I cannot tell you how eager I am to watch Once Upon A Christmas Miracle tonight (12/2) on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Network, and I was fortunate enough to be able to interview one of the writers of this movie, Erinne Dobson. More than likely, you have seen one of her films and/or shows previously, so if you have a moment, I invite you to read my recent interview with her before the premiere.
RH: How/Why did you decide to pursue a career in film/television? What kind of training have you had?
ED: I spent most of my twenties in New York as a creative in advertising. It was fun, but often I’d work for over a year on one thirty-second ad that would never see the light of day. I needed an outlet, so I enrolled in the New School’s MFA fiction program at night while I worked during the day. I started getting my short fiction published, then moved to LA. Once I got here, I worked first as a production assistant, then got a job as a writer’s assistant on a sit-com. After a few years of that, I won the ABC Disney Fellowship and got my first TV writing job.
You have worked on many TV shows. What are some of your favorite moments/shows from those experiences?
Every show I’ve worked on has had incredible and often hilarious moments. Even as an assistant, I woke up every day grateful to have a job where I got to laugh so much. I enjoyed working on sitcoms like BABY DADDY because I got to interact with actors and improve the jokes with each rehearsal/run-thru, but more recently I’ve loved working on dramas like THE GOOD WITCH because I got to create larger arcs and explore characters on a deeper level.
Lacey Chabert Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
Your first Hallmark movie was The Sweetest Christmas. How did that opportunity come about? How long did that particular script take to bring to fruition?
One Christmas when I went to visit my in-laws in Asheville, NC, we ate brunch at a hotel that was hosting the National Gingerbread House Competition. I was fascinated by how much effort the contestants had put into their entries — some of them working all year on ideas and execution, making mock-ups in cardboard first… this was serious stuff! I thought, “What a fun backdrop this contest would be for a Christmas rom-com.” I included the idea in some pitches I sent to Heather Overton, a friend of mine at Hallmark.
Lea Coco, Jonathan Adams Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
It took about three to four months to do story and script, and after that, the movie came together quickly. Heather and Ashley Squires, one of the other development execs at Hallmark, were incredible to work with. The high point of the process was when I learned Lacey Chabert had been cast as the lead, and Jonathan Adams, an incredibly talented actor from LAST MAN STANDING — a show I where I was writers’ assistant — had been cast as her co-star.
Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Steven Ackerman
You also wrote One Winter Weekend. Please share any special memories of this film.
The premise of ONE WINTER WEEKEND came from a summer share house I did on Long Island a few years back. I was single at the time, and there were ten people in the house. It was a little like a reality show — in a fascinating way — because it was such a fun mystery to figure out what these eligible bachelors’ non-vacation personas really were, and if they were someone you’d be interested in back in the city. So I tried to bring this feeling of vacation romance and intrigue into the movie, except in a ski-resort setting.
Jack Turner, Taylor Cole Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Steven Ackerman
The high point of this movie was seeing the directors’ cut. I was blown away by what a great job Stan Spry, the executive producer, and Gary Yates, the director did in spite of shooting in sub-zero temperatures in Alberta. The production quality was really high and has a very cinematic feel. Every time I watch it, it makes me want to go skiing and drink hot chocolate.
Tonight (12/2), Hallmark viewers will see Once Upon A Christmas Miracle. What inspired this story? What is special about this film?
Aimee Teegarden, Brett Dalton Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Allen Fraser
I’m excited about this film for several reasons: it premieres this Sunday on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries. It’s the first feature I’ve written with my sister, Shannon Fopeano (I wrote the story, she wrote the script), and because it’s based on a miraculous real-life romance. Heather Overton at Hallmark approached me with a story she found about a vibrant young woman who only had a few months to live due to a genetic liver disease. A former Marine in her town who’d never met her volunteered to see if he could be a donor. He turned out to be a match — and not just as a liver donor. I don’t want to give away the movie, but I think viewers will enjoy this holiday romance.
As a writer, have you ever visited any of the sets? If not, do you have plans to do so?
Brett Dalton Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Allen Fraser
I was very lucky to start out as a sitcom writer, where I got to be on set every day. But my movies have all shot in remote places: Fiji, British Columbia, Alberta — so travel has been a challenge. Soon, hopefully!
Any other upcoming works you can mention?
I have a new Hallmark movie coming out this January/February that I am beyond excited about. Also, my episode of THE GOOD WITCH will be on the Hallmark Channel this Spring.
Do you have plans to do more in the industry besides writing (acting, directing, producing)?
I’d love to produce soon and direct someday.
Any special traditions for the holidays that you would like to share?
During the holidays, they put up an outdoor skating rink near my house. My husband and I love to take Lux, our four-year-old
daughter there to skate and take lessons — it really builds confidence and is a nice reminder that it’s winter in most places. This year, I’m hoping to introduce my younger daughter Isolde to the rink. (I think she’ll throw a fit if she’s on the sidelines again). Other than that, I like to make homemade Swedish meatballs and oyster stuffing.
Aimee Teegarden, Brett Dalton Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Brendan Meadows
How amazing is it that Erinne made that leap of faith to follow her dreams and leave the world of advertising behind (almost sounds like a Hallmark movie to me!)? And to be honest, I have simply adored her other Hallmark works–both films she mentioned are distinct favorites of mine. In fact, I overheard that there is a possibility that One Winter Weekend may get a sequel, so maybe if that happens, they will enlist Erinne’s services yet again. Nevertheless, reading the description of tonight’s premiere alone is enough to motivate me towards enthusiastic celebration, and I have no doubt that Erinne and her sister provided an exquisite script. So please plan to tune in tonight (December 2nd) to the Hallmark Movies & Mystery Channel for the U.S. premiere of Once Upon a Christmas Miracle. And guess what, my Canadian friends…you can watch this movie on the W Network December 15th! In addition to watching and showing your support for this movie and the exceptional cast and crew, please take a moment to check out Erinne’s other works by visiting her link below. I cannot think of a better way to spend those wintry Christmas evenings than watching Hallmark Christmas movies with your family, and this film sounds just like the perfect recipe for success. And in case you’re wondering, I’m totally stoked for her next Hallmark movie that is scheduled to come out in early 2019 too!
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