That’s a Wrap on Disney Channel Christmas Movie in Chicago

And that’s a wrap on CHRISTMAS AGAIN, just in time for the holiday break. The Disney Channel family film completed production in Chicago on Wednesday, and here is a quick lowdown on the storyline, cast, and Chicago key crew…

The new Disney Channel holiday movie CHRISTMAS AGAIN centers on Rowena “Ro”, a high-spirited 11 year-old hoping to add more spunk to her Christmas celebrations when her parents’ divorce is going anything but smooth. Hoping get things back to the way they were before her father’s new girlfriend and her son entered the scene, Ro makes a wish to a mall Santa. However, her Christmas wishes go awry as Ro finds herself living the same day over and over again. Stuck in this endless loop, Ro must learn to love her new blended family and learn the true meaning of Christmas.

Chicagoans Highlight Cast

The holiday time loop film’s cast includes (_pictured above, left to right_) Scarlett Estevez (DADDY’S HOME), Daniel Sunjata (THE DARK KNIGHT RISES), Alexis Carra (AN HONEST REFLECTION), and Priscilla Lopez (MAID IN MANHATTAN). Directed by Andy Fickman (RACE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN) and written by Doan La (DRAGON OF LOVE), CHRISTMAS AGAIN will also star Ashlyn Jade Lopez (THE VAMPIRE DIARIES), and Gary Anthony Williams (TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: OUT OF THE SHADOWS).

The cast also marks a return home for two native Chicagoans: veteran Chicago stage actor Beth Lacke, who is cast as girlfriend of Ro’s Dad, and Mount Carmel alum Daniel Sunjata, who plays said Dad.

Veteran Illinois Producers Lead the Team

As for the key filmmakers involved in the November and December production, SCREEN can confirm three Illinois veteran producers headlined the team. Brett Hays led as Line Producer, Kevin McGrail as Unit Production Manager (UPM), and Madison Ginsberg as Production Coordinator.

Hays’ recent work as Line Producer includes the Illinois thriller GIRL ON THE THIRD FLOOR, which earned a World Premiere at the prestigious South By Southwest Film Festival, setting off an impressive festival run. Hays is also known for his tireless work building the production house Shatterglass Studios into an Emmy award-winning company in Illinois.

McGrail most recently served as Unit Production Manager of the critically acclaimed and recently released fourth season of the FX series FARGO, starring Chris Rock.

Finally, Production Coordinator Ginsberg is a Northwestern University film school alum whose recent credits include producing the critically acclaimed Chicago feature PRINCESS CYD, named one of the 10 Best Movies of the 2010’s by _Vanity Fair_’s Richard Lawson, here’s the trailer, if you’re seeking some quality cinema for the long weekend…

Looking Ahead to 2021

CHRISTMAS AGAIN release date and trailer should arrive over the next several weeks. Until then, enjoy this positive holiday production news for Illinois and check back at Screen Magazine for the latest on Chicago and Midwest production in the new year.