INTERVIEW: Hallmark's "Summer in the Vineyard" Screenwriter Julie Sherman Wolfe (*Plus, a Secret for #Hearties & Christmas Movie News, too!)

Throughout the years as I've reported on TV movies -- I have had the grand pleasure of interviewing actors, actresses, writers, and screen writers! Today I will be sharing my latest interview with one of Hallmark's excellent screen writers - Julie Sherman Wolfe! When Julie first reached out to me via e-mail to share news on her latest Hallmark movie project, I instantly felt her warmth and kindness. Julie is passionate about her work, and is such a joy to chat with! Her writing is energetic, yet touching and heartfelt... and if you watch Hallmark movies regularly, or even time to time, you are sure to instantly recognize her extensive work, which Julie shares in our interview below!

"Summer in the Vineyard" images via - Hallmark Crown Media Family Networks
Julie Sherman Wolfe - Photo by Renee Bowen Photography

The latest project for Julie Sherman Wolfe is a sequel to one of last year's "Fall Harvest" Hallmark Channel movies, "Autumn in the Vineyard." If you were wondering what happens next with Frankie Baldwin (portrayed by Rachael Leigh Cook) and Nate DeLuca (portrayed by "Chesapeake Shore's Brendan Penny), then you must see this follow up story, "Summer in the Vineyard," which takes place, of course, back in the vineyard, where the Baldwin and Deluca families have been at odds for years. Let's hope this summer - there will be a happy, peaceful resolution for both families! They definitely need a Hallmark Happy Ending... which Julie, I must say, has been an expert at giving us!

Brendan Penny and Rachael Leigh Cook
images via - Hallmark Crown Media Family Networks

I hope you enjoy our interview *chat* below - where Julie and I discuss "Summer in the Vineyard" and more of her upcoming projects! Including Christmas!!!!!

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INTERVIEW
Screen Writer

JULIE SHERMAN WOLFE
"Summer in the Vineyard"

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Net, It’s a Wonderful Movie: Congratulations, Julie, on your Hallmark movie “Summer in the Vineyard!”

Before we dive into questions about your new movie, please share with us the other Hallmark movies you have written!

Julie Sherman Wolfe: Thank you! I’ve written a few over the last couple of years – my first movie for Hallmark was “Hello, It’s Me” starring Kellie Martin, then two wedding movies (“The Convenient Groom” and “Wedding Bells”) and “The Birthday Wish” from January. I also have “Marry Me at Christmas” and “Finding Santa” coming in December.

I am so proud to be writing for Hallmark – a wonderful, joyful, safe channel for everyone… not to mention, they’ve single-handedly saved the Rom-Com genre (which is my writing Happy Place.)

Net, It’s a Wonderful Movie: Hallmark is, indeed, a beautiful Happy Place!!!

Net, It’s a Wonderful Movie: What is the plot/story behind your new movie “Summer in the Vineyard?”

Julie Sherman Wolfe: This is a sequel to “Autumn in the Vineyard” – we revisit Nate and Frankie (now co-owning the Sorrento winery) as they try to navigate the treacherous waters of being in a relationship with someone who is also your business partner. They work on finding that balance while at the same time launching their first vintage together at “Taste of St. Madeleine” – the biggest event of the town’s annual “Summerfest.”

"Summer in the Vineyard" image via - Hallmark Crown Media Family Networks

Net, It’s a Wonderful Movie: Since “Summer in the Vineyard” is a sequel to Hallmark Channel’s 2016 Fall Harvest movie “Autumn in the Vineyard,” was it challenging or easier to carry on this story, with characters who had already been established?

Julie Sherman Wolfe: It’s both, actually! It’s always easier to find the “voice” of a character when you know who the actors are, and what their characters were like in the first film. The challenge, though, is to find enough “new” conflict to drive the sequel.

Net, It’s a Wonderful Movie: How thrilled were you to learn so many members of the original cast would be returning for the sequel… including: Rachael Leigh Cook, Brendan Penny, Jeremy Guilbaut, and Marcus Rosner! Did you visit the set and meet the cast?

Julie Sherman Wolfe: I was so happy to hear that so many amazing actors were coming back – they were all fantastic in Autumn, I couldn’t wait to write more for them.

