Secret's Out! New *SUMMER* Movie tonight on Hallmark!!!

Tonight's new movie on Hallmark
"Secret Summer"
is straight from PixL's Movie Library! (It originally premiered last Spring on PixL - details here.) However, if you don't have PixL, this movie is definitely new to You! And, it's new to Hallmark!

"Secret Summer" Movie Details via PixL:
Appraiser Rachel (Lindsey Shaw) receives the news that her top-notched client wants to buyout a small town’s beloved library to build a resort and spa on the land. Rachel is completely against the idea of leaving NYC but loses the argument to her boss. So Rachel packs her bags and flies out to California. During her first visit to the library she runs into writer, Jake (Derek Theler), who is researching the tale of Captain Black Bart’s hidden treasures for his next novel. With hopes of saving the library, Mrs. Archer (Rachel Ticotin), the librarian, pushes Jake to show Rachel what the library means to the town. Jake’s already got a lot on his plate with his research and taking care of his niece, Hailey (Chiara Aurelia), and nephew, Noah (Max Page), for the summer but he agrees to help out. As Rachel learns what the library means to the community she must find away to save it before it’s too late.


I was also honored to interview the screen writer of this film, Cara J. Russell, last year! See that awesome interview - here!

Then, be sure to watch "Secret Summer"

at 9pm/8c. Thursday June 1, 2017

on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
Encore Airing: Wednesday June 14 7pm/6c.

More PixL Movies Coming to Hallmark in June!!!

See Secret Summer June 1, 2017 on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries!

Plus, see Love on the Vines (with Jack Wagner, Hearties!) June 8, 2017 on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries!

UPDATE: Unfortunately, the movie "Love on the Vines" has been removed from Hallmark's schedule. Please stay tuned for any updates.

For more movie details - click on their movie titles - Secret Summer + Love on the Vines!

Times airing are listed in the Family TV Schedule!

Interview Alert: Screenwriter Cara J. Russell (Have you seen her TV Movies?)

I am delighted to welcome to my site today, and share with you all, my exclusive interview on "It's a Wonderful Movie" with screenwriter Cara J. Russell!

In our discussion, Cara shares details on her UP and PixL original movies, as she gives an insight into the world of screenwriting and movie making, and some upcoming movie news, too!!!

I do hope all of you will enjoy our interview *chat* below...

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INTERVIEW

CARA J. RUSSELL

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image credit: Facebook

 

Net, It's a Wonderful Movie: First, please share with us, as a screenwriter, which Made-for-TV movies you have written?


Cara J. Russell: My first TV movie HEAVENLY MATCH starring Samaire Armstrong, Brendan Penny, & Letoya Luckett, based on the book "Heavens to Betsy" by Beth Patillo, aired in 2014 on the UP Network.

SECRET SUMMER staring Lindsey Shaw, Derek Theler, Chiara Aurelia, Emily Rose, Lucas Bryant, and Isaiah Washington premiered on April 2nd on PixL. It is currently airing on PixL (channel 338 on Dish) and can also be watched on YouTube Secret Summer with a subscription or a free 14 day trial.

image: Heavenly Match, via UP

 

Net, It's a Wonderful Movie: Please share a little of the plot/story behind your newest PixL premiere movie, “Secret Summer”.


Cara J. Russell: Derek Theler plays Uncle Jake, a nomadic writer who is estranged from his family. Jake is researching his latest book on Black Bart, an outlaw during the Gold Rush days, in the California mountains when a family emergency lands Jake's niece Hailey (Chiara Aurelia) and his nephew Noah (Max Page) stuck spending the summer with an uncle they barely know. New York city girl Rachel (Lindsey Shaw) is in town to appraise the local library, which is the heart of this mountain community. As Jake mends his family ties, he begins to fall for Rachel despite being on a mission to stop the library from being sold.

image: Secret Summer, via PixL

Net, It's a Wonderful Movie: Where do you find inspiration for your stories/characters?


Cara J. Russell: That is a great question! My family and friends provide inspiration, and every guy I've ever had a crush on ends up as a character too! People are fascinating; I always love hearing someone's story about who they are, and why they are who they are. I am a big reader; I love libraries, book stores and on-line news articles. It's also true that fact is stranger than fiction. My favorite news crime article (you can google it) that I've ever read was titled: "Ice Cream Truck Turf War: Sno Cone Joe stalked Mr. Ding-A-ling, N.Y. police say" That's a comedy movie right there. You can't make this stuff up!

image: Heavenly Match, via UP

Net, It's a Wonderful Movie: We would love to know a little behind the scenes… could you share how your stories became Made-for-TV movies?


Cara J. Russell: I am a long time Head Mentor for the Young Storytellers Foundation, a www.youngstorytellers.com/ a fantastic literacy program that teaches screenwriting to fourth and fifth graders in the LA city schools. One of my mentors one semester was the wonderful Libby Beers who is a producer. She brought me in as the writer for HEAVENLY MATCH. I have had the pleasure of continuing to work with Libby on my PixL movies as well. It is thanks to YSF and Libby that I am a produced screenwriter.


