BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Highmark Stadium is being sprinkled with some holiday magic as filming for Hallmark’s “Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story” takes place.
Vanessa Marano, who is known for her acting roles in popular early 2000s TV shows “Switched at Birth” and “Gilmore Girls,” wrote the script for the film, alongside co-writer Danielle Morrow. The pair wants to focus on showing the authenticity of what it’s like to be a Bills fan in Western New York, especially since Marano has family here in Buffalo.
“It feels like everybody’s family and the community’s really embraced the project,” Marano said Thursday.
“There’s a lot of love that we’re feeling, which is really, really special,” said Morrow.
Cast members of the film include a “Sopranos” reunion of Joe Pantoliano and Steve Schirripa, as well as members of the Bills and Bills alumni, such as Dion Dawkins, Reid Ferguson, and Jim Kelly.
The movie will center around a doctor and a stadium developer whose years-long friendship is “rooted in being proud members of Bills Mafia,” according to the Hallmark Channel website. Their love for each other grows as they attempt to solve a Christmas mystery.
Filming will continue at Highmark Stadium as well as many spots in East Aurora, including Elm Street Bakery and Vidler’s 5 & 10.
Crews will be in Western New York through June 12. The film is set to premiere during this year’s Countdown to Christmas.
Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.