Unfortunately I wasn’t able to visit the set this time (my son’s school performance/awards ceremony won that battle!), but I knew Marcus from “The Birthday Wish” and was keeping up with his (and the other cast members’) Instagram feeds. I made a specific promise to Marcus after Birthday Wish and was happy that I was able to keep it – but I can’t say what it is until after the movie airs! I’ll be tweeting about it though 😊

Net, It’s a Wonderful Movie: Interesting! I won't spoil anything by sharing my guess, but I'm pretty sure all loyal Marcus Rosner fans, including #Hearties (who remember Marcus Rosner as Charles Kensington on "When Calls the Heart"), will know exactly what you mean!!!

"Summer in the Vineyard" image via - Hallmark Crown Media Family Networks

Net, It’s a Wonderful Movie: Do you, perhaps, have any favorite Hallmark movies? (Other than your own, of course!)

Julie Sherman Wolfe: I am a total sucker for the Christmas movies – actually it was one of my career goals to write a Christmas movie for Hallmark, and now I’ve written two! My long-time favorite is “The Christmas Card.” Makes me cry every time.

Net, It’s a Wonderful Movie: That's one of my all-time Christmas favorites, too, Julie! I've seen it many, many times... and yet, each time it repeats, I'm always drawn in once again. Wonderful choice!

Hallmark's "The Christmas Card" - image via: Hallmark Crown Media Family Networks

Net, It’s a Wonderful Movie: Where do you find inspiration for your stories/characters?

Julie Sherman Wolfe: Well, sometimes the characters come to me as books that I have to adapt to screen. “Summer in the Vineyard” is actually a wonderful book by Marina Adair – but in her book, she’s using all new characters – and Hallmark wanted Rachael and Brendan back of course… so I had to figure out a way to blend the two. It wasn’t easy but in the end I think it turned out great. I hope the audience agrees.

"Summer in the Vineyard" image via - Hallmark Crown Media Family Networks

Net, It’s a Wonderful Movie: Do you have any news on future TV movie projects, premiering on Hallmark or elsewhere that you can share with us?

Julie Sherman Wolfe: I’ve been happily ensconced in the Hallmark Bubble for the last couple of years, but I still have a couple things available online -- last year a sweet indie tween movie I wrote came out (iTunes, etc) called “Jessica Darling’s It List” (based on the novel) – a few of the leads have done very well since (Chloe East was a regular on Liv & Maddie and Ashley Liao is currently on Fuller House. They were great kids!)

Net, It’s a Wonderful Movie: That all sounds fun... plus, it's exciting to know, as you shared above, we can also look forward to TWO Hallmark Christmas Movies from you this year - “Marry Me at Christmas” and “Finding Santa”! That's incredible! And, these are your first Christmas movies for Hallmark... how exciting! I'm so happy for you!!!

On the set of “Marry Me at Christmas” starring Trevor Donovan and Rachel Skarsten.
Image via: Filmmaker Writer Producer Kevin Speckmaier - Instagram

Net, It’s a Wonderful Movie: What do you hope viewers will take away from watching “Summer in the Vineyard?”

Julie Sherman Wolfe: Well for starters, everyone is going to want to go to wine country in Vancouver because it is absolutely stunning! But as far as the story goes, my focus was that in love, you have to open yourself up and be vulnerable, and truly trust each other… which can be frightening for two people used to being in control. But if two people do open their hearts, and embrace that fear, there’s nothing they can’t handle as long as they do it together.

on set - "Summer in the Vineyard"
Brendan Penny, Rachael Leigh Cook, Tegan Moss, and Marcus Rosner
image via: instagram

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My sincere appreciation, Julie, for taking your time to share with us today! I truly enjoyed our conversation, and I look forward to seeing the continuation of this story. You have definitely sparked my interest and curiosity on where this sequel leads, especially with your promise to Marcus Rosner! (Love that tease!)

I must say... there's a warm familiarity with you, in knowing you enjoy and appreciate a good Hallmark romantic comedy movie- just as much as all of us viewers do!

Thank you for this wonderful interview, as I'm sure... we all look forward to "Summer in the Vineyard" and your upcoming Hallmark Christmas movies, too!!! Blessings to you!!!

*Readers - Want more? Be sure to connect with Julie Sherman Wolfe via Twitter and Facebook!

*For more details on Julie Sherman Wolfe's upcoming Christmas movies “Marry Me at Christmas” and “Finding Santa” - visit HERE!

*You can also check out more on "Summer in the Vineyard" - in my post HERE!