By Lillie Jaenchen
Great American Media set a major production deal with Golden Globe and Emmy winner Robert Halmi’s Great Point Studios, which will see 20 new movies and series produced at Great Point Studios Buffalo over the next two years.
“This partnership is about raising the bar,” said Abbott. “We are committed to producing content that not only entertains but uplifts. We want to produce these films right here in the U.S., with people who share our passion for authentic, values-driven storytelling.”
Halmi founded the Hallmark Channel, where Abbott previously served as president for 11 years. Deadline says the pair “helped define the modern family film genre.”
“I’m thrilled to reunite with Bill Abbott and support the incredible work he’s doing at Great American Media,” said Halmi. “This partnership reflects our shared vision, and we’re proud to welcome these productions to our campuses.”
PR Newswire says the collaboration will focus on “developing high-quality, original movies rooted in family values and created for audiences seeking inspiring and meaningful entertainment.”
Halmi and Abbott certainly have the resumés to bring audiences quality movies. Halmi has over 400 production credits to his name. Abbott, meanwhile, is credited “with popularizing the original Christmas movie genre, with more than 1,000 original holiday films over 15 years—the highest-rated and highest-volume output in the genre.”
A CHRISTMAS SPARK, starring Mario Lopez, is the deal’s first project. It just wrapped production at Halmi’s Buffalo studio and will be part of Great American Media’s fifth annual Christmas lineup.
“In A CHRISTMAS SPARK, Mario Lopez plays a middle-aged litigator who leaves his lucrative career to become a firefighter with other cadets half his age,” a logline from Great American Family reads.
“It has been a joy to produce and star in A CHRISTMAS SPARK,” Lopez said. “The movie is extra special to me because of my admiration for firefighters who worked night and day to save lives and property during the recent fires in Los Angeles. Each time I wore the firefighter uniform it was a personal tribute to the brave men and woman who worked tirelessly to save our city. Their courage, selflessness, and resilience embody true heroism, and this project is dedicated to them – true heroes.”
He also called the “The talent, crew, and locations in Buffalo are top notch.”
This deal marks a major win for family-friendly media.
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