Alexa PenaVega & Carlos PenaVega Agree to Multi-Picture Overall Deal with Hallmark Media

Posted on October 20, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a hallmark agreement for Alexa PenaVega and Carlos PenaVega…

The 34-year-old half-Colombian American actress and her 33-year-old Spanish, Venezuelan and Dominican American husband, an actor/singer, Big Time Rush member, have agreed to a multi-picture overall deal at Hallmark Media.

“Alexa and Carlos PenaVega have become an important part of the Hallmark family over the years and we couldn’t be happier to extend our partnership with them,” said Lisa Hamilton Daly, Executive Vice President, Programming, Hallmark Media. “Whether starring together or headlining their own movies, the energy, creativity and passion they bring to each project is infectious and we can’t wait to see what lies ahead.”

“Hallmark has become a second home for our family. Over the last four years they have given us opportunities to grow as actors and producers all while raising our children, even if it means having the family on set!,” the PenaVegas said in a joint statement. “Developing projects alongside them has been a highlight of our careers thus far. We are thrilled to be able to continue creating content that is family friendly and current, while maintaining its core values that we love so much. Hallmark is special and we are looking forward to many more projects together.”

Alexa PenaVega has previously starred in such Hallmark films as Destination Wedding, Christmas Made to Order and Taking a Shot at Love. Her film credits include 23 Blast, Machete Kills, Spare Parts, Wicked Blood, The Remaining, The Hunters and Spy Kids.

Carlos PenaVega starred on the Nickelodeon musical comedy Big Time Rush and recently completed a national tour with the ensemble. He previously starred in Hallmark Channel’s A Midnight Kiss.

Together, the couple has starred in three installments of Picture Perfect Mysteries for Hallmark Movies & Mysteries as well as the Hallmark Channel Original movies Enchanted Christmas, Love at Sea and, most recently, Love in the Limelight.

They recently released their first book What if Love is the Point?

Arienne Mandi Starring in Hallmark Channel’s “Love, Classified”

Posted on February 27, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Arienne Mandi’s latest project is classified…

The 27-year-old half-Chilean American actress and The L Word: Generation Q star will appear in Hallmark’s romantic comedy Love, Classified.

Mandi will star alongside Melora Hardin, Katherine McNamara and Max Lloyd-Jones in the project.

The TV movie is set to premiere in April.

Hardin portrays romance novelist Emilia, described as a whirlwind who blows back into the lives of her adult children, Taylor (McNamara) and Zach (Lloyd-Jones), under the pretense of a book signing arranged by her hometown’s local book shop. As Emilia tries to reconnect, Taylor and Zach explore new and past relationships through an app that boasts old-fashioned human connection by way of the classified ad. Zach is given a chance to heal old wounds while Taylor matches with a woman that changes the way she’s always thought about love.

“This is such a fun story from writer Lynn Sternberger, that is ultimately a story of love, family, and commitment in all its forms. With a cast that includes Melora Hardin, Arienne Mandi, Katherine McNamara, and Max Lloyd-Jones to help bring this movie to life will no doubt put a smile on the faces of our viewers this spring,” said Lisa Hamilton Daly, EVP Programming Crown Media Family Networks.

Mercedes De La Cruz to Star in the Rom-Com “Sweet as Pie”

Posted on October 11, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

The pie’s the limit for Mercedes De La Cruz.

The Latina actress, born and raised in Canada, will star alongside Rhiannon Fish and Kurt Szarka in Sweet as Pie, a rom-com from director Jonathan MacPherson.

Written by Haidyn Harvey and Amy Taylor, the film follows Tamara Hayes (Fish), who is finally being considered for partner after working her way up the corporate ladder at Tethrow Investments for five years. Her boss suggests that in order to win over the board with a strong pitch, Tam needs to come up with three words that describe her best. So, before entering into the biggest presentation of her career, she decides to return to her hometown, to do some soul-searching. Her intentions shift, though, as she discovers that her family’s business is in jeopardy.

De La Cruz will portray Tamara’s old friend Mia, who is thrilled to see her return to her hometown, helping her with a new business idea. As previously announced, Szarka is playing Tamara’s ex, Evan, who she discovers is now working on her family’s orchard.

De La Cruz recently appeared opposite Janel Parrish in the Hallmark Channel movie, Right in Front of Me, and in Lifetime’s Lonestar Christmas, opposite Marco Grazzini.

The actresss has also appeared in Bates Motel, Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce and History Channel’s Project Blue Book.

She recently completed filming on Legendary Pictures’ comedy The Machine, starring Bert Kreischer and Mark Hamill.

Mercedes de la Cruz to Star in Hallmark Channel’s Rom-Com “Right In Front of Me”

Posted on March 29, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Mercedes de la Cruz is frontin’…

The Latina actress, who hails from Canada, will star as a lead opposite Janel Parrish and Marco Grazzini in Right In Front of Me, Hallmark Channel’s upcoming rom-com.

Written by Julie Sherman Wolfe and directed by Linda-Lisa Hayter, Right In Front of Me revolves around Carly (Parrish), the owner of a bridal styling business, gets a second chance at romance with her college crush but isn’t sure how to impress him until her new friend Nick starts giving her advice. Soon she learns who the right man for her really is.

The movie, part of Hallmark Channel’s “Spring Fling” programming event this spring, premieres Saturday, April 17.

De La Cruz plays Carly’s assistant and friend Jennifer, an efficient woman with a keen sense of humor who is well aware of Carly’s previous romantic disasters.