I met Chiara, Derek, Lindsey, and Max when I visited the SECRET SUMMER set last April. They couldn't have been nicer, and they all did such a fantastic job in this movie. It's a thrill for me as a writer to watch such talented actors act out my words and bring the characters that were in my head to life!

SECRET SUMMER screening party with stars
Chiara Aurelia and Derek Theler
and screenwriter Cara J. Russell
 

Net, It's a Wonderful Movie: What’s next? Do you have any news of upcoming movies, premiering on PixL or elsewhere, that you can share with us?


Cara J. Russell: I have a yet to be titled movie starring Adelaide Kane and Ben Hollingsworth that just wrapped, and one titled GROOMZILLA starring Darin Brooks and Elizabeth Rice, along with DeVaughn Nixon, Roland Kickinger, and Manny Streetz that just started filming. I'm not allowed to talk about those until they air on PixL but I had a blast writing the screenplays and can't wait to see the movies!


Additionally, I have an indie sports comedy about the first collegiate American football team in Wales called THE THUNDERERS that will be filming soon at Aberystwyth University in Wales, starring Cody Saintgnue from MTV'sTeen Wolf as the antagonist QB, produced & directed by Michael Capozzoli.

I am a producer on my indie drama LOVELAND which is also with producer/director Michael Capozzoli.

I also have a romantic comedy feature in development with Suzanne Todd's Team Todd. We are currently looking for an A list director, so if anyone is reading this... :-)

on the set pic: "Groomzilla" via Instagram

on the set pic: "Groomzilla" via Instagram

Net, It's a Wonderful Movie: What do you hope viewers will take away, today and in the future, from watching one of your movies?

Cara J. Russell: Another great question! I would hope that someone watching one of my movies felt entertained, inspired, educated, and a little bit less alone.

on the set pic: of Cara J. Russell's untitled movie

Net, It's a Wonderful Movie: Where can my readers find out more about you or your work?


Cara J. Russell: Twitter & IG @carajrussell and www.facebook.com/caralotproductions/

It's been wonderful chatting with you today, and thank you for supporting family movies and writers!

All the best! Cara

That's a wrap!

 

My thoughts exactly... I feel the very same, Cara! It has been wonderful talking with you, as well! Thank you for this lovely conversation and taking the time to have this *chat* with me for "It's a Wonderful Movie"!

(Thank you to my movie friend, Gina - for making this interview possible!)

I also appreciate, Cara... you sharing your upcoming movie Groomzilla and the *hints* on your new untitled movies! (whispering...) We'll keep the news hush, hush, but it sounds like you have great casting!

I'm sure many of my followers have enjoyed your original films and are looking forward to the new stories you have created!

God's blessings to you Cara... in your writing endeavors and movie journey!

**********

Details on the PixL channel:

Many of Cara's movies mentioned above are currently shown on the PixL channel, which is currently available through Dish Network - Channel 388 (SD/HD) or Cablevision - Channel 139 (SD) or Channel 839 (HD). You can also watch PixL through their on-line YouTube channel for a small fee. Click here to check it out.

If you don't have the PixL channel - please ask for it!

PixL offers family movies 24-7 - commercial free, so this is definitely a channel you will want to request from your cable provider, for your family!

**********

Hallmark's First "Spring Fling" Flick, PixL's "Summer Movie" & the last "When Calls the Heart" before the Finale all this First Weekend in April!

Saturday - April 2, 2016:

*Spring It On* with Hallmark's First *Spring Fling* Premiere Flick this Saturday...

All Yours

Storyline via Hallmark: When Cass, a single mother and high powered attorney, hires Matt, a family friend, as a nanny out of desperation, she realizes she’s missing something in life and needs to take a chance on... click here to read more...

All Yours

Premieres on the Hallmark Channel

Saturday April 2, 2016 at 9pm/8c.



Also, on Saturday, April 2... PixL TV premieres their latest new original movie...

It's not a Secret any longer...

Secret Summer

Storyline via PixL: Appraiser Rachel (Lindsey Shaw) receives the news that her top-notched client wants to buyout a small town’s beloved library to build a resort and spa on the land. Rachel is completely against the idea of leaving NYC but loses the argument to her boss. So Rachel packs her bags and flies out to California. During her first visit to the library she runs into... click here to read more...

Secret Summer

Premieres on PixL TV

Saturday April 2, 2016 at 9pm/8c.

Sunday - April 3, 2016:

Brooke Shields stars in an all new "When Calls the Heart" as Jack's mother...

When Calls the Heart

 

Episode 8, Hearts in Question: When Jack's mother (Brooke Shields) rides into town for a surprise visit, Elizabeth tries to connect with the frontier woman and find a common ground. Rosemary enlists help from the townspeople as she plans her perfectly over-the-top wedding to Lee, before worrying whether they are compatible after all. And as bad weather moves in, it threatens the surrounding land of Hope Valley, and the hard-working settlers and their families could face a terrible fate.

Click here for more details and pictures!

When Calls the Heart

Premieres on the Hallmark Channel

Saturday April 2, 2016 at 9pm/8c.

 

 

Hope you all have a wonderful

Spring Weekend!!!

