A big deal. Great American Media CEO Bill Abbott today announced a new partnership with Emmy and Golden Globe-winning producer Robert Halmi and his Great Point Studios shingle. The collaboration is focused on developing high-quality, original movies rooted in family values and created for audiences seeking inspiring and meaningful entertainment.

The deal calls for nearly two-dozen films and original series to be produced by Great American Media at Great Point Studios in Buffalo over the next two years. Through this partnership, the two industry veterans are building a new foundation for stateside storytelling. The initiative will also revitalize domestic film production by creating significant employment opportunities across casting, crew, and creative roles—specifically in Western New York.

Abbott and Halmi, both of whom have helped define the modern family film genre, bring decades of production leadership to this renewed alliance and long-term partnership. Halmi is known for founding the Hallmark Channel where Abbott served as President & CEO for 11 years prior to launching Great American Media in 2021.

Talking about the agreement, Abbott says “This partnership is about raising the bar…We are committed to producing content that not only entertains but uplifts. We want to produce these films right here in the U.S., with people who share our passion for authentic, values-driven storytelling.”

Halmi adds “I’m thrilled to reunite with Bill Abbott and support the incredible work he’s doing at Great American Media…This partnership reflects our shared vision and we’re proud to welcome these productions to our campuses.”

The two men both have legendary resumes. Halmi has produced more than 400 films over his storied career. Abbott is credited with popularizing the Christmas movie genre, with more than 1,000 original holiday films produced over 15 years—the highest-rated and highest-volume output in the genre. Their shared legacy includes hundreds of acclaimed productions that have shaped family viewing habits for a generation.

The first movie under the agreement is A Christmas Spark starring Mario Lopez as a middle-aged lawyer-turned-firefighter. Lopez says “It has been a joy to produce and star in A Christmas Spark, which is slated to premiere as part of the 5th Anniversary Edition of Great American Christmas this season…The talent, crew and locations in Buffalo are top notch. A Christmas Spark is deeply personal to me. I witnessed firsthand the bravery of firefighters in my community during the recent LA wildfires. This film gave me a way to honor their heroism and tell a story that reflects their sacrifice.”

Additional films will be announced soon.

Encourage one another and build each other up – 1 Thessalonians 5:11