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!

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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!

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INTERVIEW: Author Karen Kingsbury of Hallmark's "Karen Kingsbury's The Bridge"!

It is my absolute joy to share with you all today my interview with #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Karen Kingsbury, whose book The Bridge has become a Hallmark Channel Christmas Movie, officially titled, "Karen Kingsbury's The Bridge".

In addition to the The Bridge, you may also recognize other popular book titles from Karen Kingsbury, such as: Chasing Sunsets, Angels Walking, Divine, Unlocked: A Love Story, and many more wonderful reads - you are sure to find at Amazon, and other popular book stores!

Today, I’ll will be interviewing writer, Karen Kingsbury on her new movie “Karen Kingsbury's The Bridge”, starring Ted McGinley, Faith Ford, Wyatt Nash, and Katie Findlay, which airs this Christmas Season on the Hallmark Channel during their distinguished Countdown to Christmas event!

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INTERVIEW

KAREN KINGSBURY

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Author Karen Kingsbury

It's a Wonderful Movie: First, do share with us, Karen how you learned your book The Bridge (a New York Times Bestseller that has sold over 300,000 copies!) would become a Hallmark movie & how you felt upon learning the news? 

Karen Kingsbury: It was summer, 2014, and I took the call from my agent, Rick Christian of Alive Literary Agency in Colorado Springs. "Karen," Rick said. "You better sit down! You won't believe what just happened!" Then he told me how the team at Hallmark had read my book and they definitely wanted to make it into a Christmas movie! It was like Christmas in July. Having "Karen Kingsbury's The Bridge" on the Hallmark Channel this Sunday night is absolutely a dream come true!


It's a Wonderful Movie: Your stories are always written with heart… please give us a little synopsis of the movie "Karen Kingsbury's The Bridge" and its message…

Karen Kingsbury: The Bridge is about Charlie and Donna Bartons, a couple struck by tragedy early in their marriage. Unable to have a family, they open a bookstore, a place where people can discover their dreams and find healing from hurts. A cozy place with a fireplace and coffee and comfortable sofas where friendships are forged and people find community. Here at The Bridge bookstore Molly and Ryan study together and fall in love. Then tragedy strikes and the bookstore is wiped out by the Nashville flood. The Bridge is a story of beauty from ashes and the hope of second chances for life and love - especially at Christmastime.


It's a Wonderful Movie: Karen, from following your books over the years, I know your faith is also an integral role in your life and family. Please share how this carries on to your stories…

Karen Kingsbury: It's like you said. Faith is an integral part of my life and family, and so it is an integral part of my storytelling. To me, the best storytelling involves physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual elements. In that sense, I have characters running toward God, and others running from Him. It's representative of real life. Always, though - whether a happy ending like in The Bridge - or a loss at the end, my stories have redemption. And that is true for those who love and follow God.

Author Karen Kingsbury on set with Actress Faith Ford

It's a Wonderful Movie: What was it like meeting the cast: Faith Ford, Ted McGinley, Katie Findlay, Wyatt Nash, etc… who would play your beloved characters?

Karen Kingsbury: I prayed so often about this cast, believing God would bring the perfect actors to play my characters. These four incredibly talented actors are the result of a truly miraculous answer. If you could know how difficult casting can be ... and yet these four literally are my characters personified. In "Karen Kingsbury's The Bridge" this Sunday night on The Hallmark Channel, you'll see my characters come to life -exactly as I always hoped and believed they would be.

Main Cast: Wyatt Nash, Katie Findlay, Ted McGinley, and Faith Ford

It's a Wonderful Movie: The backdrop to your story/film is Franklin, Tennessee… please share how special this setting is to you… (I have precious family who live nearby!)

Karen Kingsbury: I used to live in the Portland, Or., area ... and I traveled to Nashville often for business. Finally in the summer of 2011, we decided to make this place home and we absolutely love it. We all wish we would've moved here sooner! The fact that The Bridge is set in Nashville and Franklin, TN., makes it even more special to me.

Author Karen Kingsbury on set of "Karen Kingsbury's The Bridge".

It's a Wonderful Movie: Did your own life or family experiences inspire any part of the story?

Karen Kingsbury: In February, 2011, I came to the Nashville area for a visit to my publisher. On our day off, my editor, Becky Nesbitt, took me to downtown Franklin. We visited a bookstore called Landmark, and I learned the history of the place. It had housed Civil War soldiers back in the day, and now it was run by a married couple who treated customers as family. That was the inspiration for the story. So I created a fictitious store called The Bridge and a fictitious couple with deeply personal, heartfelt reasons why they run the bookstore. Then I read more on the Nashville flood of 2010. The real bookstore was not damaged, but I began to imagine what if a bookstore like The Bridge was devastated by a flood. Since bookstores are not highly profitable any longer, it would be almost impossible to come back. That's where the miracle of friendship, love, and second chances comes into play. So yes ... real life definitely inspired this story.