PixL Family Movies and New Premieres!!!

If you get the PixL movie channel, then you know they play family movies 24-7 - commercial free. And, every month they premiere a new family movie!

Here's a closer look at some PixL movies...

*When Duty Calls premiered January 2, 2016 on PixL.

*UPDATE: This movie premiered March 2, 2017 on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries!

Cast:
Daniella Monet
Kelly Blatz
Judd Nelson
Leslie David Baker
Daphne Zuniga

Movie Details via PixL:
Newlyweds Ellie (Daniella Monet) and Martin Skopic (Kelly Blatz) have reached a roadblock in their careers. With Ellie unable to get placed on her local police force, and Martin recently laid off, they are required to move into a retirement community with Ellie’s parents, Gary (Judd Nelson) and Carol (Daphne Zuniga). With hopes of being hired at their local police department, Ellie volunteers for the Sheriff Support Team Volunteer Cadet Program. While patrolling the neighborhood Ellie encounters a home invasion, and contrary to protocol, decides to try to track down the intruders. Against orders, Ellie continues to investigate the string of neighborhood robberies. In the meantime, Martin announces he was offered a position at a prep school in Maine. However, he’s taken aback by Ellie’s lack of enthusiasm at his news. With Ellie’s life in jeopardy she must find a balance to save the neighborhood and her marriage.

*Casa Vita premiered February 6, 2016 on PixL.

*UPDATE: This movie premiered September 6, 2016 on Lifetime Movie Network!

Cast:
Jean-Luc Bilodeau
Lindsey Morgan
Esai Morales
Sherilyn Fenn

Movie Details via PixL:
Iowa farmer Early Lindstrom (Jean-Luc Bilodeau) receives an invitation to attend a Major League baseball camp in Los Angeles. New to town, Early is invited by teammate Beto to his family’s Mexican restaurant where Early is immediately smitten by the chef, Ariana (Lindsey Morgan). Wanting to get close to Ariana, Early applies for the prep cook position. Against Ariana’s wishes her father, Rodrigo (Esai Morales), hires him. After a cold start, their relationship softens when they learn they both share a strained relationship with their fathers. As they grow closer, Ariana reveals to Early that she is secretly planning on opening a restaurant. When Early makes the team he receives a congratulatory kiss from a flirtatious agent, Taylor. Things are looking good for the pair until Early suffers an injury on the field that threatens to destroy his career and send him home to the farm.

*Change of Heart premiered March 5, 2016 on PixL.

Cast:
Leah Pipes
Rick Malambri
John Ratzenberger
Lindsay Wagner

Movie Details via PixL:
Diane McCarthy (Leah Pipes) is a reality television producer for her arrogant ex-boyfriend’s show highlighting travel destinations. While driving to her next assignment, Diane swerves off the road and gets stuck as a storm approaches. Nearby, she sees the Forest Cove bed and breakfast. Owner, Helen (Lindsay Wagner), offers Diane a complimentary room until her car is ready. Diane, desperate for shelter, accepts Helen’s offer and meets Helen’s handsome son Andy (Rick Malambri). Impressed by its charm, Diane changes plans for the next episode to instead focus on Forest Cove. Helen is excited and hopes the show will bring in much needed business. Andy, preparing to sell the struggling property, is against it. Despite his objections, Andy and Diane bond while preparing for the show. But it gets complicated when, Jared, Diane’s ex and host of the show, arrives and throws a wrench in things

*Secret Summer premiered April 2, 2016 on PixL.

*UPDATE: This movie will premiere June 1, 2017 on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries!

Cast:
Lindsey Shaw
Derek Theler
Rachel Ticotin
Isaiah Washington

Movie Details via PixL:
Appraiser Rachel (Lindsey Shaw) receives the news that her top-notched client wants to buyout a small town’s beloved library to build a resort and spa on the land. Rachel is completely against the idea of leaving NYC but loses the argument to her boss. So Rachel packs her bags and flies out to California. During her first visit to the library she runs into writer, Jake (Derek Theler), who is researching the tale of Captain Black Bart’s hidden treasures for his next novel. With hopes of saving the library, Mrs. Archer (Rachel Ticotin), the librarian, pushes Jake to show Rachel what the library means to the town. Jake’s already got a lot on his plate with his research and taking care of his niece, Hailey (Chiara Aurelia), and nephew, Noah (Max Page), for the summer but he agrees to help out. As Rachel learns what the library means to the community she must find away to save it before it’s too late.



Please note: I do not personally have the PixL station, therefore I have not previewed any of these movies above, although this station is known for playing family safe films!


PixL's commitment to viewers reads: "PixL guarantees you'll never find bad language or inappropriate content in any PixL programming... just 100% high-quality, family-friendly Hollywood entertainment."


REQUEST PixL:

If you don't have the PixL channel - be sure to request it! Dish-TV carries it and so should DirecTV and other cable providers!

You can also watch PixL through their on-line youtube channel for a small fee. Click here to check it out.

Click here to contact DirecTV via Twitter and Facebook. Or give them a quick call at 1-800-507-2716 and request PixL.