If art sometimes mimics life, it can also inspire distribution.
Lake Effects, the Hallmark Movie Channel original telepic that will premiere on the network this Sunday May 6 at 8 p.m. (ET), was inspired in part by the scenic community of Smith Mountain Lake in southwest Virginia. In turn, the local cable operator has launched Hallmark Movie Channel.
Officials at Chatmoss Cablevision said that since the film, starring Jane Seymour, wrapped shooting in the region last year, residents' interest in the movie spurred the MSO to add Hallmark Movie Channel to its expanded basic tier.
"With the coming premiere of Lake Effects, shot in our very own Smith Mountain Lake, there could not be a more perfect opportunity to launch Hallmark Movie Channel," said Charles Lewis, secretary, treasurer for Chatmoss Cablevision in a statement. "We are very pleased to enter this new partnership and to bring the network's quality family-friendly programming to our subscribers."
Other distributors serving the area are also supporting the movie and its premiere through cross-channel promo spots and social media efforts. Hallmark Movie Channel said it provided distributors with customized 30-second tune-in spots, shot on-location with Seymour, who conveys her appreciation for Smith Mountain Lake and the production experience there.
Based on their time shooting in Smith Mountain Lake, the film's producers are supporting the town through a significant giveback program, including donations to clean and restore the lake and preserve its history.
In addition to Seymour, Lake Effects stars Scottie Thompson, Madeline Zima, Eyal Podell, Sean Patrick Flanery, Ben Savage, Jeff Fahey, and Casper Van Dien. The movie tells tale of the story of a high- powered attorney Sara (Thompson), who while on her way to the top, reluctantly returns to her childhood home to attend her father's (Fahey) funeral and help her sister Lily (Zima) and mother Vivian (Seymour) settle the family estate. While there, Sara's love for the lake and the townspeople is reignited, and with the help of her father's spirit she goes all in to help save the family's home.
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