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.”
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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!?!?
