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:

1. Build a Diverse Portfolio of Ideas
2. Understand Market Demands.
3. Break the Rules with Fresh Perspectives.
4. Be Pleasantly Persistent
5. 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/