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/

Discover Candice Cain’s journey from self-starter to successful screenwriter and learn her top strategies for breaking into the Christmas TV movie market.

Whether you’re crafting your first Christmas script or looking to grow in the festive film industry, this episode is packed with actionable advice.

For a full transcript, an action checklist and the show notes – go here:

https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/27-is-cold-querying-producers/

Screenwriter Zac Hug shares why crafting moments of joy, especially tears of joy, is key to creating compelling Christmas movies that attract producers. Learn how to balance innovation while staying true to the genre’s emotional core.

Whether you're writing for a seasoned audience or aiming to sell your first script, Zac’s insights on crafting joy-filled moments, effective writers' groups, and pitching strategies will help you stand out in the Christmas TV-movie market.

For the show notes, an action checklist and a full transcript - go here:

https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/26-why-tears-of-joy-sell-christmas-scripts/

Check out the YouTube verison: https://youtu.be/oMBuSmZ9YVM

Support the show! Buy Me A Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/ChristmasMovie

Screenwriter and author Bob Sáenz discusses what producers want in Christmas scripts and advises on how to turn your holiday script into a production-ready masterpiece.

Bob emphasizes the significance of writing to budget, particularly in the Christmas movie genre, as limited resources necessitate creative storytelling within defined parameters. He candidly shares how he navigates the industry, the importance of networking, and establishing authentic relationships to get scripts read, while also dispelling myths about the role of agents and managers in the screenwriting world.

For an action checklist, the show notes and a full transcript go to:

https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/25-what-producers-want-in-christmas-scripts/

Seasoned Christmas movie writer and director Ron Oliver reveals how a strong story concept can attract producers, even if the script has flaws.

For all the show notes, an action checklist and the full transcript – go here: https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/24-how-a-great-story-concept-can-save-a-flawed-script/

Now on YouTube too! https://youtu.be/9iNrVrDX4Ug

Fuel more great content by buying me a hot cocoa on https://buymeacoffee.com/christmasmovie

Screenwriter Kelly Peters offers practical tips on how to make your Christmas scripts stand out to producers, from focusing on the producibility of your script to understanding the importance of networking.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for screenwriters looking to make their mark in the Christmas movie genre.

For our action checklist, the show notes and the full transcript - go here:

https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/23-secrets-to-breaking-into-christmas-movies/

(NEW) See the video interview: https://youtu.be/I6fH1WtUnUY

Screenwriter Lisa Hepner shares how she found a mentor who became integral to her career. She also highlights how mentorship programs can offer industry insights that elevate your writing.

Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, this episode offers practical advice on why having a mentor could be the key to your success.

To get our action checklist, a full transcript and the show notes – go here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SF1USP83AS6Qya2QFSJ3Ak6ZZseVjdza/view?usp=sharing

Check out the YouTube version of the interview here: https://youtu.be/C4VL8Y0Ca5A