Film to shoot on location at Graceland
It may be summertime, but Hallmark Channel has announced that Kellie Pickler is set to star in the network’s original holiday film, Christmas At Graceland. The film begins production July 9th and will shoot on location at the historic home of the late legend, the one and only King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. The holiday film is filled with music made famous by Presley, America’s first rock and roll superstar and one of the most important cultural forces in history. Christmas At Graceland is part of the network’s No. 1-rated program event, Countdown to Christmas.
“Kellie Pickler is one of country music’s biggest stars, and we are thrilled to welcome her to Hallmark Channel to star in a movie we feel certain will become an instant holiday classic,” says Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming & Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks. “In Christmas At Graceland, big obstacles inspire big dreams and our stars will discover any two instruments can play in harmony as long as the music is right. Not only are we thrilled to take viewers into one of America’s most beloved private residences, home of the late, great Elvis Presley, we are also thrilled to put the soundtrack of Elvis’ legendary career behind our romantic holiday movie,” Vicary concluded.
In Christmas At Graceland, Laurel (Pickler), a Chicago-based business executive travels to Memphis to secure one of the city’s oldest family-owned banks. While in Memphis, Laurel reunites with an old flame Clay, a local music promoter with loftier aspirations. Though Laurel tries to keep her eye on the prize of the business acquisition, Clay is very persuasive reminding her of the days when they were a performing duo on the brink of stardom. Now Laurel’s focus turns to the home of the Blues and dreams of making music again.
Christmas At Graceland is a Crown Media Family Networks production. Executive Producers are Kellie Pickler, Joel Weinshanker, Corey Salter, Marc Rosen, and J.J. Jamieson. The teleplay is written by Gregg Rossen and Brian Sawyer.
“We are excited to be welcoming Hallmark Channel to the State of Tennessee,” states Tennessee Entertainment Commission, Executive Director Bob Raines. “Christmas at Graceland will highlight our State’s musical heritage and introduce this amazing, historic home to a new generation of fans”.
Linn Sitler, Memphis & Shelby County Film Commissioner, is happy about Hallmark’s return to Memphis: “Our last Hallmark movie, John Grisham’s award-winning A Painted House, was such high quality and so enjoyable. We love the opportunity to show off our local crew and talent — and our great locations: Graceland and Memphis – and at Christmas!”
Pickler first shot to fame as a contestant on season five of American Idol. While still recording and touring, she has starred in CMT’s I Love Kellie Pickler and is a 2018 Daytime Emmy Award nominee for her talk show, Pickler & Ben with co-host journalist Ben Aaron.
