Hallmark Channel is capping off a month of original films themed around Jane Austen’s works with the premiere of a new feature-length adaptation of Sense and Sensibility. The classic story about whether young women should choose husbands based on romantic notions of love or practicality has been adapted for both television and film several times before. Many fans may remember either the 1995 film adaptation directed by Ang Lee or the 2008 BBC and PBS television miniseries starring Dominic Cooper and Charity Wakefield.
This Sense and Sensibility stands out from the other recent period adaptations of Austen’s works, however, as it’s produced by Hallmark’s Mahogany brand, which is devoted to producing original films and series with Black screenwriters, actors, directors, and other creatives. Unlike Netflix’s 2022 Persuasion adaptation, which used the controversial strategy of “color-blind casting,” Hallmark’s Sense and Sensibility deliberately sought out Black actors for principal and supporting roles.
This Sense and Sensibility stands out from the other recent period adaptations of Austen’s works, however, as it’s produced by Hallmark’s Mahogany brand, which is devoted to producing original films and series with Black screenwriters, actors, directors, and other creatives. Unlike Netflix’s 2022 Persuasion adaptation, which used the controversial strategy of “color-blind casting,” Hallmark’s Sense and Sensibility deliberately sought out Black actors for principal and supporting roles.
- 2/24/2024
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Hallmark‘s Loveuary salute to the works of Jane Austen continues this week with what may be one of the network’s biggest swings: a straight-forward, PBS-caliber retelling of Sense and Sensibility. It’s not a cheeky update about a big-city exec looking for love on the countryside. There are no Tyler Hynes cameos. No inside jokes. Just the displaced Dashwood siblings surrounded by high-end production values, top-tier period costumes and hair, stunning locations and a clear adoration for that Regency Era energy. In fact, the only new here is that the cast is primarily Black. And this long-overdue approach to reimagining Austen’s 1811 tale was “the perfect solution” for Hallmark Media’s SVP of Development, Toni Judkins when she set out to define Hallmark Channel’s Mahogany brand. Hallmark Media “When they announced that the Mahogany initiative was going to come to fruition, I had a little window where...
- 2/22/2024
- TV Insider
Hallmark Media today announced it will join the scripted podcast space with all–new original podcast series Crimson Hearts Collide, a soulful romance-mystery story spun from the company’s Mahogany content initiative. The podcast series produced by Ayr Media debuted its inaugural trailer today Here, and will premiere episodes 1-2 on August 24 followed by new episodes every Thursday, available wherever listeners find their favorite podcasts.
An eight-part series, Crimson Hearts Collide marks the first-ever scripted podcasting venture for the company, and a milestone in the continued extension of Hallmark’s legacy brand Mahogany, an iconic 30+ year-old card line brought to life as a Hallmark Media entertainment initiative last year. Mahogany content offerings spotlight storytelling that exemplifies family, community, connection, positivity, and the power of love – all through the unique lens of Black culture.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0n_RngRARdQ
“I’m thrilled for fans to experience the heart...
An eight-part series, Crimson Hearts Collide marks the first-ever scripted podcasting venture for the company, and a milestone in the continued extension of Hallmark’s legacy brand Mahogany, an iconic 30+ year-old card line brought to life as a Hallmark Media entertainment initiative last year. Mahogany content offerings spotlight storytelling that exemplifies family, community, connection, positivity, and the power of love – all through the unique lens of Black culture.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0n_RngRARdQ
“I’m thrilled for fans to experience the heart...
- 8/18/2023
- Podnews.net
Hallmark will launch its first scripted podcast series, Crimson Hearts Collide, starting Aug. 24.
The eight-part mystery-romance podcast is produced by Ayr Media and will serve as an extension of Hallmark’s Mahogany content line, a Black culture initiative that was originally launched as a card line more than 30 years ago and then resurfaced as an entertainment offering last year.
“I’m thrilled for fans to experience the heart of our powerful Hallmark storytelling in this new, accessible and rapidly growing medium,” said Hallmark Media’s senior vp programming development, Toni Judkins. “Listeners will fall in love with the enchanting story of Crimson Hearts Collide, which is sure to invite more people into the passionate, vibrant world of Mahogany programming.“
The podcast follows Sonora Williams, a prominent lawyer in New York City who receives a letter in the mail about an uncle who passed away and left her his farm in Alabama.
