Tag Archives: Crown Media Family Networks

Ektor Rivera to Star in Upcoming Hallmark Film “Groundswell”

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Ektor Rivera is feeling (ground)swell…

The Puerto Rican actor, singer and visual artist will star opposite Lacey Chabert in the Hallmark film Groundswell. The project is set to premiere on August 21 on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.

Groundswell is an adaptation of Katie Lee Biegel’s debut novel. Beigel serves as executive producer on the project and will make a cameo appearance.

In Groundswell, on the heels of a personal and professional setback, Atlanta chef Emma (Chabert) travels to Hawaii where she meets Ben (Rivera), a handsome, reclusive surf instructor whose lessons help her to regain her footing.

“I am a huge fan of Lacey’s movies, and she has been my dream choice to play Emma, from Day 1,” said Biegel. “This project is close to my heart, and there is no one better to bring us along on Emma’s journey.”

Groundswell, from Crown Media Productions, is executive produced by Cameron Johann. Ric Galindez and Roy Tjioe are producers. Lee Friedlander is directing from a script by Carlie Mantilla & John Eliot Jordan.

Chabert signed a multi-picture deal with Crown Media Family Networks in February under which she will headline and executive produce movies and develop other content for Hallmark Channel and other Hallmark platforms over the next two years.

Arienne Mandi Starring in Hallmark Channel’s “Love, Classified”

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Arienne Mandi’s latest project is classified…

The 27-year-old half-Chilean American actress and The L Word: Generation Q star will appear in Hallmark’s romantic comedy Love, Classified.

Arienne MandiMandi will star alongside Melora Hardin, Katherine McNamara and Max Lloyd-Jones in the project.

The TV movie is set to premiere in April.

Hardin portrays romance novelist Emilia, described as a whirlwind who blows back into the lives of her adult children, Taylor (McNamara) and Zach (Lloyd-Jones), under the pretense of a book signing arranged by her hometown’s local book shop. As Emilia tries to reconnect, Taylor and Zach explore new and past relationships through an app that boasts old-fashioned human connection by way of the classified ad. Zach is given a chance to heal old wounds while Taylor matches with a woman that changes the way she’s always thought about love.

“This is such a fun story from writer Lynn Sternberger, that is ultimately a story of love, family, and commitment in all its forms. With a cast that includes Melora Hardin, Arienne Mandi, Katherine McNamara, and Max Lloyd-Jones to help bring this movie to life will no doubt put a smile on the faces of our viewers this spring,” said Lisa Hamilton Daly, EVP Programming Crown Media Family Networks.

JoAnna Garcia Swisher to Star in the Hallmark Channel Rom-Com “As Luck Would Have It”

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It’s a hallmark moment for JoAnna Garcia Swisher…

The 41-year-old Cuban and Spanish American actress has been cast in Hallmark’s new Ireland-set rom-com As Luck Would Have It.

JoAnna Garcia Swisher

The Sweet Magnolias actress will star opposite Allen Leech in the film directed by Clare Niederpruem.

“JoAnna Garcia Swisher and Allen Leech are both immensely talented actors and we are delighted to welcome them to the Hallmark Channel family,” said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming, Crown Media Family Networks. “Between its charming leads and lushly-authentic Irish setting, viewers are sure to be captivated by this sweet, lighthearted romance.”

Lindsey (Swisher) travels to Ireland to acquire land that is perfect for a resort. She decides to enter the town’s matchmaking festival to prove her investment and win over a handsome local (Leech).

The all-new movie, which will be part of Hallmark Channel’s “Spring Fling” programming event this spring, has kicked off production with on-location filming in Ireland.

Swisher also appeared in Once Upon a Time, The Internship, A-List and American Pie 2.

Carey Inks Three-Picture Deal with Hallmark Channel

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Mariah Carey’s career has reached a new Hallmark…

The 46-year-old half-Venezuelan American singer, actress and producers has signed a three-picture deal with the Hallmark Channel.

Mariah Carey

Carey will develop, executive produce, direct and co-star in a trio of original movies, as well as compose and produce an original song for each TV movie.

The first pic in the two-year pact is slated to premiere during the channel’s 2017 Countdown to Valentine’s Day programming event.

Carey and Hallmark previously teamed up on December’s original movie A Christmas Melody, in which the multiple Grammy-winner starred and made her directorial debut. It drew 3.9 million viewers.

She also has the network’s most-watched holiday special to her credit: the same month’s Mariah Carey’s Merriest Christmas musical event.

Both were part of Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas block and came as the Hallmark Channel sponsored her sold-out Christmas concerts at New York City’s Beacon Theatre.

“We are honored to continue our collaboration with the multi-talented Mariah Carey,” said Michelle Vicary, EVP Programming at Crown Media Family Networks. “It’s rare to work with a talent who can produce, direct, star and also compose original music for a project, and we know she will deliver for our viewers once again.”

Carey also has her E! docuseries Mariah’s World bowing in the fall on E! which follows her on her international tour.