Category: TV

A Family Christmas Gift - A New Movie Written By Amber Benson

12/23/2019

Exciting news for Amber fans this festive season, she has written A Family Christmas Gift a brand new TV movie for the Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Channel.

The movie centres on Amber, a busy New York-based executive played by Holly Robinson Pete who is persuaded by her Aunt Dora (Patti Labelle) to join her for Christmas in Colorado and help plan the annual Christmas concert.

Holly Robinson Pete's name may be familiar to Amber fans as she plays the role of Billie Blessings in Morning Show Mysteries. Amber wrote the script/teleplay for A Murder In Mind and Death By Design two movies in the popular series earlier this year.

Amber revealed back in September to fans attending an online Twitter party that she'd written a new Christmas movie for Hallmark. However she was unable to release any further details at the time. I've been keeping a keen eye on Hallmark’s listings for a while looking for news. I had a hunch that A Family Christmas Gift was the movie Amber had been referring to however I couldn't confirm this ahead of its premiere yesterday (22nd of December) in the USA. A friend in America has since confirmed that not only did Amber write the original story for the movie she also co-wrote the teleplay/script with Alex Wright.

The good news is that A Family Christmas Gift will be shown again tomorrow (24th of December) at 3:00 PM/2:00c. To find out more about the movie, view the trailer and see showing times throughout the holiday period, click the link below.

https://www.hallmarkmoviesandmysteries.com/a-family-christmas-gift

The Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Channel is available in North America and Canada via a range of cable providers, for details click the link.

Everyone at AmberBenson.TV is delighted that Amber has been able to add to her growing body of work as a writer for television and we wish her every success with the movie. We hope everyone who was able to watch the movie enjoys this festive treat. If and when it becomes available to watch in the UK I will let you know.

In the meantime I'd like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays as they say across the pond.

Joe

Disclaimer: AmberBenson.TV is not involved in any way with the writing or production of A Family Christmas Gift. All rights belong to Amber Benson and Hallmark. This post is for informational purposes only. We are simply trying to spread the word about another exciting movie written by Amber Benson.

Holiday Wishes Starring Amber Benson To Be Shown On UK TV This Friday

12/10/2019

Great news for UK Amber Benson fans as Holiday Wishes will be shown on TV this week. Holiday Wishes is a fun festive movie in which Amber plays Danni Hartford. A professional party planner who’s asked by a client to drive her spoiled teenage daughter Britney to a school Christmas dance.

Britney crosses paths with high school new girl Katie and each of them make Christmas wishes that go awry. Danni decides to help the teenagers put things right and in the process she might find something that she's been looking for.

This year I was able to find a trailer that I hadn't seen before so I've embedded it below. However it does contain spoilers so if you haven’t had a chance to watch Holiday Wishes before I would avoid the trailer for now.

Holiday Wishes will be shown at 5 AM on Friday the 13th of December on Sony Movies Christmas which is available on Sky Channel 319, Freeview Channel 50, Virgin Media Channel 424, and Freesat Channel 303. It will also be shown one hour later at 6AM on Sony Movies Christmas +1. Where available check channel guides and listings for details.

Watching Holiday Wishes is one of my Christmas traditions and I'll definitely be watching or setting my Sky box to record it. If you’ve never seen it before check it out, it’s a must see for Amber fans.

Joe

Disclaimer: AmberBenson.TV is not involved in any way with the making or production of Holiday Wishes, we own nothing. We have no connection to Sony Movies Christmas. This post is for informational purposes only. We are simply trying to spread the word about another chance to see a Christmas movie starring Amber Benson.

Amber Has Written The Script For Morning Show Mysteries: Death By Design For The Hallmark Network

6/13/2019

Amber recently added to her growing body of work as a writer for television penning the script/teleplay for Morning Show Mysteries: Death By Design. This is the second movie in the Morning Show Mystery Series that Amber has written following on from a Murder In Mind which had its premiere earlier this year.

The series centers on Billie Blessings (Holly Robinson Peete) a successful restaurateur turned talk show host. Billie was once suspected of murder but after clearing her name with the help of Detective Ian Jackson (Rick Fox) the pair remained friends and occasionally find themselves at the heart of another mystery.