The eight-part mystery-romance podcast is produced by Ayr Media and will serve as an extension of Hallmark’s Mahogany content line, a Black culture initiative that was originally launched as a card line more than 30 years ago and then resurfaced as an entertainment offering last year.
“I’m thrilled for fans to experience the heart of our powerful Hallmark storytelling in this new, accessible and rapidly growing medium,” said Hallmark Media’s senior vp programming development, Toni Judkins. “Listeners will fall in love with the enchanting story of Crimson Hearts Collide, which is sure to invite more people into the passionate, vibrant world of Mahogany programming.“
The podcast follows Sonora Williams, a prominent lawyer in New York City who receives a letter in the mail about an uncle who passed away and left her his farm in Alabama.
- 8/17/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hallmark Media today is entering the scripted podcast space with the new original podcast series Crimson Hearts Collide, a romance-mystery from the company’s Mahogany content initiative.
The podcast series produced by Ayr Media will premiere episodes 1-2 on August 24 followed by new episodes every Thursday, available wherever listeners find podcasts.
Crimson Hearts Collide tells the story of Sonora Williams, a top lawyer in New York City who is as driven as they come. One day, she receives a letter in the mail that changes everything: Sonora has an uncle who just passed away and left her an inheritance, a farm in Alabama. For her entire life growing up in foster care, she was told she had no family leaving her to wonder, if he knew about her, why did he not come for her? In order to get the answers she seeks, Sonora must travel to Alabama and meet...
The podcast series produced by Ayr Media will premiere episodes 1-2 on August 24 followed by new episodes every Thursday, available wherever listeners find podcasts.
Crimson Hearts Collide tells the story of Sonora Williams, a top lawyer in New York City who is as driven as they come. One day, she receives a letter in the mail that changes everything: Sonora has an uncle who just passed away and left her an inheritance, a farm in Alabama. For her entire life growing up in foster care, she was told she had no family leaving her to wonder, if he knew about her, why did he not come for her? In order to get the answers she seeks, Sonora must travel to Alabama and meet...
- 8/17/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Hallmark has been a dominant force with its feel-good movies and series for several years.
Today, Hallmark Media dropped some exciting news that's sure to resonate with the fans of its projects.
Hallmark will join the scripted podcast space with the–new original podcast series Crimson Hearts Collide, "a soulful romance-mystery story spun from the company's Mahogany content initiative."
The podcast series produced by Ayr Media debuted its inaugural trailer today. It will premiere the first two episodes on August 24, followed by new episodes every Thursday, available wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
"An eight-part series, Crimson Hearts Collide marks the first-ever scripted podcasting venture for the company, and a milestone in the continued extension of Hallmark's legacy brand Mahogany, an iconic 30+ year-old card line brought to life as a Hallmark Media entertainment initiative last year," the company said in a press release.
"Mahogany content offerings spotlight storytelling that exemplifies family,...
Today, Hallmark Media dropped some exciting news that's sure to resonate with the fans of its projects.
Hallmark will join the scripted podcast space with the–new original podcast series Crimson Hearts Collide, "a soulful romance-mystery story spun from the company's Mahogany content initiative."
The podcast series produced by Ayr Media debuted its inaugural trailer today. It will premiere the first two episodes on August 24, followed by new episodes every Thursday, available wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
"An eight-part series, Crimson Hearts Collide marks the first-ever scripted podcasting venture for the company, and a milestone in the continued extension of Hallmark's legacy brand Mahogany, an iconic 30+ year-old card line brought to life as a Hallmark Media entertainment initiative last year," the company said in a press release.
"Mahogany content offerings spotlight storytelling that exemplifies family,...
- 8/17/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Hallmark Media is making a foray into the scripted podcast space with Crimson Hearts Collide, an original romance-mystery story spun from the company’s Mahogany content initiative.
The podcast series, produced by Ayr Media, will premiere the first two episodes on August 24 followed by new episodes every Thursday, available on all major podcast platforms.
