Today I have the honor of interviewing Net of the popular blog, It’s A Wonderful Movie. I don’t remember exactly when or where I first discovered her, but it was around the time I started watching Cedar Cove on the Hallmark Channel. I remember conducting searches and invariably finding that her blog had the best information about what content was family-friendly on TV and at the movies. I mean, she even creates a Christmas TV schedule so that everyone can find their favorite movies at this time of the year. She is circumspect about posting the press information about Hallmark and other networks, and it is such a delight to feature her today. (By the way, she interviewed me today too!)
RH: Please tell us how, when and why you started your blog.
Net: Thank you, Ruth, for inviting me today – to share the details on my blog, “It’s a Wonderful Movie!” I’m also delighted I had the opportunity to interview you, too! It has been many years now that we have both been communicating back and forth – sharing our mutual love of movies!
Before my blog “It’s a Wonderful Movie” began, I started creating various websites on my favorite family-friendly TV shows. That was back in the early 2000’s! From there, I started sharing my love of Christmas movies. One of my followers asked if I would do a Christmas TV list, and so I did! However, the list was much smaller then.
In June of 2008, I transitioned from the old Geo-cities websites into the incredible world of blogging and created “It’s a Wonderful Movie!” Right from the start, I was featuring Hallmark Channel movies and other wholesome content from other networks. At that time, I was rather alone in doing so, but I loved the movies so much – I wanted to share that simple, yet profound enjoyment with others.
Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay
Growing up, before we even had cable, I remember my sister and I, as little girls, would look forward to receiving the TV Guide flier in our newspaper every week throughout December. We would get out a red pen or marker and circle all the Christmas movies and specials we could find, usually shows like Charlie Brown, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, perhaps, a Christmas movie of the week, etc…
When I share my schedule today, overloaded with Christmas movies, I remember those precious, simple times from my childhood- gathering around the TV with my Daddy, Momma, brother and sister to watch a Christmas special on TV, when they were a bit more scarce and unique.
Although we have an abundance of Christmas movie options today, my family and I still try to make watching them together – meaningful and special.
Credit: Crown Media
In addition to the Hallmark Channel, I’ve provided movie details and lots of updates throughout the years for UP and INSP, plus Hallmark Movies & Mysteries and Hallmark Drama and more! Each day, I’ve discovered, is a new journey and learning experience in this blogging process, and I have met so many kind, friendly people along the way.
In that very first year of having my “It’s a Wonderful Movie” blog, back in 2008, I was, of course, sharing Hallmark Channel’s Christmas movies, which included four new Christmas films that year. Two are still quite popular today – Candace Cameron Bure’s Moonlight and Mistletoe and Brooke Burns’ movie The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. We’ve certainly come a long way since then. From 4 to 40! Wow!
Credit: Crown Media
At that time, I recall thinking… four new Christmas movies are really great! Of course, every year since then, the number of movies has risen, as well as the popularity and ratings for the Hallmark network at Christmastime. And each year, I’ve provided a schedule of the Christmas movies on my site to help everyone navigate through the season without (hopefully!) missing their favorite Christmas classics, and of course, catch all the new movie premieres, too.
When I started out sharing these movies, I certainly could not foresee the extensive number of new movies we would be blessed with by this Christmas season. Sometimes I wonder how long it can last, and then I just try to hold on to the moment and enjoy it while it does.
When January comes along, I’m always back to reporting new, original family-friendly movies throughout the year – on various networks, typically starting with Hallmark Channel’s “Winterfest.”
In the time that you have maintained this blog, how have you seen it expand and change?
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Throughout my time of blogging, the audience for these movies has grown exponentially, and I have met so many dear friends who enjoy movies as much as I do. Beyond the movies, I believe it’s a feeling of joy and happiness we receive each time we watch one of these uplifting films. That’s the spirit that unites us!
I’ve also been blessed to come into contact with most of the networks of the movies I feature, whether it be at Christmastime or all year long. INSP and Hallmark were the first ones to reach out many years ago, and you can only imagine my excitement when they did! Being recognized by those I featured regularly was a considerable honor.
I know you’ve done many interviews over the years. While interviews are not your focus, how do you decide who to interview? What have been your most memorable ones to date?
