Hallmark Slates Holiday Promo

Keeping with its ongoing strategy, Hallmark Channel will launch a "Hollywood Holiday Sweepstakes" promotion, supporting the network's upcoming five weeks of holiday programming.

The promotion, netting the grand-prize winner a trip to Hollywood and a walk-on role in a Hallmark original movie, will be promoted via spots on the channel, as well as through the 4,000 Hallmark Gold Crown stores nationwide.

Hallmark executives said the promotion — supporting five films — will reach nearly 25 million affiliate subscribers, an increase of 7 million from last year's efforts. Members of the Hallmark Gold Crown stores loyalty program enter by swiping their store cards, while viewers watching the films Sunday nights from Nov. 23 through Dec. 21 become eligible by calling an 800 number that appears during the movies.

The five films are: A Time to Remember and A Christmas Carol, both making their world premieres on the network; theatrical Scrooged, making its debut on the channel; Hallmark Channel original Christmas Visitor; and Hallmark Hall of Fame entry, A Season of Miracles.

The promotion, also offering a host of $100,000 in cash awards, keepsake ornaments, store gift cards and holiday CDs, proffers customizable ad opportunities with the network and the retail outlets.

"Hallmark is known for the holidays, and with the Hollywood Holiday Sweepstakes, Hallmark Channel is able to offer our affiliates and advertising sponsors unparalleled opportunities for cross-promotion across vertical platforms," said Chris Moseley, Hallmark Channel executive vice president, worldwide marketing and brand strategy.