Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Hallmark retells "My Fair Lady" with Movie "The Art of Us" starring Taylor Cole and Steve Lund!


HALLMARK CHANNEL PRESS RELEASE:

A MODERN TAKE ON
‘MY FAIR LADY’

TAYLOR COLE AND STEVE LUND
STAR IN
‘THE ART OF US,’

A NEW, ORIGINAL
HALLMARK CHANNEL
ORIGINAL MOVIE WORLD PREMIERE

SATURDAY, MAY 20

Co-Star “Vincent the Dog” Part of Crown Media Family Networks’ Global Initiative
to End Pet Homelessness

images: Crown Media Family Networks
Steve Lund (“Christmas Incorporated”) and
Taylor Cole (“Christmas at Homestead”)

STUDIO CITY, CA – March 29, 2017 – Taylor Cole (“The Originals,” “Christmas at Homestead”) and Steve Lund (“Schitt’s Creek,” “Reign”) star in Hallmark Channel’s “The Art of Us,” a new original movie premiering Saturday, May 20 (9 p.m. ET/PT). The film also has a prominent story arc for “Vincent the Dog” and other adorable canines, part of Crown Media Family Networks’ (home of Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries) global pet initiative and the company’s steadfast commitment to end pet homelessness by using entertainment to show the joys pets bring to our lives every day. Crown Media Family Networks produces pet-centric original movies and specials (“Kitten Bowl,” “Meow Madness,” “Hero Dog Awards”) to create awareness for the beautiful animals at local shelters waiting to find a forever home.

“The Art of Us” is a modern retelling of “My Fair Lady.” Dr. Harper Higgins (Cole) is determined to land a tenured position at Boston College, and she is counting on curating a big art gallery at the university to do so. But when Higgins loses her showcase artist and can find no one else, she turns to her recently hired dog walker Tom Stone (Lund) who, unbeknownst to anyone, is a very skilled painter. Transforming Tom into a credible, respected artist is going to take work, but Dr. Higgins feels up to the challenge. The only complication comes when professor and artist fall for each other during the charade and risk being outed by a competing professor.

“We are fortunate to continue developing innovative content while simultaneously partnering with tremendously talented actors such as Taylor Cole and Steve Lund,” said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming and Publicity.

“Taylor Cole and Steve Lund radiate the screen and we have no doubt they will create a masterpiece together with ‘The Art of Us,’” Vicary concluded.

“The Art of Us” is an Art of Us Films Inc production. Howard Braunstein and Sydell Albert are executive producers. Christian Bruyere is producer. Kristoffer Tabori directs from the teleplay by Karen Berger, based on the book by Teri Wilson.

ABOUT HALLMARK CHANNEL

Hallmark Channel is Crown Media Family Networks’ flagship 24-hour cable television network, distributed nationwide in high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) to 88.5 million homes. As the country’s leading destination for quality family entertainment, Hallmark Channel delivers on the 100-year legacy of the Hallmark brand. In addition to its signature new, original movies, the network features an ambitious lineup of other new, original content, including scripted primetime series, such as “Good Witch,” “When Calls the Heart” and “Chesapeake Shores”; annual specials including “Kitten Bowl” and “Hero Dog Awards”; and a daily, two-hour lifestyle show, “Home & Family.” Additionally, Hallmark Channel is the exclusive home to world premiere presentations of the acclaimed Hallmark Hall of Fame franchise. Dedicated to helping viewers celebrate life’s special moments, Hallmark Channel also offers annual holiday programming franchises, including “Countdown to Christmas,” “Countdown to Valentine’s Day,” “Summer Nights,” “Fall Harvest” and “Winterfest.” Rounding out the network’s diverse slate are some of television’s most beloved comedies and series, including “The Golden Girls,” “The Middle,” “Last Man Standing” and “Frasier.”

--- END OF PRESS RELEASE ---


My *Quick* Take...

I love the original "My Fair Lady" movie starring Audrey Hepburn - so I can't wait to see this modern "twisted" re-telling of this classic film, on the Hallmark Channel! If you recall, there was a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, "The Makeover," which also had a plot twist on the original "My Fair Lady" movie. In it, the characters also flipped gender roles, as actress Julia Stiles portrayed Hannah Higgins, actor David Walton portrayed Elliot Doolittle, and Camryn Manheim portrayed Colleen Pickering. Should be interesting to see how different or similar this movie is to that one!