De La Cruz most recently co-starred in Lonestar Christmas for Lifetime. She also appeared in Supernatural, Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce, Get Shorty and opposite Freddie Highmore in Bates Motel.

JoAnna Garcia Swisher to Star in the Hallmark Channel Rom-Com “As Luck Would Have It”

Posted on February 12, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a hallmark moment for JoAnna Garcia Swisher…

The 41-year-old Cuban and Spanish American actress has been cast in Hallmark’s new Ireland-set rom-com As Luck Would Have It.

The Sweet Magnolias actress will star opposite Allen Leech in the film directed by Clare Niederpruem.

“JoAnna Garcia Swisher and Allen Leech are both immensely talented actors and we are delighted to welcome them to the Hallmark Channel family,” said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming, Crown Media Family Networks. “Between its charming leads and lushly-authentic Irish setting, viewers are sure to be captivated by this sweet, lighthearted romance.”

Lindsey (Swisher) travels to Ireland to acquire land that is perfect for a resort. She decides to enter the town’s matchmaking festival to prove her investment and win over a handsome local (Leech).

The all-new movie, which will be part of Hallmark Channel’s “Spring Fling” programming event this spring, has kicked off production with on-location filming in Ireland.

Swisher also appeared in Once Upon a Time, The Internship, A-List and American Pie 2.

Carey Inks Three-Picture Deal with Hallmark Channel

Posted on May 23, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Mariah Carey’s career has reached a new Hallmark…

The 46-year-old half-Venezuelan American singer, actress and producers has signed a three-picture deal with the Hallmark Channel.

Carey will develop, executive produce, direct and co-star in a trio of original movies, as well as compose and produce an original song for each TV movie.

The first pic in the two-year pact is slated to premiere during the channel’s 2017 Countdown to Valentine’s Day programming event.

Carey and Hallmark previously teamed up on December’s original movie A Christmas Melody, in which the multiple Grammy-winner starred and made her directorial debut. It drew 3.9 million viewers.

She also has the network’s most-watched holiday special to her credit: the same month’s Mariah Carey’s Merriest Christmas musical event.

Both were part of Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas block and came as the Hallmark Channel sponsored her sold-out Christmas concerts at New York City’s Beacon Theatre.

“We are honored to continue our collaboration with the multi-talented Mariah Carey,” said Michelle Vicary, EVP Programming at Crown Media Family Networks. “It’s rare to work with a talent who can produce, direct, star and also compose original music for a project, and we know she will deliver for our viewers once again.”

Carey also has her E! docuseries Mariah’s World bowing in the fall on E! which follows her on her international tour.

Hallmark Channel Orders Zuniga’s “Signed, Sealed & Delivered” to Series

Posted on October 3, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Daphne Zuniga has signed, sealed and delivered her way into our living rooms…

Hallmark Channel has reportedly given a 10-episode order to Signed, Sealed & Delivered ahead of the backdoor pilot’s October 12 premiere as an original movie, according to Deadline.com.

The entertainment news website claims the decision was made based on great testing results for the pilot.

Created and executive produced by former Touched by an Angel executive producer Martha Williamson, Signed, Sealed & Delivered is a comedic drama about an intrepid group of mail detectives in the Dead Letter Office who will deliver every last lost & dead letter to its rightful owner just when the recipient needs it most.

The project was originally called Dead Letters.

Along with Zuniga, the project stars Ugly Betty alum Eric Mabius, Kristin Booth, Crystal Lowe and Geoff Gustafson.

Estrada to Host Hallmark Channel’s “Hollywood Christmas Parade”

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Erik Estrada is ready to get you into the holiday spirit…

The 63-year-old Puerto Rican actor and Spanish telenovela star will host this year’s Hollywood Christmas Parade on the Hallmark Channel.

Estrada, who rose to acclaim on the police drama CHiPs, will co-host the show with his fellow World’s Funniest Moments host Laura McKenzie. Along with his work on the weekly series, Estrada competed on Univision’s Mira Quien Baila last season.

This year’s Grand Marshal is actor Joe Mantegna, who has starred on Criminal Minds. He’ll be joined by Lou Ferrigno, Louis Gossett Jr., as well as cast members from Glee, Criminal Minds and Days Of Our Lives, among others.

The 2012 Hollywood Christmas Parade will air on December 10 at 6:00 pm ET on the Hallmark Channel.

Cibrian to Star in the Hallmark Channel’s “Playing Father”

Posted on June 4, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Eddie Cibrian is bringing his acting talents back to the Hallmark Channel.

The 38-year-old Cuban American actor—who appeared in the 2010 Hallmark movie Healing Hands, opposite Patrick Duffy— will star in the cable network’s latest original TV movie Playing Father, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The made-for-TV film centers on a former musician—played by Cibrian—who, despite having fans around the world, opts to return home to take a job teaching music to disenfranchised children so he can repair his relationship with his own family. Meanwhile, Michael Beach will play a custodian who works at the school in which Cibrian’s character works.

The project is being directed by Eriq La Salle (A Gifted Man, Ringer).

Cibrian’s credits include Third Watch, CSI: Miami and the gone-to-soon NBC series The Playboy Channel.

The telefilm is the latest to join Hallmark’s lineup of original programming, which now includes the Andie MacDowell starrer Cedar Cove, its first scripted drama series.

Playing Father will premiere next year around Father’s Day.

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