HALLMARK MOVIE CHANNEL ORIGINAL MOVIE, "LAKE EFFECTS", SHOT IN AND INSPIRED BY SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE COMMUNITY, SPURS LOCAL DEMAND FOR NETWORK

Local Distributor, Chatmoss Cablevision Inc., Launches Hallmark Movie Channel; Other Local Distributors Lend Support Through Cross Channel and Social Media Efforts

"Lake Effects", a Hallmark Movie Channel original film, inspired by the scenic community of Smith Mountain Lake in Southwest Virginia, has experienced an outpouring of support from local residents, distributors, and advertisers. Since the movie wrapped filming in the region last year, interest in viewing the film among area residents resulted in the launch of Hallmark Movie Channel on Chatmoss Cablevision Inc.'s expanded basic tier. Other distributors serving the area, already carrying the network, are also supporting the movie and its premiere through cross channel promo spots and social media efforts. In addition to affiliate interest, the strong community presence in the film also sparked incremental local ad sales buys for one of the network's affiliates.

"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 Inc. "We are very pleased to enter this new partnership and to bring the network's quality family-friendly programming to our subscribers."

In an effort to assist affiliate partners with the promotion of the film, Hallmark Movie Channel provided distributors with customized 30 second tune-in spots, shot on-location with the film's star, Jane Seymour, who relates her great appreciation for lovely Smith Mountain Lake and the wonderful experience she had filming there.

Based on their own experiences shooting in Smith Mountain Lake, the film's producers were inspired to support the town through a significant giveback program, including donations to clean and restore the lake and preserve its rich history.

"Lake Effects", starring Scottie Thompson, Jane Seymour, Madeline Zima, Eyal Podell, Sean Patrick Flanery, Ben Savage, Jeff Fahey, and Casper Van Dien, premieres on Hallmark Movie Channel on Sunday, May 6 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, 7C. "Lake Effects" tells the story of a high powered attorney Sara (Thompson), who while on her way to the top, reluctantly returns to her childhood home on the enchanting Smith Mountain Lake 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 ever present spirit, Sara looks inward, discovers the importance of love and family, and gives her all to save the family's beloved home.

ABOUT HALLMARK MOVIE CHANNEL

Hallmark Movie Channel, the second linear channel from Crown Media Holdings, Inc., simulcast in SD (Standard Definition) and HD (High Definition), is a 24-hour cable network dedicated to bringing viewers family-friendly movies with a mix of classic theatrical films, presentations from the acclaimed Hallmark Hall of Fame library, original Hallmark Channel movies and special events. In today's crowded television landscape, the network is a unique and captivating entertainment experience, providing programming families can watch together. It is now available in nearly 47 million homes. Crown Media also operates Hallmark Channel which provides a diverse slate of high-quality entertainment to a national audience of 87 million subscribers.