Hallmark Hall of Fame : Setting the Standard in Excellence

Today most Americans have access to over 200 stations on cable and satellite television. So why is it difficult to find anything of quality to watch. We click through the channels only to be disappointed. Sometimes it seems that most of television has little or nothing to offer.

But one series has stood the test of time. For over sixty years, Hallmark Hall of Fame has set the standard in television excellence. It is something that we can depend on time and time again. Last Sunday, their latest entry, The Lost Valentine, illustrates just how good television can be when it’s done right.

In today’s era of edgy and provocative programs on practically channel, somehow Hallmark has found a way to continue to offer family-friendly programming. There’s never anything off-color or inappropriate in any of their presentations. That’s remarkable because at the same time they have remained relevant to this current generation. But how do they do it? And if you’re a Christian pursuing a career in media, film or television, is there something that you can learn from Hallmark?

First, Hallmark’s Hall of Fame picks stories that work in their format. They know what their audiences are looking for. Hallmark emphasizes the better side of humanity and the human condition. There stories are heartwarming and emotional. They pull at our heart strings. Some people criticize Hallmark for being sentimental and simplistic. But my question is, what’s wrong with being sentimental?

Second, Hallmark picks universal themes. Their movies are about things we all can relate to. Who doesn’t care about family, love, sacrifice, loyalty, forgiveness, and redemption?

Finally, Hallmark has made a commitment to excellence. They make a choice to work with the best talent available. Over the years, some of the biggest names in Hollywood have appeared in Hallmark movies. Their budgets are typically twice the size of the average TV movie. Their production schedule runs an average of 24 days compared to most television movies which typically run 16 days. They are willing to spend the money and time to do it right; therefore, they are able to attract writers, directors, and actors who want to work on high-quality projects.

So next time you can’t find anything of value to watch on television, just remember that’s not always true. Hallmark movies usually make an appearance two weeks prior to Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. The next Hallmark movie will air on April 24, 2011. And if you’ve missed The Lost Valentine, you missed a great movie and one of the best performances by Betty White, who is still acting at the age of 89.

Hallmark movies are available on DVD at your Hallmark Gold Crown Stores. I’m not getting a cut of the profits, I just want to point you to some quality entertainment.