HALLMARK MOVIES & MYSTERIES KICKS OFF PRODUCTION ON "RISE AND SHINE, BENEDICT STONE," BASED ON THE NOVEL BY PHAEDRA PATRICK STARRING TOM EVERETT STONE, MIA MAESTRO AND ELLA BALLENTINE

STUDIO CITY, CA - Thursday June 24, 2021 - Hallmark Movies & Mysteries announced today that production has started on "Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone" - based on the novel, written by Phaedra Patrick. The new drama starring Tom Everett Scott ("That Thing You Do!," "13 Reasons Why"), Mía Maestro ("The Strain") and Ella Ballentine ("The Dark and the Wicked") will premiere on the network this Fall.

"Hallmark is so wonderful at creating enjoyable, heart-warming movies and I'm delighted they're making one based on my novel," said author Phaedra Patrick. "I'm sure that viewers and readers alike will love it!" Phaedra is an international bestseller - her books have been published in 24 languages and have won several prizes, including the French Prix des Lectrices Milady 2017. She is also a USA Today bestseller.

The movie follows Benedict Stone (Tom Everett Scott) and his wife Emilia (Mía Maestro) who have separated after ten years of unsuccessfully trying for a baby. Benedict wants Emilia back, but Emilia needs space. So when Benedict's teenage niece Gemma (Ella Ballentine) mysteriously arrives on his doorstep, his life is turned upside down, except she might be the change that he desperately needs to improve himself and to get a second chance at life with Emilia.

"Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone" is a Crown Media Productions, LLC. Nancy Bennett is executive producer. Charles Cooper is producer. Peter Benson directs from a script by Melissa Salmons based on the novel of the same name, by Phaedra Patrick. The novel is published by HQ in the UK, and Park Row Books in the US - both publishers are part of HarperCollins. The film rights were optioned through Sheila David of the Darley Anderson Literary, TV and Film Agency.

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