Chanukah Holiday Movie Pitches
After Hallmark Channel and Lifetime’s disappointing attempts to create a Chanukah holiday movie, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I developed 8 pitches for potential “Cha-liday” movies, complete with illustrated posters. I launched a contest to see which ideas is most popular. I'll be turning the winning idea into a graphic novel and screenplay because hey - comics are really just storyboards, right? Here are the ideas:
Pitch #1: “Oil I Want for Chanukah”
Plot: After Devorah (aka Devo) loses her boyfriend and her job on the same day, she discovers that making gourmet donuts is the key to unlocking miracles this Chanukah season.
Pitch #2: "The Maccabee and Me"
Plot: While defending the Temple, Daniel the rebellious Maccabee comes across a genie in an oil jug and gets transported into the future. There, he meets Rachel, a headstrong, by-the-book librarian. Together, they learn to let their guards down and let love in.
Pitch #3: "Eight Chuppahs and a Funeral"
Plot: Ethelle Marks passes away the day before Chanukah, leaving her inheritance to her Type-A event planning granddaughter, Becca. There’s a catch: Becca has to get married by Chanukah’s end. But who has time to date when Becca is booked planning 8 weddings in 8 days? With her best friend Dave by her side, this is sure to be one memorable holiday...
Pitch #4: "Once Upon A Chanukah Prince"
Plot: Prince Saul of the country Latkovia is heir to the throne and a constant tabloid feature due to his reckless, partying ways. After one last high-profile embarrassment, the King and Queen are forced to send him somewhere over Chanukah to “clean up his act”. Under the watchful eye of his butler, Prince Saul is sent to America to work in his cousin’s pre-school as a “lowly” janitor. There, he meets a kindergarten teacher, Rachel, and begins to learn about kindness, selflessness… and love.
Pitch #5: "Love and Latkes"
Plot: Chanukah heats up both in and out of the kitchen when two competitive, rival chefs face off in a nationally televised holiday cooking competition.
Pitch #6: "Chanukah Inn the Catskills"
Plot: When legendary Catskill inn, The Peacock, is forced to sell by the last night of Chanukah, Lillith Goldberg is sent by her real estate mogul mom to negotiate with the owners to acquire the property. Though her mother has plans to turn The Peacock into a spa & casino resort, the no-nonsense Lilith doesn’t count on the charms of the inn… and the owner’s nostalgic carpenter grandson.
Pitch #7: "Gelt Trip"
Plot: After a night of out-of-control partying, Marci, a privileged Upper West Sider, is sentenced to 8 days of community service… chaperoning a trip to help communities in need. Her equally privileged fiancé, Bobby, decides they need a break until the whole scandal blows over. While on the trip, led by the insufferably optimistic Joel, Marci learns what’s truly important in life.
Pitch #8: "8 Knights of Hanukkah" **WINNER**
Plot: Having sworn off love to stand guard on the mystical island of Avalonukkah, eight knights set up a feast in honor of the Festival of Lights. When a mysterious wizard suddenly appears and presents them with a magical menorah, the knights light it and are transported to modern day America. There, they are taken in by the Rabinowitz family and their 8 (very single) daughters. The knights must choose between their duty to their king and their duty to their hearts.