So -- What do you think of this movie storyline and the pairing of Hallmark regulars Taylor Cole (“Christmas at Homestead”) and Steve Lund (“Christmas Incorporated”)? Potentially a good match-up, I think, but I would love to know your thoughts on it!?!?

10 comments:

  1. Sherry In CaliforniaWednesday, March 29, 2017

    I think that Steve and Taylor will be a good couple.

    :-) I am just going to throw it out there that I guessed Steve as the leading man over the weekend (though I did not post it here), and guessed Taylor in the leading role last week. (Ioana, Lori and Lisa know this to be true.)

    I told What's Filming to keep an eye on Steve just yesterday, to look for some sort of proof of his participation in the movie.

    We're seeing a few press releases about various things this week, because Hallmark's New York Upfront event is tonight! I would expect at least a couple more bits of news before the week is over.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Interesting pairing here and good to see Steve Lund back.

    I really liked him in The Best Christmas Party Ever but not so much in Christmas Incorporated which to my surprise is doing well in the Hallmark Brackets.

    I don't know how this will work out - I personally couldn't see much of connection between Unleashing Mr D'arcy and Pride And Prejudice.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I could see a lot of connections in Unleashing Mr. Darcy. With this one, I saw zero connection. I didn't even know it was supposed to be a My Fair Lady interpretation until I saw it here :/

      Delete
  3. I love Taylor Cole, I cant wait for this movie. Her and Steve Lund look good together.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I want to love her, and I do in some ways but I feel like she always comes across as a bit too mature for these roles.

      Delete
  4. I too love that movie and Audrey Hepburn, she was a class act, IMO no one holds a candle to her. I saw the Makeover and it was ok.
    Now on the other hand I do like both of these actors, but I have only seen them in Hallmark movies. We will see if they can put it off, but I think they can...it is Hallmark it can not be to bad, right?
    Thanks again for the scoop, I look forward to seeing this one as well.
    Have a good day, and God Bless you. :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Interview with Teri Wilson: Author of The Art of Us & Unleashing Mr. Darcy

    MARCH 29, 2017

    Earlier this week, production started on The Art of Us, a Hallmark original movie based on the popular book of the same name written by Teri Wilson. This is the second Hallmark movie based on one of Teri’s books after Unleashing Mr. Darcy was an instant success for the network during their Winterfest series in 2016.

    Teri Wilson was kind enough to take the time to answer some questions for us about her experience with Unleashing Mr. Darcy and what we can expect from the movie adaptation of The Art of Us. Check out the full interview below, but first a little back story on the movies.

    adapted as a movie?
    
TW: The Art of Us is a modern retelling of My Fair Lady with a gender reversal. The stuffy college professor is the heroine of the story, Dr. Harper Higgins. She’s an expert on Vincent Van Gogh and teaches art history. When a famous artist drops out of an art show she’s putting together, she tries to pass her ruggedly handsome dog walker off as a classically trained artist. It’s a romantic comedy with lots of heart. I think the visual aspects of the art theme will make it a really beautiful film. Of course the adorable dogs and gorgeous scenery will on

    WF: Will the movie adaptation of The Art of Us have any key differences from your original story?

    
TW: I’m really not sure. I haven’t seen the script yet. Even if I had, the script kind of evolves throughout the filming process and nothing is set in stone until the movie is edited. One of the aspects of the film that I’m really curious about is a dog character from the book named Vincent. Vincent is a Dachshund, and he only has one ear. (He’s a rescue dog named after Vincent Van Gogh.) It will be interesting to see if there are any one-eared dog actors out there!

    Excited for The Art of Us?
    While you’re waiting for The Art of Us to premiere.

    The Art of Us will continue filming in British Columbia until April 13th and premieres Saturday, May 20th at 9pm on Hallmark Channel.

    http://www.whatsfilming.ca/2017/03/29/interview-teri-wilson-author-of-the-art-of-us/

    ReplyDelete
  6. I enjoy both of these actors and am really looking forward to this one! Unleashing Mr. Darcy was one of my very favorites, from last year.

    ReplyDelete
  7. The Art of Us
    TV Movie
    03-26-2017 to 04-13-2017
    Taylor Cole, Ken Tremblett, Katerina Katelieva, Jennifer-Juniper Angeli, Frances Flanagan, Brenda Crichlow, Nathan Witte

    ReplyDelete
  8. What breed is Vincent the dog in The Art of Us?

    ReplyDelete

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