In Death By Design Billie’s best friend Marian is hired to redecorate the TV studio. Work comes to an end when Marian’s twin sister is found murdered and naturally Billie and Ian are on the case hot on the trail of the killer.

As regular visitors to AmberBenson.TV will know I pride myself on providing all the latest news on Amber's projects as quickly as I can. On this occasion however I somehow missed the premiere of Death By Design. I only discovered it had premiered earlier this week. I'm disappointed that I wasn't able to post an update before the premiere but of course it's fantastic that Amber has written another mystery for television.

Death By Design premiered on the 28th of April on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Channel available via cable providers in the USA. To find out more visit the movie's dedicated page on the Hallmark Murders and Mysteries website and its page on IMDb too. (Click the hyperlinks)

At the moment I don't know when Death By Design is due to be shown again. I will do my best to keep everyone informed. As ever please feel free to leave any information in the comments section below this post or contact us through our email and social media feeds.

I hope everyone who has the opportunity to watch it will enjoy it and as ever we wish Amber good luck with this project.

Joe

Disclaimer: AmberBenson.TV is not involved in any way with the writing or production of Morning Show Mysteries: Death By Design. We have no connection to Hallmark or IMDb. This post is for informational purposes only. We are simply trying to spread the word about another exciting TV movie written by Amber Benson.

Amber's Appearance On Lez Hang Out Live Now Released As A Podcast

5/14/2019

Last month Amber was a guest on a special live edition of Lez Hang Out Live which was part of CLEXACON. This is the first and largest multi-fandom event that aims to bring together LGBTQ fans, allies and content creators to celebrate positive representations of LGBTQ women in media, held at the Tropicana Hotel Las Vegas Nevada.

Along with hosts Leigh and Ellie Amber discusses Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Amber's experience playing Tara Maclay and the importance of Willow and Tara's relationship. They also look at Buffy and Faith’s friendship and why they should have been gay. The good news is this live edition has now been released as a podcast so fans who couldn't be there in person can listen to it.

Guests at CLEXACON have multiple commitments as part of the event so this special live edition is split into two sections. Amber is the guest for the first half and then comedian Kia Barnes discusses the movie Dumplin’.

To listen for free to Lez Hang Out Live click the link below:

Disclaimer: There are discussions of mature themes throughout the podcast.

https://lezhangoutpod.com/blog/2019/5/13/sbg-26-live-from-clexacon-sbg-buffy-and-faith-and-dumplin-with-amber-benson-and-kia-barnes

It is taken me longer than I would have liked to post this update, I have been busy with work commitments recently. When the podcast was first released I had trouble finding a link to it. I’d like to thank my friend and fellow Amber fan Katie who found the podcast on acast (click hyperlink).

This podcast is a must for any fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and/or Amber of course.

Joe

Disclaimer: AmberBenson.TV is not involved in any way with Lez Hang Out Live and/or CLEXACON. All characters mentioned within the podcast are the property of the copyright holders, we own nothing. This post is for informational purposes only. We are simply trying to spread the word about another exciting podcast featuring Amber Benson.

Amber Has Written The Script For Morning Show Mysteries: A Murder In Mind For The Hallmark Network

3/12/2019

Here is some exciting news for fans, Amber has written the script/teleplay for the upcoming TV movie Morning Show Mysteries: A Murder In Mind. The latest TV movie in Hallmark’s Morning Show Mysteries series.

The series centers on Billie Blessings (Holly Robinson Peete) a successful restaurateur turned talk show host. Billie was once suspected of murder but after clearing her name with the help of Detective Ian Jackson (Rick Fox) the pair remained friends and occasionally find themselves at the heart of another mystery.

In a Murder In Mind Billie comes to the aid of a friend and former employee who has recently got her big break in the lead role of brand-new TV drama Kelso's Law. Excitement turns to horror as a dead body is uncovered. The finger of suspicion soon falls on Billie's friend after it's revealed that she was being blackmailed by the victim. Billie again teams up with Detective Jackson in a race against time to clear her friend and uncover the identity of the killer.

Morning Show Mysteries: A Murder In Mind will have its premiere on Sunday, the 14th of April at 9 PM/8C on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries available via cable in the USA, for a full list of cable providers click here.