It's a Wonderful Movie: Since you now have your own Christmas movie… I must ask, do you have favorite Christmas Movies you enjoy watching every year?

Karen Kingsbury: Absolutely!!

We love "Elf", "Scrooge" with Albert Finney, "Miracle on 34th Street" and "Preacher's Wife" with Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington. We also love "While you Were Sleeping" with Sandra Bullock. We schedule these movies every December so the whole family can be together! Now we have one more to add to the list - "Karen Kingsbury's The Bridge!"

Promotional Image of Katie Findlay and Wyatt Nash for
"Karen Kingsbury's The Bridge".

It's a Wonderful Movie: The movie premiering this year is part 1 of "Karen Kingsbury's The Bridge". Are there any details you can possibly give us on part 2, which will debut as part of Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas, 2016?

Karen Kingsbury: Well, in many ways Part 1 is a set-up for the tragedy about to hit The Bridge bookstore. We understand the owners and their love story, their losses, and we watch Molly and Ryan fall in love and be pulled in opposite directions. Part 1 is amazing. I cried and laughed and wanted to watch it again and again. It's wonderful! But Part 2 will be extraordinary.


It's a Wonderful Movie: As individuals and families gather around to watch your movie, what do you hope viewers will take away from seeing "Karen Kingsbury's The Bridge" on Hallmark this Christmas Season?

Karen Kingsbury: We all have struggles, hard times, losses we've suffered. Watching "Karen Kingsbury's The Bridge" this Sunday night on the Hallmark Channel will help people believe they can have a second chance. They can begin again, and see something beautiful come from their difficult times. They will understand better the importance of people and friendship and faith - as they head into the New Year.

Faith Ford and Ted McGinley, on "Karen Kingsbury's The Bridge".

Thank you so much Karen for having this "chat" today with It's a Wonderful Movie. It is such a blessing to share in the promotion of your story which is filled with faith and inspiration through the trials of life that bridges us all together. The Bridge is a moving story that is befitting the quality of the Hallmark Channel and I hope many will watch it this Christmas Season.

See the Premiere of

"Karen Kingsbury's The Bridge"

Sunday December 6, 2015 at 8pm/7c.

on the Hallmark Channel

LINKS:

For even more information on "Karen Kingsbury's The Bridge":

Karen Kingsbury's web-page: www.karenkingsbury.com/

Karen Kingsbury's Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarenKingsbury
Karen Kingsbury's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKarenKingsbury
Hallmark Channel web-page: http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/christmas/karen-kingsburys-the-bridge

*Images via: Hallmark Crown Media

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INTERVIEW ALERT: Gary Wheeler of INSP's "Christmas in the Smokies"

“It’s a Wonderful Movie” is honored today to interview...

 Filmmaker Gary Wheeler, VP of Original Movies at INSP.

"Welcome Home" to INSP's movie "Christmas in the Smokies"

You will recognize Gary Wheeler's previous work on various films, such as: “The Heart of Christmas” starring Candace Cameron Bure, with singer Matthew West, “The Trial” with Matthew Modine and Nikki Deloach, “The List” with Malcolm McDowell, Hilarie Burton, Will Patton, and more!

Gary Wheeler on set of "Christmas in the Smokies" directing Actress Jill Wagner

 

Gary was also co-producer on the recent box office movie hit, War Room.

Today, I’ll will be interviewing writer, director, producer Gary Wheeler on his latest movie project “Christmas in the Smokies”, starring Sarah Lancaster, Alan Powell, Jill Wagner, and Barry Corbin, which airs this Christmas Season on the INSP television network!

 

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INTERVIEW

GARY WHEELER

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It's a Wonderful Movie: Congratulations Gary on your new INSP original movie, “Christmas in the Smokies”. Could you share with us your role in the creation process of this film?

Gary Wheeler: Thank you very much, it was a really fun, meaningful film to be involved with… Anyone who knows me, knows that I love Christmas and I love Christmas movies so it was an honor to be involved. I served as the co-writer, producer, and director. I spent a lot of time listening to Christmas music on my computer and writing into the wee hours of the morning! Our hope is that we have created a classic Christmas movie that will resonate for years to come.

"Christmas in the Smokies"

It's a Wonderful Movie: “Christmas in the Smokies” sounds like a lovely story of going home again. Please share a little of the storyline with us…

Gary Wheeler: At its core, the film is a story about hope…

It follows Sarah Lancaster as Shelby Haygood and her attempts to save her famous Smoky Mountain farm over the Holidays. All the while dealing with her long lost love played by Alan Powell who returns home for the first time in years. It’s very funny, heart-warming and has a very “down home” feel to it. We took great care to make it very beautiful and full of Christmas cheer. Alan plays singer Mason Wyatt so there is a lot of great Christmas music too.

