When it comes to Hallmark, there are certain names that consistently promise and provide phenomenal programming, and director David Winning happens to be one of those exceptional people. A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to feature him on my website in our first interview, and thankfully, he agreed to come back in anticipation of tonight’s {August 17th} new Hallmark movie (premiering both on the Hallmark Channel AND the W Network). It is my privilege to highlight him here today!
RH: Since we last spoke, you got to direct the final film in the “Father Christmas” saga, Marrying Father Christmas. What was it like getting to direct that final film? Any memorable moments you would like to share?
DW: I took over the franchise at ENGAGING and had a blast working with this wonderful cast. I think Niall {Matter} and Erin {Krakow} have such incredible chemistry on and off-screen. Wendie Malick is always fun and so talented. Those movies were just a whole bunch of fun, and I loved “tying the knot” with MARRYING. The ending memory montage of all their adventures, during the actual ceremony vows, was a favourite moment for me. Created a few tears I hear. Which is the point. You want people to Feel.
In addition to that movie, we saw two Christmas films last year (one Hallmark, one Lifetime). Both were distinct and incredible in their own right. Anything special you would like to share about Time For Me To Come Home For Christmas and A Twist of Christmas?
Time For Me To Come Home For Christmas
TIME was another ton of fun, Executive Produced by Blake Shelton and based on his Christmas song and his Mother’s book. I hear they’re doing a sequel of sorts too. We had a blast re-recording the music for the movie in Bryan Adams old studio in Vancouver, with some incredible veteran musicians who loved the movie and were thrilled to be included. And the challenge was creating a snowy blizzard landscape across December America in the middle of summer; as the two strangers try to cross country by bus and car to get home.
A Twist of Christmas
A Twist of Christmas for LIFETIME was executive produced by Nancy Bennett, and years earlier I had a nervous meeting in LA with Nancy when she was an executive with the network. I told her, “I’m going to work for you someday” and it happened on TIME. Great producer and got to work for the first time with Lighthouse Pictures and Brightlights in Vancouver too. Starring Vanessa Lachey and Brendon Zub and a bunch of mixed-up toys at Christmas.
I have noticed Van Helsing is still going strong, and you are still directing many of the episodes. While this is a departure from Hallmark and even Lifetime, what do you appreciate and enjoy about directing this series? Why do you believe this show continues to have such a strong following?
Behind-the-scenes with David Winning, Van Helsing
Mistletoe and Monsters; such is my life! It may seem like an odd pairing to transfer throughout the year from great family movies to super scary action and vampires. I find it quite cathartic. And good stories are good no matter what the genre. VAN HELSING is an explosive post-apocalyptic saga on SYFY Channel and NETFLIX and about to premiere their fourth season. I was lucky enough to open the new season with two killer episodes. Premieres September 27.
We Hallmark fans know that there is a very special Erin Krakow/Ryan Paevey movie coming up today–A Summer Romance. What was it like getting to work with Erin Krakow and Ryan Paevey again? Why do you believe that this film is going to be a special treat for Hallmark fans?
A Summer Romance
I think fans of Erin’s are going to see a side of her in this film they’ve never seen. She really dug deep with this character, and we both wanted to try something different and a departure from Elizabeth or the other characters she’s played so well. Loved working with Ryan again; reunited first time since the original UNLEASHING MR. DARCY. Such a cool guy and a really solid actor. Fans are going to love this one. There’s a real underlying heartbreak to A SUMMER ROMANCE; the struggle between respect and love for the beautiful ranch lands, and the push and pull of a potential burgeoning new emotional connection with a stranger. Building trust again is hard.
Sense, Sensibility & Snowmen
I understand you directed yet another Christmas Erin Krakow feature. Please tell us about that film and why it is going to be special–at least in your opinion.
We have just wrapped filming on my fourth movie with Erin: SENSE, SENSIBILITY & SNOWMEN with her co-star Luke Macfarlane (MISTLETOE PROMISE). Another great Hallmark Christmas story, can’t wait for fans to see coming in November or December. Hallmark has given me such an amazing opportunity to create some beautiful family stories.