For more information and to see a trailer for Morning Show Mysteries: A Murder In Mind click here. You can also visit it’s official IMDb page and check out a great article on the Hallmark Movie Fanatics Tumblr page (click the hyperlinks for more). I’d like to thank my friend and fellow Amber fan Katie for sending this information my way.

Amber recently wrote two original movies for The Lifetime Network, Oscar Pistorius: Blade Runner Killer and Terror In The Woods both telling the story of two harrowing murder cases.

Morning Show Mysteries: A Murder In Mind gives Amber the chance to write a fictional murder mystery for the small screen and everyone at AmberBenson.TV is delighted she will have another opportunity to add to her growing body of work as a television writer and we are looking forward to seeing what Amber has in store for these popular characters.

Joe

Disclaimer: AmberBenson.TV is not involved in any way with the writing or production of Morning Show Mysteries: A Murder In Mind. We have no connection to Hallmark or the Hallmark Movie Fanatics Tumblr page or IMDb. This post is for informational purposes only we are simply trying to spread the word about another exciting TV movie written by Amber Benson.

Two Movies Starring Amber Benson Are Now Available In The UK Via Amazon Instant Video

12/31/2018

Yesterday while I was setting up my brand-new smartphone I signed into the Amazon Instant Video app and I thought I'd see if there were any new additions to movies available. I was delighted to discover that two movies starring Amber have been added which to the best of my knowledge have never been available in the UK before.

The first of which is 7 Things To Do Before I'm 30 starring Amber as Lori Maddison

After her life hits some bumps in the road Lori decides to return home to try and figure out her next move. While exploring a childhood bedroom she discovers a list of 7 things she planned to do before turning 30 written years earlier. With just a few days left before her birthday she challenges herself to finish this list. To do it she’ll have to face her fears, confront her past and dare to do something new and hopefully get her life back on track.

7 Things To Do Before I'm 30 years is still one of my all-time favourite movies starring Amber. The part of Lori was written specifically for her and she gets a rare opportunity to lead a cast. Lori is charming, funny and kind the only problem is she doesn't believe in herself, Amber brings her to life brilliantly and this is a must see for Amber fans.

The film was originally released in 2008 made for the Lifetime Network. It has never been shown on UK TV (to the best of my knowledge) nor is it available on DVD in the UK although it could be imported from Australia. Thanks to Amazon Instant Video it’s widely available in the UK for what I believe to be the very first time. Click the link below and you'll see a variety of options. You can buy the movie, rent it for a limited time and it's even currently available for free to customers with an Amazon prime subscription.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Things-Do-Before-Im-30/dp/B07JJ6V87L/ref=tmm_aiv_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1546112800&sr=8-2

The second movie is The Griddle House

The Griddle House was released earlier this year, starring alongside Amber is her former Buffy The Vampire Slayer co star Clare Kramer and fellow Buffyverse actor Charisma Carpenter. The Griddle House is actually the first opportunity Charisma and Amber have had to work together.

The movie tells the story of Jack Benson (Alex Shaffer) who’s on a search for his birth mother believing her to be one of three women Tiny (Amber Benson), Mae-Bee (Charisma Carpenter), Francis (Clare Kramer) all of whom are connected to a diner known as The Griddle House.

The Griddle House was released on region one DVD this summer and while it can be shipped to the UK I know some people prefer to buy only region 2 DVDs. At the moment as far as I'm aware there are no plans for a UK DVD release. As with 7 Things To Do Before I'm 30 it is available to buy, rent and it's also available free to Amazon prime customers. With Amazon Instant Video you can stream and/or download these movies to watch on a variety of different devices including smartphones, smart TVs, tablets and desktop computers and more. To find out more about The Griddle House click the link below:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B07JGK7GSL/ref=pd_cbs_318_3

I'm delighted these movies are now more widely available to UK fans and if you haven't been able to see them before check them out you won't be disappointed.

Joe

Disclaimer: AmberBenson.TV is not involved in the production or distribution of 7 Things To Do Before I'm 30 or The Griddle House. We have no connection to Amazon instant video this post is for informational purposes only. We are simply trying to spread the word about some exciting movies starring Amber Benson.

