RHI Announces New Productions

NEW YORK: A slate of 14 original movies will be produced by RHI Entertainment, in association with MNG Films Ireland, for Hallmark Channel in the U.S., and RHI is also teaming up with Syfy to co-produce a set of films.

The raft of two-hour TV movies for Hallmark Channel include After the Fall, which recently wrapped production; Rock in the House, which stars Jack Colman from Heroes; and Farewell, Mr. Kringle, a holiday story. Further titles include Mulligan, Mystery Girl, Love Begins, Love’s Resounding Courage, Love Will Grow, Honeymoon for One and Fixing Pete. Adding to the roster are Harvest Moon, Randall Reunion Races, Annie Kringle’s Year Off and The Cabin.

“These movies’ universal themes of love, compassion and heart easily translate to diverse audiences throughout the world,” said Robert Halmi Jr., the president of RHI Entertainment. “As we continue production on these releases, we look forward to sharing them with the global audience.”

With Syfy, RHI is co-producing two movies for 2011 premieres and both are being shot on location in Ireland this summer. The Other Side is a story of a groundbreaking device designed to give a glimpse at alternate universes. Roadkill is about a group of friends travelling in an RV to their high-school reunion, when an ancient Gypsy curse adds an unexpected turn to their cross-country travels.

“We love both of these scripts and we are looking forward to seeing them on the screen,” commented Halmi, Jr. “Both stories are filled with action, suspense, special effects and great imagination. We anticipate a great reception from the international community while at MIPTV.”

Thomas Vitale, the executive VP of programming and original movies at Syfy, added, “We’ve enjoyed a long and productive relationship with RHI, whose movies have been popular with our savvy television audience. We’re looking forward to premiering these action-packed and entertaining movies as part of our hit Saturday night original movie block.”