The company’s podcasting venture marks a milestone in the extension of Hallmark’s legacy brand Mahogany, its 30+ year-old card line which morphed into a Hallmark Media entertainment initiative last year. Mahogany content spotlights storytelling about family, community, connection, positivity, and the power of love through the lens of Black culture.
“I’m thrilled for fans to experience the heart of our powerful Hallmark storytelling in this new, accessible and rapidly growing medium,” said Hallmark Media’s SVP, Programming Development, Toni Judkins. “Listeners will fall in love with the enchanting story of Crimson Hearts Collide, which...
The podcast series, produced by Ayr Media, will premiere the first two episodes on August 24 followed by new episodes every Thursday, available on all major podcast platforms.
The company’s podcasting venture marks a milestone in the extension of Hallmark’s legacy brand Mahogany, its 30+ year-old card line which morphed into a Hallmark Media entertainment initiative last year. Mahogany content spotlights storytelling about family, community, connection, positivity, and the power of love through the lens of Black culture.
“I’m thrilled for fans to experience the heart of our powerful Hallmark storytelling in this new, accessible and rapidly growing medium,” said Hallmark Media’s SVP, Programming Development, Toni Judkins. “Listeners will fall in love with the enchanting story of Crimson Hearts Collide, which...
- 8/17/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: J.B. Smoove is to pay homage to six Black comedians in a comedy docuseries podcast for Audible.
The audio service has ordered Funny My Way, hosted by the Curb Your Enthusiasm star.
The series will profile Paul Mooney, Flip Wilson, Rudy Ray Moore, Moms Mabley, Dick Gregory, and Redd Foxx, who have broken barriers in the entertainment industry. It will shine a light on everyday struggles in the Black community, and these iconic comedians’ fight for equality while being their authentic, raw selves. It will also give listeners an impactful look into comedy history – one that goes far beyond the punch lines.
Funny My Way, which launched on the platform on August 4, comes from Conan O’Brien’s Team Coco and Ayr Media.
Exec producers include Matt Powers, Jeff Ross, Adam Sachs and Willie Navarre for Team Coco, Aliza Rosen for Ayr Media and Toni Judkins.
It is the latest...
The audio service has ordered Funny My Way, hosted by the Curb Your Enthusiasm star.
The series will profile Paul Mooney, Flip Wilson, Rudy Ray Moore, Moms Mabley, Dick Gregory, and Redd Foxx, who have broken barriers in the entertainment industry. It will shine a light on everyday struggles in the Black community, and these iconic comedians’ fight for equality while being their authentic, raw selves. It will also give listeners an impactful look into comedy history – one that goes far beyond the punch lines.
Funny My Way, which launched on the platform on August 4, comes from Conan O’Brien’s Team Coco and Ayr Media.
Exec producers include Matt Powers, Jeff Ross, Adam Sachs and Willie Navarre for Team Coco, Aliza Rosen for Ayr Media and Toni Judkins.
It is the latest...
- 7/12/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Hallmark has begun production on its first movie under the new Mahogany banner, titled “Unthinkably Good Things.” The film will star Karen Pittman.
The film, set to debut on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, sees a woman named Allison (Pittman) at a crossroads in her career and love life, in need of the love and support of her two friends Melina (Joyful Drake) and Reesa (Erica Ash). When they visit her in Tuscany, the reunion causes each woman to reexamine the state of her own life and relationships. While they have different personalities and perspectives, they know each other’s truths and help to make life-changing decisions. Jermaine Love and Lance Gross also star.
“Unthinkably Good Things” is being shot on location in Italy. Terri J. Vaughn directs a script by Cas Sigers-Beedles. The film is a Kronicle Media Production. Korin D. Williams, Monique Nash and Cristina Giubbetti serve as executive producers with David Wulf as producer.
The film, set to debut on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, sees a woman named Allison (Pittman) at a crossroads in her career and love life, in need of the love and support of her two friends Melina (Joyful Drake) and Reesa (Erica Ash). When they visit her in Tuscany, the reunion causes each woman to reexamine the state of her own life and relationships. While they have different personalities and perspectives, they know each other’s truths and help to make life-changing decisions. Jermaine Love and Lance Gross also star.
“Unthinkably Good Things” is being shot on location in Italy. Terri J. Vaughn directs a script by Cas Sigers-Beedles. The film is a Kronicle Media Production. Korin D. Williams, Monique Nash and Cristina Giubbetti serve as executive producers with David Wulf as producer.
