Hallmark Media, formerly Crown Media, has signed “Days of our Lives” fan favorite Alison Sweeney to a multi-picture overall deal that calls for the actress to star in and executive produce original movies for its cable networks, Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. The actress has already starred in and executive produced nearly two dozen movies for the company thus far.
According to Deadline, which first reported the news, the first project as part of Sweeney’s deal will be “A Magical Christmas Village,” which she co-executive produces and stars in alongside co-star Luke Macfarlane (“Mariah’s Lighthouse”) and special guest star Marlo Thomas.
Set to premiere during Hallmark Channel’s annual “Countdown to Christmas” programming schedule, “A Magical Christmas Village” follows an architect named Summer (Sweeney) who lives in a small town where she’s raising her young daughter Chloe (Maesa Nicholson). “When her mother Vivian (Thomas) finds herself in need of a place to live, her orderly life becomes a little less so after inviting Vivian to move in with them during this transition. Upon arrival, Vivian sets up an heirloom, a miniature Christmas village resembling their town, and tells Chloe it grants Christmas wishes. As Chloe begins setting up the figurines, real-life events seem to mimic the scenes she creates, including Summer’s chance meeting with Ryan (Macfarlane), a newcomer to their community,” reads a synopsis of the movie.
Lookking Glass Productions, LLC is behind the movie, with Sweeney, Craig Baumgarten, Shawn Williamson, Jamie Goehring and Melissa Salmons serving as executive producers.
“Alison Sweeney has been an incredible creative partner for us over the years – both on screen as well as behind the camera as a producer,” said Lisa Hamilton Daly, Executive Vice President, Programming, Hallmark Media. “She’s long been a fan favorite and we can’t wait to continue our work together as we bring new stories to life.”
“I am thrilled to continue to work with Hallmark as they continue to support my work as an actress and as a producer,” Sweeney remarked. “I’m very proud of our Christmas movie and excited for the future projects to come!”
More than 21 years since making her daytime television debut as Sami Brady on “Days of our Lives,” Sweeney continues appearing on episodes of the drama which recently moved to Peacock as a streaming only series.