Any other works you can mention that are coming up?
I’m currently prepping A CHRISTMAS BRIDE with Rachael Leigh Cook for Hallmark. Always keeping busy and always looking for new opportunities too. It’s been a great year! Obviously, A SUMMER ROMANCE is premiering August 17. We had so much fun making this movie in some of the most beautiful locations I’ve shot in recently in and around Vancouver. Hoping the fans will love it too. And sharp-eyed WCTH fans will maybe notice a few familiar locations brought forward to present day.
I continue to hear across the board, David, that you are one of the calmest directors many actors have ever worked with. I probably asked you last time, but I still would love to know. What is your secret to maintaining such a calm set?
Yoga. And amazing parents! … Oh, and I only work with great people, and then I take credit for their brilliance-Just Kidding! I try to put my own perspective and sense of humour into everything. A good Calgary upbringing is influencing the Hallmark Channel.
I was raised by wonderful parents, in a great loving home, with strong family values and beliefs. Taking care of people, including actors and crew, is important to me. Stepping up when people need help or encouragement. It’s a hard enough business. And I am honoured to help Hallmark create a legacy of wonderful films for future generations. Chaplin said “the deeper the truth in a creative work, the longer it will live.” And to sum up how I feel about our favorite network: Hallmark offers safe harbour.
While you work with a variety of production companies, I still say that your Hallmark movies are some of the most consistently quality movies out there today. Why do you believe this network still continues to experience such exponential growth?
I love this network, and I know how fortunate I’ve been to helm sixteen movies for them so far. Hallmark has created a touchstone to old-world family values and goodness. It’s the antidote to a cynical and sarcastic existence. There is a security in a good Hallmark movie, whatever the season, you always know that things are going to work out. And as simple as it sounds, it’s what people need. The Christmas season becomes a glitter-filled alternate universe where everything is happy and safe. And everybody is in love or about to be. There is an incredible comfort in that.
When you do have downtime, what do you like to do to unwind?
I work. No time to unwind. Movies to be made. Miles to go before I sleep…
Thanks always to the fans.
I believe I can say with almost definitive certainty that there is no director in existence today who is more industrious, kind, nor talented than director David Winning (okay, there probably are a few, but…). David is one of the most astounding industry professionals, and as soon as I discover that his name is attached to a project, it is placed high on my watch list. I believe Unleashing Mr. Darcy was my introduction to his name, but I had been a fan of his movies long before that. All too often, directors are overlooked, especially by the typical fan. But we cannot diminish the fact that directors–just like every piece of this puzzle known as filmmaking–can make or break any movie. I greatly anticipate the day that I get to witness David in action for myself because I consistently hear the marvelous stories of his prowess behind the screen from cast and crew members alike. Like most directors, David doesn’t take the credit nor the focus away from the on-screen stars, but there is no doubt in my mind that directors like David absolutely MAKE these movies and shows the beautiful, impactful, inspirational pieces of art that many might be inclined to take for granted. Thankfully, David is committed to the very tenets and values of Hallmark and every studio that hires him, and I hope that we will be seeing his works for decades to come!
My plea to the U.S. and Canada is that all of us tune in tonight, August 17th, for the premiere of A Summer Romance that will reunite many beloved actors and actresses in a tale that is destined to delight and entertain in every way imaginable. As we savor this film on either the Hallmark Channel or the W Network, let’s not forget the man who tirelessly toiled to bring this masterpiece to our screens, and I would urge all of my readers to visit his links below and consider following him where applicable. Hallmark and David have a mutually beneficial relationship that all of us viewers relish on a regular basis, and it energizes me to no end to realize that this union is not ending any time soon. And I, for one, couldn’t be any more pleased for such an extraordinary director to be attached to so many fantastic projects with my favorite network!
FOLLOW DAVID
MORE INFO & VIDEOS ALWAYS at www.DavidWinning.com
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On FACEBOOK at https://www.facebook.com/david.winning.739
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Check out my previous interview with David:
