**Hallmark Chiefs Release Holiday Movie Filmed in Kansas City**
This holiday season, Hallmark Channel is set to score a major touchdown with its latest original movie, “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” The film is a collaborative effort between two iconic Kansas City institutions: the Kansas City Chiefs and Hallmark. This unique partnership also involves the NFL and Skydance Sports, promising to deliver a heartwarming story that will captivate audiences nationwide.
**A Star-Studded Cast**
The movie features a stellar cast, including Tyler Hynes, known for his roles in “Shifting Gears” and “Three Wise Men and a Baby,” Hunter King from “Two Scoops of Italy” and “The Santa Summit,” and Ed Begley Jr., who has appeared in “Young Sheldon” and “Better Call Saul.” The film is set to begin production next month and will be shot entirely in Kansas City, Missouri. Notably, it will include scenes filmed at the iconic GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, marking the first time this renowned venue has been used as a filming location for a Hallmark movie.
**A Unique Collaboration**
Darren Abbott, Chief Brand Officer at Hallmark, expressed his excitement about the project. “With Hallmark and the Kansas City Chiefs both homegrown, rooted in values, tradition, and community, there is a special alchemy between these two iconic organizations,” Abbott said. “By blending the warmth of Hallmark storytelling with the excitement of professional football, we are thrilled to give audiences a front-row seat to this community’s spirit, rich traditions, and passionate fans that define Kansas City, all wrapped up in the comforting and uplifting Hallmark way.”
Chiefs President Mark Donovan echoed Abbott’s sentiments. “We are honored to partner with Hallmark on a project as unique as this,” Donovan said. “As a club, we pride ourselves on exploring new ways to grow our brand, as well as connect with new audiences. This partnership unites two passionate fanbases and gives us an opportunity to show Chiefs Kingdom’s energy and tradition on one of the most-watched channels during the holiday season.”
**The Plot**
In “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story,” Hunter King plays Alana Higman, a die-hard Kansas City Chiefs superfan. Alana is confident that her family’s lifelong devotion to the Chiefs makes them a top contender to win the team’s “Fan of the Year” contest. Tyler Hynes portrays Derrick, the Director of Fan Engagement, who is responsible for evaluating Alana’s family against the other finalists. As Alana and Derrick spend more time together, a romantic spark ignites between them. However, when Alana’s grandfather’s (played by Ed Begley Jr.) vintage Chiefs good luck winter hat goes missing, she begins to question everything she believed about fate, destiny, and her future with Derrick. It will take a little Christmas magic to set things right.
**A Celebration of Kansas City**
This film marks a significant celebration of the longstanding collaboration between Hallmark and the Kansas City Chiefs. The partnership aims to unite Hallmarkies and Chiefs Kingdom like never before. Plans are already underway for game-day activations, unique co-branded merchandise, and extensive on-air, social, and digital promotion. More details about these initiatives will be announced later this year.
The film also taps into the proven crossover appeal between Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas enthusiasts and sports fans. In 2023, over 50% of Hallmark Channel viewers also watched sports during the Countdown to Christmas, making this film the perfect holiday occasion.
**Executive Production by Skydance Sports**
Skydance Sports serves as the Executive Producer of “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Skydance Sports is a newly formed venture between Skydance Media and the NFL, designed to create top-tier sports content and expand multi-platform sports programming across various formats.
**A Night to Remember**
To celebrate this unique local partnership, Kansas City’s downtown skyline will be lit in purple and red tonight, beginning at sunset. This visual spectacle will serve as a fitting tribute to the collaboration between Hallmark and the Kansas City Chiefs.
**About Hallmark Media**
Owned and operated by Hallmark Cards, Inc., Hallmark Media is home to Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and Hallmark Drama. Hallmark Channel features an ambitious slate of new, original content, including movies, scripted series, and annual specials. The channel is also home to the popular annual holiday franchise Countdown to Christmas, featuring a 24/7 lineup of holiday programming. Hallmark Movies & Mysteries offers a unique mix of new, original movies and acquired series focused on the lighter side of the suspense and mystery genres. The network also features its own annual holiday programming franchise, Miracles of Christmas. Hallmark Drama showcases the rich legacy of the Hallmark Hall of Fame library and spotlights movies and series from Hallmark Media’s collection of original dramatic content. Hallmark Media also operates Hallmark Movies Now, a subscription streaming service offering commercial-free, feel-good movies and series from Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and more, including exclusive content.
**About Skydance Sports**
Skydance Sports, a joint venture between the NFL and Skydance, has quickly become the premier studio for leagues, teams, elite athletes, and A-List Hollywood talent seeking to produce premium, sports-related entertainment. Launched in 2021, the studio’s first two projects include the Sports Emmy-nominated docuseries “Good Rivals” and the critically acclaimed film “Air,” which received two Golden Globe Award nominations. In 2022, Skydance partnered with the NFL and NFL Films to expand multi-platform programming across sports in various formats. The partnership’s first projects include an upcoming docuseries chronicling the Dallas Cowboys’ dynasty and franchise owner Jerry Jones for Netflix, and “Hard Knocks: Offseason” with the New York Giants for HBO. Other notable projects include the Sports Emmy-nominated “NFL Draft: The Pick Is In” for The Roku Channel and “Kelce” for Prime Video, both of which broke records on their respective streaming platforms upon release.
This holiday season, get ready to experience the magic of Kansas City and the Kansas City Chiefs like never before with “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story” on Hallmark Channel.
Source: Hallmark, Skydance Sports