- 3/22/2022
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Crown Media Family Networks is embracing diversity with a new content initiative on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries.
Using an iconic and established greeting cards brand, Mahogany, they're introducing a slate of original movies that embody Hallmark's core values through the lens of the Black experience.
Mahogany is the first of several new content initiatives and brand extensions tapping into the rich 100+ year legacy of the Hallmark brand.
Launching on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries in early 2022 and rooted in the iconic Hallmark greeting card line of the same name, Mahogany will expand Crown Media’s content offerings with powerful storytelling that exemplifies Hallmark’s core ethos – family, community, human connection, positivity, and the transformational power of love – through the unique lens of Black culture.
Mahogany will initially launch as a quarterly slate of original movies, with plans to further expand the franchise to include podcasts, scripted series, and more. Announcements detailing specific productions,...
Using an iconic and established greeting cards brand, Mahogany, they're introducing a slate of original movies that embody Hallmark's core values through the lens of the Black experience.
Mahogany is the first of several new content initiatives and brand extensions tapping into the rich 100+ year legacy of the Hallmark brand.
Launching on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries in early 2022 and rooted in the iconic Hallmark greeting card line of the same name, Mahogany will expand Crown Media’s content offerings with powerful storytelling that exemplifies Hallmark’s core ethos – family, community, human connection, positivity, and the transformational power of love – through the unique lens of Black culture.
Mahogany will initially launch as a quarterly slate of original movies, with plans to further expand the franchise to include podcasts, scripted series, and more. Announcements detailing specific productions,...
- 7/28/2021
- by Carissa Pavlica
- TVfanatic
For more than 30 years, Black families have celebrated occasions big and small with Hallmark’s Mahogany cards, a line designed with those consumers in mind. Now, Mahogany will launch on the small screen, with a quarterly slate of original movies coming to Hallmark Movies & Mysteries in early 2022.
While many networks and studios have pivoted to spotlight content for Black audiences, Crown Media Family Networks president and CEO Wonya Lucas says Hallmark was “uniquely positioned” for the endeavor thanks to the strong “emotional core” that exists between the company and its consumers.
“Mahogany is a 34-year-old brand that has been an important part of the portfolio since its existence,” Lucas tells Variety. “So for us, it’s not an initiative; it’s bringing something to life through storytelling.”
Before taking charge of the company in August 2020, Lucas was a longtime consumer of the line. She quickly recognized and ultimately seized...
While many networks and studios have pivoted to spotlight content for Black audiences, Crown Media Family Networks president and CEO Wonya Lucas says Hallmark was “uniquely positioned” for the endeavor thanks to the strong “emotional core” that exists between the company and its consumers.
“Mahogany is a 34-year-old brand that has been an important part of the portfolio since its existence,” Lucas tells Variety. “So for us, it’s not an initiative; it’s bringing something to life through storytelling.”
Before taking charge of the company in August 2020, Lucas was a longtime consumer of the line. She quickly recognized and ultimately seized...
- 7/28/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Crown Media Family Networks’ lead programming and production executive Michelle Vicary is departing her post as executive vice president at the start of June, the company said Monday. Randy Pope, the company’s senior vice president of programming and development, and Darren Melameth, senior vice president of programming and content strategy, will serve as interim co-leads while the company looks for a successor.
“We thank Michelle for her contributions to the growth and success of our networks and for helping to bring the quintessential Hallmark brand to life,” said Wonya Lucas, the president and chief executive officer of Crown Media Family Networks, in a statement. “We appreciate the passion and effort she has brought to our team and to the company.”
Vicary had held posts at various Crown Media properties during her time there, boosting the prominence of networks including Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and Hallmark Drama, during which...
“We thank Michelle for her contributions to the growth and success of our networks and for helping to bring the quintessential Hallmark brand to life,” said Wonya Lucas, the president and chief executive officer of Crown Media Family Networks, in a statement. “We appreciate the passion and effort she has brought to our team and to the company.”
Vicary had held posts at various Crown Media properties during her time there, boosting the prominence of networks including Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and Hallmark Drama, during which...
- 5/17/2021
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.