It's a Wonderful Movie: Since you have been involved with the creation of many Christian films, I must ask... where do you find inspiration for your stories/characters? Does your faith play a key role?

Gary Wheeler: Absolutely! While this is very much a family film, my faith is at the core of who I am. As I said, hope is at the core of the story and for me, my faith in Christ represents the ultimate hope… Which really is what Christmas is all about.

"Christmas in the Smokies" cast

It's a Wonderful Movie: You have an amazing cast for "Christmas in the Smokies", with Sarah Lancaster, Alan Powell, Jill Wagner, Barry Corbin, etc...

Actor Barry Corbin
with Filmmaker Gary Wheeeler

What was it like working with all of them?

Gary Wheeler: They are all great!!!!! I’ve worked with Barry before on Mountain Top and he’s a legend. Alan and I have known each other for a while too and I was a big fan of his work in the film THE SONG. My kids and I have watched Jill in WIPE OUT and the role of Trish was really written with her in mind… and of course Sarah anchors the film as Shelby. My wife and I love the show CHUCK and Sarah was my first choice for the role. She was so easy, pleasant, talented and nice to deal with. I hope to work with them all again.


It's a Wonderful Movie: What was the filming process like for “Christmas in the Smokies”, working with the cast and crew, on location? Were you actually, in the Smokies?

Gary Wheeler: I’ve spent a lot of time in the Smokies and taken a lot of great vacations there. We knew we wanted to shoot in Georgia due to their great film tax incentives so my fellow producer Richard Clark Jr found the town of Dahlonega, Georgia which is a great small town where the Appalachian Trail begins. So this Spring a whole film crew descended on the town and fortunately for us they were incredibly supportive and hospitable.

"Christmas in the Smokies"

It's a Wonderful Movie: As the creator of a Christmas movie… Do you, perhaps, have a favorite Christmas Movie, that you enjoy watching every year?

Gary Wheeler: Like I said, I LOOOOVE Christmas movies… My three favorite are probably It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story and A Christmas Carol (the George C. Scott version and the Muppets version are my two favorites)… Elf and Home Alone have to be right up there and we always try to show our kids The Nativity Story every year as well.

Filmmaker Gary Wheeler wears "ELF" t-shirt on set!

It's a Wonderful Movie: As VP of Original Movies at INSP, could you give us any hints – on what’s to come for future original TV movies on INSP, in 2016?

Gary Wheeler: It’s a very exciting time for INSP films! We are about to begin principal photography on our second film on location in Augusta, Georgia. INSP will air the U.S. television premiere of a slate of movies planned for 2016 and we’ll be sure to keep you and your readers informed with all the latest announcements. Stay tuned!

"Christmas in the Smokies" on set

It's a Wonderful Movie: Lastly, what do you hope viewers will take away from watching your INSP movie “Christmas in the Smokies”?

Gary Wheeler: I definitely hope that the film will be a bonding experience for families this year and years to come. It’s something that everyone can enjoy… I hope that viewers will remember to never give up and that no matter how bad things look, there is always hope!

Thank you, Gary, for having this "chat" with "It's a Wonderful Movie" today! I am thrilled to promote your movie "Christmas in the Smokies" with all of my followers! It sounds like a wonderful, hopeful, family film - and I am honored to share it here, where we also believe in the true hope and meaning of Christmas!

I also appreciate you sharing some excitement to come in 2016 - with the creation of more INSP films (thanks for the sneak peek!) and we will certainly look forward to hearing more details along the way! :)

After looking through on set photos, video clips, comments, etc... I must say,  it truly looks like you all had an amazing time filming this Christmas movie and when you have a beautiful story to tell - it certainly comes through to everyone on set!

It has been so nice to hear from you, Gary... and get this behind-the-scenes look at the first INSP feature film!

God's Blessings to You, my dear friends at INSP, and the entire Cast & Crew of "Christmas in the Smokies"!

Net, itsawonderfulmovie.blogspot.com

 

 

 

Everyone - be sure to Watch

Christmas in the Smokies

when it Premieres on INSP,

November 29th, 2015 at 8pm/7c.

 

See additional airings in the Christmas TV Schedule!

 

 

LINKS:

For even more information on Christmas in the Smokies-

visit the main movie webpage: http://christmasinthesmokiesmovie.com/
INSP webpage: http://www.insp.com/movies/christmas-in-the-smokies/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christmasinthesmokiesmovie

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CITSMovie

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