Producer Alexandre Coscas (70+ films) names the Christmas niche nobody's touching — and why Christmas beats romance for sheer opportunity.

Ever wondered what actually happens between "great script idea" and "it's on Hallmark this December"? In this episode, Caryn sits down with Alexandre Coscas, a producer with over 70 films to his credit, for an inside look at how Christmas movies really get made. Alex explains why Christmas content consistently outperforms romance across networks and streamers and points out a wide-open gap in the Christmas movie market.

YouTube interview: https://youtu.be/zrCfNYoF-D4

The Christmas Movie Screenwriter Podcast – Episode 44
Guest Alexandre Coscas, Producer
Show Notes

HOST: Caryn McCann
Website: https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristmasMovieScreenwriter
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryn-mccann-5718058/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristmasMovieScreenwriter
Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/christmasmovie
X: https://twitter.com/MerryScriptmas

GUEST: Alexandre Coscas
Website: Basset Hound Distribution: https://bhdi.net/
Reckless Pictures: https://recklesspictures.com/
StoryWorks: https://www.storyworksent.com
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0994279/?ref_=fn_t_2
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandrecoscas/

Producer Michael Goldstein breaks down exactly what Hallmark, Lifetime, and Netflix need from a Christmas script — and why Christmas "baked in" not backdrop, is the difference between a pass and a sale.

Chapters
0:11 Introduction and Updates
2:06 Christmas Makes the Story
3:32 Fresh Beats Formula
6:25 Creative Production Advantage
7:58 What Bold Really Means
9:57 Why Writers Get Rehired
12:01 Fast Drafts, Better Results
12:08 Platform Tone Differences
15:36 Why Scripts Fail
18:14 Page Count Sweet Spot
20:26 Career Upside Opens Doors
21:27 Christmas Market Outlook
23:18 Rom-Coms Beyond Christmas
25:30 Ideal Output Goals

YouTube interview

The Christmas Movie Screenwriter Podcast – Episode 43
Guest Producer Michael Goldstein – Reckless Pictures, Basset Hound Distribution and Timeless Pictures
Show Notes

HOST: Caryn McCann
Website: https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristmasMovieScreenwriter
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryn-mccann-5718058/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristmasMovieScreenwriter
Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/christmasmovie
X: https://twitter.com/MerryScriptmas

GUEST: Michael Goldstein
IMDB
Website: Reckless Pictures
Instagram

Former MarVista exec turned writer Justine Wentzell Chang explains why market fit, budget, and buyer mandates often wins out over "great writing" in Christmas TV movies — and how to shape your holiday scripts so they actually get bought and made.

Youtube: https://youtu.be/4i5w8lh7-cQ

Podcast: https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/42-why-good-writing-wont-sell-your-christmas-script

The Christmas Movie Screenwriter Podcast – Episode 42
Guest Justine Chang – Writer / Producer
Show Notes

HOST: Caryn McCann
Website: https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristmasMovieScreenwriter
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryn-mccann-5718058/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristmasMovieScreenwriter
Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/christmasmovie
X: https://twitter.com/MerryScriptmas
My author website: https://www.carynmccann.com/

GUEST: Justine Wentzell-Chang
Website: https://www.redballoonstation.com
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7519079/?ref_=fn_t_1
Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-isforjawesome/
Substack: https://substack.com/@justinechang

Two British writer-directors share a five-step framework to make your Christmas movie stand out—from concept to pitch—so your next snowy romance doesn't melt into the slush pile.

British Writer-Director duo Tim Clague & Danny Stack discussed their experience with Christmas movies. They identified the importance of structural beats, particularly the meet-cute. They noted that while many writers have strong craft skills, a common issue is weak premises that are too similar to existing content.

For the shownotes, action checklist and transcript - go here:

https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/41-how-can-writers-stand-out-this-holiday

Showrunners Erin Rodman and Davah Avena reveal how they adapted a Christmas novel into Hallmark's first holiday limited series, built a collaborative room, and why screenwriters need a strong voice, endless ideas, social media, and even self‑publishing in their toolkit.​

For an action checklist, the show notes and a full transcript - go to:

https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/40-inside-hallmarks-first-christmas-limited-series/

Check out the YouTube interview here:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/cMk7-vJskWE

Unlock the secrets to writing original, captivating Christmas movies with filmmaker Jake Helgren—discover how unique characters, bold storytelling, and industry adaptability can elevate your next holiday script.

Check out our action checklist and the show notes at:

https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/39-script-risks-the-secret-to-hollywood-yes/

Unlock the secrets to memorable Christmas TV scripts. Director Heather Hawthorn Doyle shares why cozy visuals—like gestures and silence—speak louder than dialogue, and how emotional arcs and budget-friendly writing help your holiday screenplay stand out.

For an action checklist, the show notes and the transcript - go here:

Podcast:https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/38-heartfelt-christmas-screenwriting-directors-tips

YouTube: https://youtu.be/IDOmOI4BtP8

Producer Eric Jarboe shares insider tips on what producers truly want in Christmas scripts. He explains how to craft emotionally engaging characters and avoid clichés. Use his advice to make your screenplay irresistible to decision-makers.

In this episode, successful producer Eric Jarboe, co-founder of Happy Accidents and producer of over 130 films, reveals exactly what producers want. He breaks down the value of an emotionally resonant Christmas theme. Moreover, he highlights the need for compelling characters with clear objectives. Every story benefits from meaningful transformations that delight audiences.

Watch the YouTube interview here: https://youtu.be/ZCTbL8zePao

For all the show notes, an action checklist and transcript - go here:

https://christmasmoviescreenwriter.com/37-what-makes-producers-say-yes/