Christmas Movie Screenwriter

Producer Alexandre Coscas (70+ films) names the Christmas niche nobody's touching — and why Christmas beats romance for sheer opportunity.

Ever wondered what actually happens between "great script idea" and "it's on Hallmark this December"? In this episode, Caryn sits down with Alexandre Coscas, a producer with over 70 films to his credit, for an inside look at how Christmas movies really get made. Alex explains why Christmas content consistently outperforms romance across networks and streamers and points out a wide-open gap in the Christmas movie market.

YouTube interview: https://youtu.be/zrCfNYoF-D4

The Christmas Movie Screenwriter Podcast – Episode 44 Guest Alexandre Coscas, Producer Show Notes

HOST: Caryn McCann Website: https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristmasMovieScreenwriter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryn-mccann-5718058/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristmasMovieScreenwriter Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/christmasmovie X: https://twitter.com/MerryScriptmas

GUEST: Alexandre Coscas Website: Basset Hound Distribution: https://bhdi.net/ Reckless Pictures: https://recklesspictures.com/ StoryWorks: https://www.storyworksent.com IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0994279/?ref_=fn_t_2 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandrecoscas/

Producer Michael Goldstein breaks down exactly what Hallmark, Lifetime, and Netflix need from a Christmas script — and why Christmas "baked in" not backdrop, is the difference between a pass and a sale.

Chapters 0:11 Introduction and Updates 2:06 Christmas Makes the Story 3:32 Fresh Beats Formula 6:25 Creative Production Advantage 7:58 What Bold Really Means 9:57 Why Writers Get Rehired 12:01 Fast Drafts, Better Results 12:08 Platform Tone Differences 15:36 Why Scripts Fail 18:14 Page Count Sweet Spot 20:26 Career Upside Opens Doors 21:27 Christmas Market Outlook 23:18 Rom-Coms Beyond Christmas 25:30 Ideal Output Goals

YouTube interview

The Christmas Movie Screenwriter Podcast – Episode 43 Guest Producer Michael Goldstein – Reckless Pictures, Basset Hound Distribution and Timeless Pictures Show Notes

HOST: Caryn McCann Website: https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristmasMovieScreenwriter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryn-mccann-5718058/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristmasMovieScreenwriter Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/christmasmovie X: https://twitter.com/MerryScriptmas

GUEST: Michael Goldstein IMDB Website: Reckless Pictures Instagram

Former MarVista exec turned writer Justine Wentzell Chang explains why market fit, budget, and buyer mandates often wins out over "great writing" in Christmas TV movies — and how to shape your holiday scripts so they actually get bought and made.

Youtube: https://youtu.be/4i5w8lh7-cQ

Podcast: https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/42-why-good-writing-wont-sell-your-christmas-script

The Christmas Movie Screenwriter Podcast – Episode 42 Guest Justine Chang – Writer / Producer Show Notes

HOST: Caryn McCann Website: https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristmasMovieScreenwriter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryn-mccann-5718058/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristmasMovieScreenwriter Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/christmasmovie X: https://twitter.com/MerryScriptmas My author website: https://www.carynmccann.com/

GUEST: Justine Wentzell-Chang Website: https://www.redballoonstation.com IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7519079/?ref_=fn_t_1 Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-isforjawesome/ Substack: https://substack.com/@justinechang

Two British writer-directors share a five-step framework to make your Christmas movie stand out—from concept to pitch—so your next snowy romance doesn't melt into the slush pile.

British Writer-Director duo Tim Clague & Danny Stack discussed their experience with Christmas movies. They identified the importance of structural beats, particularly the meet-cute. They noted that while many writers have strong craft skills, a common issue is weak premises that are too similar to existing content.

