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Hallmark Movies Now

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Hallmark Movies Now
FormerlySpiritClips (2007–2014)
Feeln (2014–2017)
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustrySubscription video on demand
Founded2007; 17 years ago (2007)
Headquarters,
Key people
Robert N. Fried, founder
ServicesStreaming media subscription service
ParentHallmark Cards
Websitewww.hmnow.com

Hallmark Movies Now (formerly called Feeln and originally SpiritClips) is an on-demand streaming video service that offers family-friendly movies, documentaries and short films.[1] The company was founded in 2007 by Academy Award-winning producer Robert N. Fried.[2] Hallmark Movies Now is owned by Hallmark Cards and based out of Los Angeles.[3]

History

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Hallmark Movies Now was founded in 2007 as SpiritClips.[4] The company was started by Robert N. Fried, a film producer and studio executive who has produced movies such as Rudy and Hoosiers.[3][5] Fried created SpiritClips as a collection of family-friendly and inspirational films.[5]

In April 2012, SpiritClips was acquired by Hallmark Cards,[6] the largest greeting card manufacturer in the United States.[7] Prior to the acquisition, SpiritClips had been working with Hallmark as the official provider for Hallmark's Hall of Fame series of inspirational films.[8] In September 2014, the company was rebranded as Feeln.[3][9]

On October 3, 2017, the service was relaunched as Hallmark Movies Now.[10] In November 2017, the service was available on Amazon Channels.[11] Movies Now first original series, When Hope Calls, a spin-off of Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart, debuted in August 2019.[12]

In July 2024, it was announced that Hallmark Movies Now would relaunch in September as the Hallmark+ streaming service and membership program.[13][14]

Operations

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Hallmark Movies Now is an on-demand video streaming service similar to Netflix that provides movies, documentaries, and short films that are suitable for all audiences, specifically families.[15] Hallmark Movies Now also edits films that do not have content suitable for all ages to have a PG rating, similar to how films are edited to be shown on cable TV.[15]

Along with iOS, Android, Roku and Amazon Fire and Channels, Crown Media is offering the streaming services to its existing multichannel video-programming distributors.[10][11]

Programming

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Hallmark Movies Now's programming consists of 800 and 1,000 hours not on the linear Hallmark channels. Seasons one and two of Chesapeake Shores were available via the service while season three was on Hallmark Channel in the summer 2018.[16]

Original TV programming

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Title Genre Premiere Seasons Length Status
When Hope Calls Drama August 30, 2019 1 season, 10 episodes 40-41 min. Ended[a][12]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Moved to GAC Family for season 2

References

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  1. ^ Mike Snider (6 September 2014). "Cutting the Cord: Movies with Feeln". USA Today. Archived from the original on 24 September 2014. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
  2. ^ "Kansas City's Hallmark Acquires L.A. Startup Spirit Clips". Serious StartUps. 9 April 2012. Archived from the original on 25 October 2014. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
  3. ^ a b c Todd Spangler (8 September 2014). "Hallmark Cards' Family-Oriented SVOD Service SpiritClips Renamed 'Feeln'". Variety. Archived from the original on 28 October 2014. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
  4. ^ Michael Stacy (2 April 2012). "Hallmark Cards acquires online video startup SpiritClips". Silicon News. Archived from the original on 25 October 2014. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
  5. ^ a b Alana Semuels (10 September 2008). "SpiritClips hopes to inspire with Web videos". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 11 December 2014. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
  6. ^ Andrew Wallenstein (30 November 2012). "Hallmark enters movie streaming biz". Variety. Archived from the original on 9 September 2014. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
  7. ^ Paul Sawers (17 July 2013). "SpiritClips from Hallmark is like Netflix for families". The Next Web. Archived from the original on 25 October 2014. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
  8. ^ Josh Constine (30 March 2012). "Hallmark Greets Digital, Acquires SpiritClips To Let You Send Photo/Video E-Cards". TechCrunch. Archived from the original on 9 November 2014. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
  9. ^ "Family Movie Night – Feeln Helps Families Cut the Cord". Home Media Tech Net. 6 September 2014. Archived from the original on 25 October 2014. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
  10. ^ a b Umstead, R. Thomas (July 28, 2017). "TCA17: Crown Media to Launch Hallmark Drama Cable Network". Multichannel. Future Publishing Limited. Archived from the original on January 27, 2020. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
  11. ^ a b Lafayette, Jon (November 16, 2017). "Crown Launches Streaming Service Hallmark Movies Now on Amazon". Multichannel News. Archived from the original on August 29, 2020. Retrieved September 19, 2020.
  12. ^ a b Owen, Rob (February 10, 2019). "Tuned In: Hallmark plans spin-offs of 'Chesapeake Shores,' 'When Calls the Heart'". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Archived from the original on August 1, 2020. Retrieved January 27, 2020.
  13. ^ Longeretta, Emily (2024-07-11). "Hallmark+ Streaming Service to Launch in Fall, Will Include First Holiday Limited Series, Original Movies and More". Variety. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  14. ^ Caruso, Nick (2024-07-11). "Hallmark Streaming Service Gets New Name, Price Hike". TVLine. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  15. ^ a b Rick Broida (26 July 2013). "SpiritClips streams family-friendly movies to your phone or tablet". CNet. Archived from the original on 25 October 2014. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
  16. ^ Malone, Michael (April 30, 2018). "Hallmark Expands Brand With New Offerings". Broadcasting & Cable. Archived from the original on January 27, 2020. Retrieved January 27, 2020.