Ektor Rivera to Star in Upcoming Hallmark Film “Groundswell”

Ektor Rivera is feeling (ground)swell…

The Puerto Rican actor, singer and visual artist will star opposite Lacey Chabert in the Hallmark film Groundswell. The project is set to premiere on August 21 on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.

Groundswell is an adaptation of Katie Lee Biegel’s debut novel. Beigel serves as executive producer on the project and will make a cameo appearance.

In Groundswell, on the heels of a personal and professional setback, Atlanta chef Emma (Chabert) travels to Hawaii where she meets Ben (Rivera), a handsome, reclusive surf instructor whose lessons help her to regain her footing.

“I am a huge fan of Lacey’s movies, and she has been my dream choice to play Emma, from Day 1,” said Biegel. “This project is close to my heart, and there is no one better to bring us along on Emma’s journey.”

Groundswell, from Crown Media Productions, is executive produced by Cameron Johann. Ric Galindez and Roy Tjioe are producers. Lee Friedlander is directing from a script by Carlie Mantilla & John Eliot Jordan.

Chabert signed a multi-picture deal with Crown Media Family Networks in February under which she will headline and executive produce movies and develop other content for Hallmark Channel and other Hallmark platforms over the next two years.

Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” Becoming an Animated Film

Mariah Carey’s iconic holiday song is getting animated…

The 47-year-old half-Venezuelan American singer/actress’ iconic Christmas song, “All I Want for Christmas is You” is becoming an animated movie.

Mariah Carey

Carey took to Twitter to reveal the big news.

“Every holiday season, there are traditions we can’t live without,” a Christmasy trailer — backed by Carey’s holiday classic — said. “The tree, the stockings, the presents and Mariah Carey.”

“My song is becoming a movie! You’re the first to hear about this exciting news! Follow @AllIWantMovie for more updates. #AllIWantMovie pic.twitter.com/vb1j75eGZk,” said Carey.

The movie will be directed by Guy Vasilovich from a script by Temple Mathews. The plot will expand on that of Carey’s 2015 children’s book of the same name, which sees a young Mariah coming across a puppy named Princess and deciding that’s all she wants for Christmas. In order to get Princess, though, Mariah must prove she can pet-sit Jack, a rather unruly dog who turns Mariah and her family’s holiday preparations upside down.

Carey will narrate the film, but there will also be a cast of characters will feature voices from Henry Winkler, Lacey Chabert, Phil Morris, Laya HayesKeiko Agena and 14-year-old actress Breanna Yde as young Mariah. Carey, along with manager Stella Bulochnikov, will serve as executive producers (for Magic Carpet Productions), partnering with producer Mike Young and Splash Entertainment. All I Want For Christmas Is You will be released by Universal 1440 Entertainment.

No release date is set for the film just yet, as the trailer simply said “Coming Holiday 2017.”