EXCLUSIVE: Great American Media has inked a new partnership with Emmy and Golden Globe-winning Robert Halmi‘s Great Point Studios to produce over 20 films and original series at Great Point Studios Buffalo over the next two years.
The first project is A Christmas Spark starring Mario Lopez, also the first original film announced by Great American Media for the fifth anniversary of its Christmas lineup. It completed production earlier this summer at the recently opened, state-of-the-art production facility in Buffalo, New York. Additional films will be announced with content “rooted in family values and created for audiences seeking inspiring and meaningful entertainment,” the partners said. The pact will cover the bulk of Great American Media’s original content.
Great Point Studios, founded by Halmi and former investment banker Fehmi Zeko, currently operates complexes in Yonkers, Atlanta, Buffalo and Cardiff, Wales with another under construction in Newark, New Jersey. There’s a big push to keep more production Stateside driven by enhanced incentives including in New York, which recently passed a sweetened package in its last budget. The agreement promises significant employment opportunities across casting, crew, and creative roles in Western NY.
It also reunites former colleagues who helped define the modern family film genre. Halmi, a prolific producer, founded the Hallmark Channel, where Abbott served as President and CEO for 11 years prior to launching Great American Media in 2021.
“This partnership is about raising the bar,” said Abbott, who is credited with popularizing the original Christmas movie genre, with more than 1,000 original holiday films over 15 years. “We are committed to producing content that not only entertains but uplifts. We want to produce these films right here in the U.S., with people who share our passion for authentic, values-driven storytelling.”
“I’m thrilled to reunite with Bill Abbott and support the incredible work he’s doing at Great American Media,” said Halmi. “This partnership reflects our shared vision, and we’re proud to welcome these productions to our campuses.”
A Christmas Spark follows as middle-aged litigator who leaves his lucrative career to become a firefighter with other cadets half his age.
“It has been a joy to produce and star in A Christmas Spark,” said Lopez. “The talent, crew, and locations in Buffalo are top notch.” He called the film deeply personal, having “witnessed firsthand the bravery of firefighters in my community during the recent LA wildfires. This film gave me a way to honor their heroism and tell a story that reflects their sacrifice.”
Great American Media brands including flagship linear TV network Great American Family, streaming service Pure Flix, FAST channel Pure Flix TV and Great American Faith & Living network focused on unscripted and lifestyle fare.
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