SQuire & Louise
Interviewing is always a unique experience based upon the actors and actresses, writers, directors, etc… that I’ve interviewed. Sometimes the person, themself, will reach out, or I’ll see a movie, like A Godwink Christmas, and just know, I have to try to find a way to interview someone about that movie! Thankfully, author SQuire Rushnell was available to do so! What a precious soul!
In fact, all the writers I’ve spoken to have been truly wonderful, from Karen Kingsbury (The Bridge) and Dandi Daley Mackall (My Boyfriends’ Dogs), to most recently, Barbara Hinske (The Christmas Club).
The Legend of 5 Mile Cave
My most memorable interview overall was definitely Jill Wagner and Jet Jurgensmeyer – for INSP’s The Legend of the 5 Mile Cave! That was the second time I had interviewed Jill (who was already incredible in our first interview – sharing details of her film, faith, fashion, wedding, etc…), but this time around, it was the first time I had interviewed two people at once! They were both wonderful with their responses and it’s definitely a very special interview I’ll always treasure!
Cindy Busby Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss
I also must say – I loved interviewing Cindy Busby! She’s so warm and friendly, you feel like you’re having a chat with your best girl-friend!
Kristin Booth Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Duane Prentice
Plus, it was wonderful interviewing Kristin Booth from my favorite Hallmark film series, Signed, Sealed, Delivered. It was always my hope to have the opportunity to chat with someone from SSD, and she made that little dream come true!
Lacey Chabert Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
Also, Lacey Chabert was an absolute delight to share details with me of her movie, Love on Safari. She was so giving and cheerful in all of her heartfelt responses. And most recently, I just loved talking with the down-to-earth Erin Cahill for her Christmas movie, Christmas on the Range.
Dakota Guppy, Erin Cahill Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman
Cameron Mathison Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Sven Boecker
Brennan Elliott Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Alexx Henry/ Alexx Henry Studios, LLC
As for the Hallmark guys, I was ecstatic when I was given the chance to interview the effervescent Cameron Mathison early in the Murder, She Baked series and absolutely thrilled when I was recently able to connect with the charming, Brennan Elliott!
It was a blessing to chat with these actors and actresses, and I look forward to whoever is next!
Your blog focuses on family-friendly content. With all the content out there today, how do you choose which content to feature?
Yes, I focus my website on promoting only family-friendly films. I’ve had people email and leave comments telling me – this is my calling, my mission. At first, I thought, really? These are only movies, but the more I see where the entertainment world is heading, I do think it’s very important to keep my moral standards, and godly principles, while sharing wholesome entertainment with others and informing my followers when a program does not meet those standards.
Image by Mimimi9977 from Pixabay
I also appreciate when my followers reach out to me – to let me know they’ve seen content in a movie that they feel would not meet the family-friendly model. It’s a blessing to know how many others enjoy and want only quality, wholesome entertainment.
What is your process of reviewing films and shows?
Reviewing is often based upon how much time I have (which isn’t a lot these days) or if I see a particular movie that has moved me deeply. Then, I know I must take the time to share how much that story impacted my life, whether it made me laugh out loud (which I’m known to do quite often!), or brought a tear to my eye (which happens, from time to time… I have such a sentimental, tender heart!).
Since blogging is your passion, but it’s not always financially profitable, how do you keep this blog successful while keeping costs down?
My followers are the best and so supportive! I wouldn’t be able to do this without them. I love to feature the latest DVD releases from Amazon and Walmart, and I also have a passion for fashion! I’ve been featuring some of the clothing from the Hallmark movies, mainly when something special catches my eye or if a follower comments and asks, “Where can I get that… (for example) coat worn by Candace Cameron Bure or that dress- seen on Jen Lilley?” It’s so fun when I’m able to find these special things and share them with my readers!
Do you have aspirations to be involved in writing professionally in the future? Elaborate if you would like.
What a great question, Ruth! Yes, I’ve had quite the passion for writing, ever since I was a little girl. I was always walking around with my notebook and pencil, being imaginative, and writing stories. In fact, I would often write little plays that my family or friends would perform.
I still enjoy writing today – and maybe one day I’ll write a book or movie script!
What are some of your favorite movies in general that you have featured on your site?
Oh, I have many dear favorite films.
Two movies that immediately come to mind and always touch my heart are: It’s a Wonderful Life and Anne of Green Gables. I’m always completely captivated by those films and the incredible stories weaved within.
