by Andrew M.
Downtown Newnan is no stranger to the film industry, and this season is no different. Film crews have been filming yet again on the square, but this time for a potential new holiday movie on the Hallmark Channel: A Courthouse and Coffee-filled Christmas. It’s an age old story of judge meets barista and the spell of the holiday season brings them together through love and cheer.
Newnan locals will notice the square’s Courthouse as a major locale featured in this film, as it seems to be a staple of most films shot in Newnan. Another familiar building seen in the film is the often used Alamo Bar exterior. One particular scene also takes place in the interior, when the two starring B-rated actors go on one of the only dates they have ever had before falling deeply in love over beer and mediocre bar food. A newer edition though to the sights of the Newnan buildings in films list, though, is the interior of local coffee shop Leaf and Bean. The Hallmark executives said, “the interior reminded us of a Southern version of Central Perk from Friends. And who doesn’t like Friends?!”
And while all these filming locations are fan favorites, the most exciting part of the filming is the fact that the entire story takes place during one of the biggest snowstorms this small fictional movie town has ever seen. What does that mean for Newnan? Well it means having to import fresh snow to the square daily for the weeks of filming. Why import? Why not just use those soap sud dispensers? Well, I am so glad you asked!
It’s not common knowledge, but a major portion of Hallmarks annual budget is set aside for just real snow for their 31 new Christmas movies each year because they have to have something to cover the fact their writers haven’t come up with an original plot line in decades.
Because of this snow importation though it may mean a few days of snow filled frivolity on the Square as well as street closures. But whether that’s because of filming or whether that’s because most of us forget how driving works when we see snow, we’ll I’ll leave that up to you to decide.
Merry Christmas!
Newnan Time with Harold 