ION's 2011 Holiday Films Include "12 Wishes of Christmas,"
"Mandie and the Forgotten Christmas," "Holiday Heist,"
"A Golden Christmas 2," "Christmas Mail" and "A Christmas Kiss"
NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ION Television kicks off the 2011 holiday season with six all new original movies, starting Sunday, November 27. ION Television will premiere the new holiday movies along with returning favorites on Sundays throughout the season. New titles for ION this year include "12 Wishes of Christmas," "Mandie and the Forgotten Christmas," "Holiday Heist," "A Golden Christmas 2," "Christmas Mail," and "A Christmas Kiss."
"What better way for ION to usher in the season than with a variety of new, festive movies," says Brandon Burgess, CEO, ION Media Networks. "This new collection of holiday movies exemplifies ION's commitment to deliver entertaining original programming for our broad-based audience."
ION Television's 2011 holiday schedule includes (*all times listed are ET):
NEW - "12 Wishes of Christmas"
Premieres Sunday, November 27 at 9pm
CAST: Elisa Donovan, Gabrielle Carteris, Sarah Thompson, Fred Willard
Willing to try anything to transform her life, Laura follows her best friend's suggestion and sets up a session with a life coach, who tells Laura to make 12 wishes for a positive change in her life. But before long, Laura realizes that her wishes are sparking unforeseen circumstances and she must act quickly to get her life back and her dog before Christmas. Produced by Hybrid.
NEW – "Mandie and The Forgotten Christmas"
Premieres Sunday, November 27 at 3pm
CAST: Kelly Washington, Amanda Waters, Glennellen Anderson
Thrust into the chaotic and unfamiliar world of a boarding school at Christmas, Mandie falls into trouble. While visiting the school's forbidden attic, Mandie stumbles upon a mystery from which she is warned to flee. Seeking the truth will require Mandie to lie, but it just might provide the key that unlocks the memories of a long forgotten Christmas. Produced by Lost World Productions.
NEW – "Holiday Heist"
Premieres Sunday, November 27 at 1pm
CAST: Lacey Chabert, Rick Malambri, Vivica Fox, Chris Kattan
Jennifer is an art student who takes a Christmas break internship at the local art museum. Along with a group of college students also working the exhibit, they unexpectedly stumble into a trio of thieves planning a holiday heist of the exhibit. As the students are held hostage, they are forced to learn about themselves, each other and the spirit of Christmas, all while getting the courage to work together to thwart the thieves. Produced by LDG Film and Production.
NEW – "A Golden Christmas 2"
Premieres Sunday, December 4 at 9pm
CAST: Julie Gonzalo, Bruce Davison, Kelly Stables, Alley Mills
When golden retriever owner, Lisa, takes her dog Jake and her neighbors' dogs for a walk one day, she interrupts a wedding proposal involving none other than her ex, David. Now, with David's wedding approaching, Lisa and he must decide whether to leave their love in the past, or to give it another chance. With a little help of three lovable pups, it's sure to be a Christmas to remember. Produced by MarVista Entertainment.
NEW – "Christmas Mail"
Premieres Sunday, December 4 at 11pm
Cast: Ashley Scott, A.J. Buckley, Piper Harris
A Post Office boss becomes suspicious of his new official "Santa Writer," Kristi, prompting him to enlist reluctant Postman Matt to spy on her. Before long, Matt and Kristi fall for each other, only to realize all is not what it seems this Christmas season. Produced by MarVista Entertainment.
NEW – "A Christmas Kiss"
Premieres Sunday, December 11 at 1pm
Cast: Elisabeth Rohm, Brendan Fehr and Laura Breckenridge
Wendy is an aspiring designer and assistant to her callous boss Priscilla. Unfortunately, Wendy's dreams of impressing her boss get complicated when she realizes that the mysterious man she kissed in a falling elevator is Priscilla's boyfriend, Adam. As the holidays approach and Adam and Wendy's friendship grows, Priscilla is forced to take drastic measures to make sure her engagement goes forward as planned. Will Wendy and Adam connect before it's too late? Produced by MarVista Entertainment.
"Golden Christmas"
Premieres Sunday, November 27 at 5pm
Cast: Andrea Roth, Nicholas Brendon, Elisa Donovan, Bruce Davison, Alley Mills, Jason London
Recently widowed, Jessica, decides to start over and move back home with her son. However, her plan goes awry when she discovers that her family home has been sold to the very same person she spent a magical summer with years ago. While Jessica and Michael vie for ownership of the house, sparks begin to fly. But with the help of her family, some luck and a very special dog, Jessica realizes the blessings in a plan gone wrong. Produced by MarVista Entertainment.
"The Christmas Clause"
Premieres Sunday, November 27 at 7pm
Cast: Lea Thompson, Andrew Airlie, Rachel Hayward
With the pressures of a working mom, Sophie asks Santa for a different life. Freedom has its price as she realizes the sweet life is not so sweet. Now she must race against time to find the true meaning of family and love before Christmas Day. Produced by Cinamour Entertainment LLC.
"Christmas Town"
Premieres Sunday, November 27 at 11pm
Cast: Nicole de Boer, Patrick Muldoon, Gig Morton
Liza is a cynical, single mom working hard to move up the corporate ladder. All of this changes when she decides to visit her father, who has moved to a small town known as "America's Christmas Town." Liza reunites with her father and unexpectedly meets Kevin, a handsome, laid back local café owner who believes in the magic of Christmas. In the end, Liza learns how to believe again – not just in Christmas, but in the possibility of love. Produced by Allumination Film Works.
For a more detailed schedule of ION Television holiday 2011 programming, visit www.iontelevision.com.
ABOUT ION TELEVISION
ION Television is a leading U.S. general entertainment network, combining high-quality programming and dependable broadcast distribution with an attitude of innovation and growth normally associated with a cable channel. Its "Positively Entertaining" network brand positioning features a formula of proven series, an expansive catalog of blockbuster movies and a commitment to introduce new original programming. Since its recent launch in 2008, ION's reach has grown to 99 million households and has become one of the top-15 TV rated U.S. networks in record time. For more information, visit www.iontelevision.com.
Contact:
Christina Gilmartin
ION Media Networks
212-603-8429
christinagilmartin@ionmedia.com
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