For the shownotes, action checklist and transcript - go here:

https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/41-how-can-writers-stand-out-this-holiday

Showrunners Erin Rodman and Davah Avena reveal how they adapted a Christmas novel into Hallmark's first holiday limited series, built a collaborative room, and why screenwriters need a strong voice, endless ideas, social media, and even self‑publishing in their toolkit.​

For an action checklist, the show notes and a full transcript - go to:

https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/40-inside-hallmarks-first-christmas-limited-series/

Check out the YouTube interview here:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/cMk7-vJskWE

Unlock the secrets to writing original, captivating Christmas movies with filmmaker Jake Helgren—discover how unique characters, bold storytelling, and industry adaptability can elevate your next holiday script.

Check out our action checklist and the show notes at:

https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/39-script-risks-the-secret-to-hollywood-yes/

Unlock the secrets to memorable Christmas TV scripts. Director Heather Hawthorn Doyle shares why cozy visuals—like gestures and silence—speak louder than dialogue, and how emotional arcs and budget-friendly writing help your holiday screenplay stand out.

For an action checklist, the show notes and the transcript - go here:

Podcast:https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/38-heartfelt-christmas-screenwriting-directors-tips

YouTube: https://youtu.be/IDOmOI4BtP8

Producer Eric Jarboe shares insider tips on what producers truly want in Christmas scripts. He explains how to craft emotionally engaging characters and avoid clichés. Use his advice to make your screenplay irresistible to decision-makers.

In this episode, successful producer Eric Jarboe, co-founder of Happy Accidents and producer of over 130 films, reveals exactly what producers want. He breaks down the value of an emotionally resonant Christmas theme. Moreover, he highlights the need for compelling characters with clear objectives. Every story benefits from meaningful transformations that delight audiences.

Watch the YouTube interview here: https://youtu.be/ZCTbL8zePao

For all the show notes, an action checklist and transcript - go here:

https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/37-what-makes-producers-say-yes/

Hallmark screenwriter Nina Weinman shares how to craft email queries that grab attention and pitch Christmas scripts that stand out. Plus, learn how to build a diverse script portfolio, why targeted producer outreach beats contests, and how persistence and self-advocacy can accelerate your screenwriting success. Tune in to make your Christmas script stand out!

Check out the YouTube interview here: : https://youtu.be/JIl_FqzZPV8

Want to break into the Christmas movie market? Writer-Director-Producer Emily Ting shares how to sell your holiday script, what producers want, and why feel-good, original ideas stand out.

The Christmas movie market is hotter than ever. Hallmark, Netflix, and otherer platforms are constantly looking for fresh, heartwarming scripts. But what does it really take to sell one?

Award-winning writer, director, and producer Emily Ting shares her path from writing a passion project to landing a deal with Hallmark. In this episode, you'll learn why original ideas matter, how to reach producers directly, and why persistence can pay off—even if your script sits for years.

For the show notes and an action checklist – go here: https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/35-want-to-sell-your-holiday-script-start-here/

For the YouTube interview - go here: https://youtu.be/ygpCPH68ZMg

Director Jason Bourque explores how actors are becoming the new gatekeepers—and how writers can pitch smarter, write bolder, and unlock new paths into the Christmas movie market.

For an action checklist, the show notes and a full transcript - go here:

https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/34-are-actors-the-new-gatekeepers-for-writers/

Director-Producer Colin Theys reveals why leaning too heavily on traditional Christmas tropes can make your script seem stale. He shares practical tips to elevate your storytelling.

For an action checklist, the show-notes and the full transcript - go here: https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/33-are-holiday-tropes-ruining-your-story/

Check out the YouTube interview here: https://youtu.be/qhE3EJsZ8m0

How Do Producers Instantly Spot an Amateur Script? Award-winning producer Robyn Wiener of Synergy Cinema discusses what are the biggest red flags that make producers reject scripts instantly.

Learn how to avoid amateur mistakes, refine your storytelling, and turn familiar formulas into fresh, compelling screenplays that stand out in a competitive market.

