Hallmark Channel Scores William & Kate TV-Movie Deal

NEW YORK: Hallmark Channel is set to start production on William & Kate: A Royal Love Story, which will premiere exclusively on the channel on August 13.

Emmy Award-winner Linda Yellen, who executive produced the 1982 movie The Royal Romance of Charles and Diana, has written the screenplay and will serve as producer of the biopic.

Barbara Fisher, the senior VP of original programming for Hallmark Channels, said: "I feel fortunate to have such a wonderful relationship with Linda Yellen, one of the best filmmakers and storytellers in television, and to have the opportunity to collaborate with her in bringing the romantic love story of William and Kate to Hallmark Channel.”

Fisher added: "The love story of Prince William and Kate Middleton, which will culminate April 29, 2011 in the biggest royal wedding since Charles and Diana, chronicles the pair as young students at St. Andrews, William’s Army training at Sandhurst Military Academy, their break-up, reunification, engagement and planning of royal nuptials, and advice from William’s grandmother, the Queen.”