In the Hallmark library of films my top favorites include: The Nine Lives of Christmas, all of the Signed, Sealed, Delivered movies, especially Christmas, Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade, All of My Heart, How to Fall in Love, The Christmas Secret, Autumn Dreams, A Country Wedding, Window Wonderland, A Joyous Christmas, A Shoe Addict’s Christmas, Winter Castle, and so many more!
What would be your dream Hallmark movie cast?
Well, I love the incredible ensemble casts Hallmark brings together in When Calls the Heart, Signed, Sealed, Delivered and the Christmas in Evergreen movies! It is always so wonderful to see so many people I like in one program!
Andrew Walker & Jill Wagner in the Christmas Preview Special
Besides that, it is fun to imagine who would be good paired up together from the Hallmark family. As people have already suggested, I, too, think it would be enjoyable to see Jill Wagner and Andrew Walker in a Hallmark movie. They were excellent together in one of the recent Christmas Preview Specials, and I think their equally mesmerizing high energy would be an excellent blend!
In addition to them, I think it would be interesting to see Candace Cameron Bure with Brennan Elliott. Since Candace’s roles are typically more serious and he’s generally the delightful, life of the party sort, I think they would make a great mix.
Also, Cindy Busby and Trevor Donovan would definitely be a sweet pairing, along with Jen Lilley and Michael Rady and Kristoffer Polaha and Pascale Hutton!
And I would absolutely love to see Brooke D’Orsay and Eric Mabius together again. They were truly phenomenal in the Hallmark movie How to Fall in Love. By the way, I was elated to have a portion of my movie review from my blog, *It’s a Wonderful Movie* featured on the How to Fall in Love DVD! Truly, it was such an honor! To see these two teamed up together again would be such a thrill!
Plus, I’ve been hoping to see some people who’ve been on Hallmark, once or twice in the past, return to the network… such as: Laura Bell Bundy (Dear Dumb Diary), Brandon Routh (The Nine Lives of Christmas), Virginia Williams (Reading, Writing & Romance), James Wolk (Front of the Class), Jaime King (The Mistletoe Promise), Matt Long (Christmas Joy), Jana Kramer (Love at First Bark), Brant Daugherty (Mingle All the Way), and Meredith Hagner (My Christmas Love)! To name a few! haha! Seriously, I would love to see any or all of them return at some point to Hallmark.
I know your faith is very important to you. How is your blog an extension of you and your faith?
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Yes, absolutely YES!!! It’s a Wonderful Movie is a place where I not only share my love of movies, but the joy of my salvation and knowing Jesus! I was blessed to be raised by such loving parents who always took my siblings and me to church and instilled that faith in us by example – and continue to do so today. They are so giving, loving and supportive – I owe everything to them and the love they give to our family each and every day!
Coming from a farm family in the Midwest, I know firsthand how a small seed – can reap a large harvest. That’s why I want everyone who visits my website to know that our Heavenly Father loves them, too!
Image by reenablack from Pixabay
I just recently saw a t-shirt at Dayspring that says, “I Only Overshare Jesus.” In their description, it says this shirt is… “a thoughtful reminder to take every opportunity to share Jesus with those around you.” That’s exactly how I feel! I want everyone to know they are loved, and they can be forgiven and saved by the grace of our Lord.
It is my hope that those of us, who already know the love of Jesus, are compelled to share that amazing love with others – everywhere we go and in everything we do. We should be a reflection of His Light, a shining example. Christmas is a celebration of that first Gift given to all mankind- the Christ Child. What a special, perfect time it is to share and unwrap that amazing Gift!
Thank you, Ruth, for this wonderful interview and opportunity to share my website and love of Christmas movies and more with your followers. You have always been such a great friend to me. Blessings to you and all who visit here!
Image by Jeff Jacobs from Pixabay
As you can see, Net is one of the foremost and most well-established bloggers in the blogosphere today. I would venture to say she is the authority on family-friendly content, and she is immensely supportive of other quality bloggers as well. She regularly visits my blog, reads my interviews, and then comments with the most encouraging and kind words ever. I hope that everyone checks out her links below and considers following her in some fashion. I have been receiving her emails for years! And to be honest, Net has never steered me wrong. You will not find a blogger who is more gracious, engaging, and pleasant than Net, and I would hope that if you love family-friendly movies and shows, you would not hesitate to check her out this holiday season!
FOLLOW NET OF IT’S A WONDERFUL MOVIE
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Enjoyed the interview and learning a little more about Net.
