If you’ve watched Hallmark movies in the past five years, you’ve probably seen several directed by David Winning.
The Calgary-born director made a name for himself early in his career for directing fantasy-horror films and shows – everything from Friday the 13th The Series to Are You Afraid of the Dark. He also was at home on sci-fi sets, including Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda and Stargate: Atlantis.
In recent years, he’s tapped into the lighter side at Hallmark, where he’s directed holiday heroines Erin Krakow, Lacey Chabert and Danica McKellar through multiple movies.
His latest, “The Nine Kittens of Christmas,” premieres Thanksgiving night (Nov. 25) on Hallmark Channel and Dec. 5 in Canada on W Channel. It stars Brandon Routh, Kimberley Sustad and Gregory Harrison.
It is Winning’s 20th movie for the Crown Media company. Many of them outdraw shows on the broadcast networks.
As someone who has directed everything from vampires and zombies to cute little kitties, why are these Hallmark holiday movies so popular, especially through a pandemic?
“In dark times, Hallmark does an excellent job of offering a safe harbour for viewers,” says Winning. Hear much more on this episode of brioux.tv the podcast.