Another Chance for UK Fans to See Oscar Pistorius Blade Runner Killer on Wednesday, 12 December at 10pm.

12/11/2018

Good news for UK Amber fans will have another chance to see Oscar Pistorius Blade Runner Killer on Wednesday, the 12th of December at 10pm on Crime + Investigation. Blade Runner killer made for the Lifetime Network which had its UK premiere in February. It will now be shown on Lifetime’s sister channel.

Earlier in her career Amber starred in two original movies for the Lifetime Network playing Danni Hartford in a fun festive film Holiday Wishes and Lori Madison in the romantic comedy 7 Things To Do Before I’m 30, still one of my favourite movies starring Amber.

This role for Lifetime Network is very different as she steps behind the camera to write the script for Blade Runner Killer. A movie which looks at the life of former Paralympic Champion and Olympic competitor Oscar Pistorius. A double leg amputee who learned to run using metal blades and conquered the track at Paralympic level and went on to compete in the Olympics.

The movie looks at the relationship between Oscar and model Reeva Steenkamp leading up to the fateful events on Valentine's Day night 2013 when Reeva was tragically shot to death in Pistorius's home.

The movie also examines the trial that gripped South Africa and the world. Oscar was convicted of culpable homicide (manslaughter). Later following an appeal he was retried and convicted of murder. On the 24thof November 2017 The South African Supreme Court increased his sentence by a further 13 years and 5 months. South Africa's National Prosecuting Agency described the original 6 year murder sentence handed down by original trial judge Thokozile Masipa as "shockingly too lenient".

I've embedded the USA trailer for the movie below:

I have found very little information on the Crime + Investigation UK website. Crime + Investigation UK TV Channel is available on Sky channel 156, Virgin channels 222/275, BT channel 328 and TalkTalk channel 328.

Everyone at AmberBenson.TV is delighted that Amber was given this opportunity and that UK fans now have another chance to see it. We wish her every success with this project.

Joe

Disclaimer: AmberBenson.TV is not involved in any way with the production of Oscar Pistorius: Blade Runner Killer. This post is for informational purposes only we are simply trying to spread the word about a new movie written by Amber Benson. The Pistorius and Steenkamp families did not participate in the making of the movie.

A Sneak Peek of Brand New Lifetime Original Movie Terror in Woods Written by Amber Benson has Been Released

10/13/2018

Earlier this month it was revealed that Amber has written the script for Terror in the Woods a brand-new original movie for the Lifetime Network. Terror in the Woods will have its world premiere on 14thof October 2018.

Some fans may know that earlier in her career Amber starred in two original movies for the Lifetime Network. She played Danni Hartford in fun festive film Holiday Wishes and Lori Madison in the romantic comedy 7 Things To Do Before I’m 30, still one of my favourite movies starring Amber.

Last year she took on a different role for Lifetime writing the script for Oscar Pistorius: Blade Runner Killer. The movie looks at the relationship between former Paralympic Champion Oscar Pistorius and model Reeva Steenkamp leading up to the fateful events on Valentine's Day night 2013 when Reeva was tragically shot to death in Pistorius's home.

Blade Runner Killer also examined the trial that gripped South Africa and the world. Oscar was convicted of culpable homicide (manslaughter). Later following an appeal he was retried and convicted of murder an initial six year sentence was increased to 15 years by the South African Supreme Court. Amber did an amazing job of drawing together trial transcripts, interviews, witness accounts etc in creating a script for the movie.

Amber will be using her considerable writing and research talents to pen the script for Terror in the Woods the second feature she has written for the Lifetime Network.

Inspired by true events Terror in the Woods tells the story of Rachel (Ella West Jerrier) and Kaitlyn (SophieGrace McCarthy) 12-year-old best friends living in a small town in Georgia, USA. They both love ghost stories one in particular caught their imagination, the legend of Suzerain a forest dwelling Demon. Their parents believe this is just harmless fun unaware that the friends are convinced the demon is not only real but will kill their families unless he receives a blood sacrifice. Rachel and Kaitlyn make the horrifying decision to sacrifice their friend Emily (Skylar Morgan Jones) thankfully however she survives the attack. The police launch an investigation into how and why this could have happened. Questions are asked about the mental health of Rachel and Kaitlyn while others wonder if the internet itself is to blame.