For an action checklist, the show notes and the full transcript - go here: https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/32-how-do-producers-instantly-spot-an-amateur-script/

Check out the YouTube version: YouTube: https://youtu.be/uSQRs6_O6lU

Struggling to sell your 🎄 script? Screenwriter Gary Goldstein reveals what producers really want—and the biggest mistakes that keep writers from getting a deal! 🎬✨

In this episode, Gary discusses the evolving landscape of holiday movies, the balance between established tropes and originality, and the writing process from pitch to production. Gary shares networking strategies for aspiring writers and emphasizes the importance of drawing from personal experiences to enrich storytelling. He also reflects on his recent novels and how diverse writing experiences enhance his work, providing valuable insights for anyone interested in the holiday film genre.

For an action checklist, show-notes and a full transcript - go here:

https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/31-why-wont-christmas-producers-buy-your-script/

Discover why targeting distributors, not just producers, can expand your opportunities to sell your Christmas scripts and reach broader markets year-round.

In this episode, producer Brigitte Kingsley shares why targeting distributors can be a game-changer for your holiday screenplays. Learn how distributors connect with broadcasters, offer global reach, and have year-round demand for Christmas content. Plus, find out how to pitch effectively, when to reach out, and why you should include both high and low-budget scripts in your arsenal. Don't let your holiday screenplay gather dust—get it into the hands of those who can sell it!

For an action checklist, a full transcript and the show notes - go here: https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/30-distributors-want-your-script/

Writer-Director-Producer John Stimpson of H9 Films discusses how to craft irresistible pitches, build a standout portfolio, and sell your holiday screenplay in the competitive Christmas movie market.

In this episode you'll learn how to:

• Build a Diverse Portfolio of Ideas
• Understand Market Demands.
• Break the Rules with Fresh Perspectives.
• Be Pleasantly Persistent
• Pitch with Confidence and Clarity

For an action checklist, the show notes and the full transcript – go here:

https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/29-pitch-perfect-selling-your-holiday-script/

🎬 Exploring Year-Round Opportunities Beyond the Holiday Season

💘 Should Christmas scribes focus on romance scripts? Producer Kristofer McNeeley reveals why the romance genre might be a smarter move.

Is the romance market bigger than Christmas scripts? Producer Kristofer McNeeley shares insider tips on standing out in a packed market, from crafting unique concepts to creating diverse, relatable characters. He explains why modern Christmas and romance movies thrive on internal conflict and heartwarming resolutions rather than traditional antagonists. And in a surprising twist, Kristofer encourages Christmas screenwriters to explore the untapped potential of the romance genre.

✅ For an action checklist, the show notes and a full transcript – go here: https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/28-should-christmas-writers-say-i-do-to-romance-scripts/

Discover Candice Cain's journey from self-starter to successful screenwriter and learn her top strategies for breaking into the Christmas TV movie market.

Whether you're crafting your first Christmas script or looking to grow in the festive film industry, this episode is packed with actionable advice.

For a full transcript, an action checklist and the show notes – go here:

https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/27-is-cold-querying-producers/

Screenwriter Zac Hug shares why crafting moments of joy, especially tears of joy, is key to creating compelling Christmas movies that attract producers and networks like Hallmark. Learn how to balance innovation while staying true to the genre's emotional core.

Whether you're writing for a seasoned audience or aiming to sell your first script, Zac's insights on crafting joy-filled moments, effective writers' groups, and pitching strategies will help you stand out in the Christmas TV-movie market.

For the show notes, an action checklist and a full transcript - go here:

https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/26-why-tears-of-joy-sell-christmas-scripts/

Check out the YouTube verison: https://youtu.be/oMBuSmZ9YVM

Support the show! Buy Me A Coffee: http://buymeacoffee.com/ChristmasMovie

Screenwriter and author Bob Sáenz discusses what producers want in Christmas scripts and advises on how to turn your holiday script into a production-ready masterpiece.

Bob emphasizes the significance of writing to budget, particularly in the Christmas movie genre, as limited resources necessitate creative storytelling within defined parameters. He candidly shares how he navigates the industry, the importance of networking, and establishing authentic relationships to get scripts read, while also dispelling myths about the role of agents and managers in the screenwriting world.

For an action checklist, the show notes and a full transcript go to:

https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/25-what-producers-want-in-christmas-scripts/