorney Sarah’s and my priority), I am donating a percentage of every book sale to an animal rescue and will announce that progress on my website.
As for more stories . . . I have quite a few coming out this year. “Wooden Mistletoe,” another Christmas romance, will be released next and we’ll be announcing who will produce that television movie, also.
Net, It's a Wonderful Movie: What do you hope viewers will take away, from watching “The Rooftop Christmas Tree” this Christmas Season on UP?
Landria Onkka: That “all things are possible.” Never waver from your faith, and keep an open heart. Things are often not what they appear to be. Be kind to one another even when you don’t understand another person’s struggles. It’s what we came here for! Make Christmas joy a daily practice.
Net, It's a Wonderful Movie: Where can my readers find out more about you or your work?
Landria Onkka: I recently launched my website http://landriaonkka.com where readers can visit and sign up for the latest news and announcements. Current or aspiring writers can sign up for a free writing course on the site, and I also offer private mentoring. I also just launched a YouTube channel where I share my steps to success in writing and movies. That can be found by going to You Tube and searching for landriaonkka.com. Feel free to find me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Landria-Onkka-Books-and-Movies-1379357002394405/. Of course, my books are available on Amazon.com and a Google search pulls up just about everything you want to (or not want to) know about me!
Thank you so much for this fun interview! I’ll be tracking your site for more, great movies and comments.
Thank you so much Landria - for doing this interview today with me on "It's a Wonderful Movie"! I know you have certainly garnered my curiosity and interest in your inspiring Christmas story - and I'm sure many of my readers, as well! You have been a joy to "work with", most generous with your time, and kind... and I'm most excited and looking forward to us chatting again about your future projects!
If my followers here would like to read Landria Onkka's 'The Rooftop Christmas Tree' before it's debut on TV, you can get your copy today at Amazon!
And, be sure to mark your calendars now! "The Rooftop Christmas Tree" movie is currently scheduled to premiere on UP-TV, December 1, 2016. Be sure to stay tuned here for any further updates, details, movie images, and more...!
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