Terror in the Woods is set for its World Premiere on 14th of October 2018 on Lifetime in the USA at 8 PM (7 PM central).

Ahead of the premiere Lifetime have released a 50 second sneak peek of movie via Lifetime USA social media accounts. Check out the link below:

https://twitter.com/lifetimetv/status/1050853780173021184?s=21

At the moment we don't know when or if Terror in the Woods will be shown in the UK and another countries. If and when this changes I will do my very best to let you know as soon as possible.

The movie is set to tackle some very difficult subject matter but knowing Amber as I do I'm sure she will deliver an honest and sensitive account of this shocking story. Hopefully I will get a chance to see the movie for myself soon as I always want to support Amber's work.

All of us at AmberBenson.TV would like to congratulate Amber on this project building on her growing body of work writing for television.

Joe

Disclaimer: AmberBenson.TV is not involved in any way with the writing or production of Terror in the Woods. This post is for informational purposes only, we are simply trying to spread the word about a brand-new movie written by Amber Benson.

Amber Has Written The Script For Terror in The Woods A Brand-New Original Movie For Lifetime Premiering on The 14 of October 2018.

10/2/2018

It's been announced that Amber has written the script for Terror in the Woods a brand-new original movie for the Lifetime Network. Terror in the Woods will have its world premiere on 14thof October 2018. Some fans may know that earlier in her career Amber starred in two original movies for the Lifetime Network. She played Danni Hartford in fun festive film Holiday Wishes and Lori Madison in the romantic comedy 7 Things To Do Before I’m 30, still one of my favourite movies starring Amber.

Last year she took on a different role for Lifetime writing the script for Oscar Pistorius: Blade Runner Killer. The movie looks at the relationship between former Paralympic Champion Oscar Pistorius and model Reeva Steenkamp leading up to the fateful events on Valentine's Day night 2013 when Reeva was tragically shot to death in Pistorius's home.

The movie also examines the trial that gripped South Africa and the world. Oscar was convicted of culpable homicide (manslaughter). Later following an appeal he was retried and convicted of murder an initial six year sentence was increased to 15 years by the South African Supreme Court. Amber did an amazing job of drawing together trial transcripts, interviews, witness accounts etc in creating a script for the movie.

Amber will be using her considerable writing and research talents to pen the script for Terror in the Woods the second feature she has written for the Lifetime Network.

Inspired by true events Terror in the Woods tells the story of Rachel (Ella West Jerrier) and Kaitlyn (SophieGrace McCarthy) 12-year-old best friends living in a small town in Georgia, USA. They both love ghost stories one in particular caught their imagination, the legend of Suzerain a forest dwelling Demon. Their parents believe this is just harmless fun unaware that the friends are convinced the demon is not only real but will killer their families unless he receives a blood sacrifice. Rachel and Kaitlyn make the horrifying decision to sacrifice their friend Emily (Skylar Morgan Jones) thankfully however she survives the attack. The police launch an investigation into how and why this could have happened. Questions are asked about the mental health of Rachel and Kaitlyn while others wonder if the internet itself is to blame.

Terror in the Woods is set for its World Premiere on 14th of October 2018 on Lifetime in the USA at 8 PM (7 PM central). For more information fans living inside the USA can click the link below to the official Lifetime website.

https://www.mylifetime.com/movies/terror-in-the-woods/about

I have tried to access this page myself and I keep being automatically redirected to Lifetime's UK website which at the moment has no information on the movie itself. I have to thank my friend and fellow Amber fan Katie for helping me gather information about the movie. Below you'll find an image from Lifetime’s USA website.

Katie helped me pull together enough information for a summary of the movie and I have been able to find some additional information from entertainment website deadline.com below:

“Terror in the Woods— Inspired by true events, Rachel (Ella West Jerrier) and Kaitlyn (SophieGrace McCarthy) are two quiet, shy 12-year-old best friends in small town Georgia. Like many 12 year-olds, they liked having sleepovers and spent much of their time on the internet often looking up scary stories. Their favorite internet spooky story is that of the Suzerain, a clawed monster who lures children to his palace in the forest. To their parents, it seemed like a harmless ghost story, but in reality, the girls believed the Suzerain was real and that he would hurt their families unless they did what he told them to, which was perform a blood sacrifice. Together, they settle on their friend Emily (Skylar Morgan Jones) as their target, stabbing her with a pair of scissors. Miraculously, Emily survives the brutal attack, and Rachel and Kaitlyn are picked up by the police.

