Hallmark Channel’s collaboration with the Kansas City Chiefs for the Christmas movie “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story” is currently airing on the Hallmark Channel. The film is directed by veteran indie film and TV director John Putch, who grew up in Fayetteville.
Putch, who hails from South Central Pennsylvania, helmed this tent pole Christmas film for the channel. “After last year’s success of “A Biltmore Christmas,” I hope to deliver the same big concept excitement with the Chiefs collaborating,” Putch said.
The director has once again teamed up with “A Holiday Spectacular” writer Julie Sherman Wolfe, along with returning “Biltmore Christmas” Cinematographer Andrew Rawson, Costume Designer Keith Nielsen and Composer Tommy Fields. Daniel Koenig served as production designer.
Brooks Medoff, marking his 59th film for the channel, served as the first assistant director. Executive Producer Dustin Rikert praised Medoff, stating, “Mr. Medoff is our most relied upon assistant director in Hallmark Channel history. Putch and Brooks have worked side by side with us since 2003, and we are pleased they will be shepherding another special project for us.”
The movie stars Tyler Hynes, Hunter King, Christine Ebersole, Diedrich Bader, Richard Riehle, Megyn Price, Abraham Benrubi, Mary McDonough and Ed Begley Jr. The film was shot entirely in Kansas City, Missouri, including at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Several Kansas City Chiefs team members make appearances in the movie, including Head Coach Andy Reid, guard Trey Smith, wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr., running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and defensive end George Karlaftis.
The movie’s plot revolves around Alana Higman (King), who believes her family’s lifelong history as Kansas City Chiefs superfans makes them frontrunners to win the team’s “Fan of the Year” contest. Derrick (Hynes), the director of fan engagement, is tasked with evaluating how Alana and her family compare to the other two finalists. As they spend time together, a spark develops between them. However, when her grandfather’s (Begley Jr.) vintage Chiefs good luck winter hat goes missing, Alana begins to doubt everything she believed about fate and destiny, and even questions her future with Derrick – unless a little Christmas magic can throw a Hail Mary.