As the investigation begins, bigger questions about use of the internet and the state of the girls mental health come to the forefront. Had Kaitlyn’s parents Dani (Angela Kinsey, The Office) and Nathan (Drew Powell, Gotham), and Rachel’s mom Jackie (Carrie Hood, Devious Maids), been aware of the extent of the girls fascination with the Suzerain? Should the ultimate blame be placed on the dark side of the internet or the deeper issue of mental health? Or was there nothing that could stop the hold that Suzerain had over Rachel and Kaitlyn. Terror in the Woods is produced by Thinkfactory Media in association with Swirl Films for Lifetime Television. Executive producers are Leslie Greif, Christina Ricci, and James Heerdegen. Produced by Eric Tomosunas. D.J. Viola directs from a script written by Amber Benson.”

The full article can be found here: https://deadline.com/2018/08/lifetime-fall-movie-slate-shannen-doherty-mira-sorvino-bella-thorne-cast-the-girl-in-the-bathtub-terror-in-the-woods-1202449403/

The official trailer has also been released which I have embedded below. Thanks again Katie for pointing me in the right direction.

At the moment we don't know when or if Terror in the Woods will be shown in the UK and another countries. If and when this changes I will do my very best to let you know as soon as possible.

The movie is set to tackle some very difficult subject matter but knowing Amber as I do I'm sure she will deliver an honest and sensitive account of this shocking story. Hopefully I will get a chance to see the movie for myself soon as I always want to support Amber's work.

All of us at AmberBenson.TV would like to congratulate Amber on this project building on her growing body of work writing for television.

Joe

Disclaimer: AmberBenson.TV is not involved in any way with the writing or production of Terror in the Woods nor do we have any connection to the entertainment website deadline.com. This post is for informational purposes only, we are simply trying to spread the word about a brand-new movie written by Amber Benson.

Amber Is A Special Guest On The Slayerfest 98 Podcast

7/24/2018

There was excitement for fans a few days ago as Amber was one of the special guests on the latest episode of the Slayerfest 98 Podcast titled Amber Benson's Insect Reflection.

Together with fellow special guest Louis Peitzman, hosts Ian Carlos Crawford and Mathew Rodriguez they discuss Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 5 Episode 6 “Family”.

As many fans will know Amber played the role of Tara Maclay on Buffy the Vampire Slayer for three years between 1999-2002. Family gives us a glimpse of what Tara’s life was like before arriving in Sunnydale. I'm not going to give many details away here because I still meet people who are just discovering Buffy and/or Amber’s work so I’m avoiding spoilers for anyone who might want to discover Buffy for themselves. It will come as no surprise to fellow Amber fans that it is one of my all time favourite Buffy episodes.

The group discusses key scenes from “Family” and Amber tells us her own Buffy origin story of how she was cast to play Tara as well as talking about her experience on the show and working with the cast. Amber lifts the lid on some of the special effects used in "Family" episode, favourite Buffy outfits, on screen kisses and more.

Slayerfest 98 Podcast episode 67 Amber Benson's Insect Reflection is available to listen to for free via sound cloud click the link below:

https://soundcloud.com/user-302210242/ep-67-amber-bensons-insect-reflection

You also find links to download the podcast via iTunes and Google play

Disclaimer: The podcast contains mature themes and some strong language and there will be spoilers, so if there are fans who are new to the show you might want to download and listen later.

This is a must listen for any Amber and Buffy fan, a thoroughly entertaining way to spend an hour. Sorry for the slight delay in getting this post online I feel as though I'm always apologising lately. I update the site as fast as I can. Thank you for your patience.

Joe

Disclaimer: AmberBenson.TV is not involved in any way with the making of The Slayerfest 98 Podcast. Buffy the Vampire Slayer is the property of Joss Whedon and 20th Century Fox we own nothing. This post is for informational purposes only. We are simply trying to spread the word about another exciting podcast featuring Amber Benson.