Kristi Murdock Brings Personal Christmas Movie to Wilmington

Christmas might be boxed up for most moviegoers, but in Wilmington, the holiday spirit is just getting started—and with a bit of cinematic flair. A familiar local name is stepping into the spotlight with a project that’s equal parts ambition, nostalgia, and creative control.

Actress and producer Kristi Murdock is coming back to North Carolina with a feature film she didn’t just star in—she wrote it and helped bring it to life. The result is A Proper Christmas, a seasonal story that’s already stirring up some buzz for what it stands for as much as what it delivers on screen.

The Holiday Movie That Refuses to Wait for December

Most Christmas films wait for snow and twinkling lights, but this one’s starting in January. Production for A Proper Christmas kicks off Jan. 18, with filming happening all month at different spots around Wilmington.

That timing alone makes it stick out, but it’s really the woman behind it that has folks talking.

Kristi Murdock isn’t just stepping into a lead role. She’s carrying this film from script to screen, juggling roles as writer, star, and producer.

In a business where creative control is usually a battle, this kind of ownership points to something personal.

A Story Rooted in Timing and Tenacity

Holiday films usually lean on tradition, reflection, and second chances—pretty fitting for Murdock’s own journey back to North Carolina. Shooting a Christmas movie in January almost feels like a statement: some stories just don’t fit neatly into a season.

There’s a practical side, too. Wilmington’s become a reliable production hub, with locations that can pass for just about anywhere. For someone with hometown ties, it’s a pretty obvious pick.

From Jacksonville Roots to Hollywood Hustle

Murdock’s journey to this point covers a lot of ground, both in years and miles. She grew up in Jacksonville, North Carolina, then headed to the University of North Carolina Wilmington to study theater.

After graduating in 2005, she took the leap so many actors dream about—she moved to Los Angeles.

She spent about 15 years there, navigating an industry that’s equal parts opportunity and obstacle. That long stretch in LA really sets the stage for why A Proper Christmas matters.

What Fifteen Years in LA Really Teaches You

Hollywood has its glamour, but it’s mostly grind. Sticking it out for over a decade takes resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to keep reinventing yourself.

For a lot of creatives, that experience eventually sparks the urge to tell your own stories instead of waiting for someone else’s green light.

Why Writing Your Own Role Is a Power Move

These days, more actors are grabbing the reins on their narratives. Writing a script that plays to your strengths isn’t risky anymore—it’s just smart.

With A Proper Christmas, Murdock joins a growing group of performers who’d rather create their own shot than wait for the “perfect” role to show up.

This approach gives more than just screen time. There’s a chance for authenticity and emotional detail you just can’t fake when you’re following someone else’s script.

Creative Control in a Crowded Market

Holiday films are everywhere, but real originality? Not so much. By writing the script herself, Murdock makes sure the story actually sounds like her.

It also sets her up as more than just an actress—she’s a filmmaker with a bigger vision.

Wilmington’s Quiet Reign as a Film Hotspot

Film fans in North Carolina know Wilmington’s role in the industry. The city’s long attracted productions with its coastal charm, flexible architecture, and talented local crews.

A Proper Christmas is just the latest in that tradition.

Shooting on location isn’t just about pretty backdrops. It roots the story in a real community, one that’s supported generations of storytellers.

Why Local Matters More Than Ever

Audiences these days crave stories that feel grounded and real. Filming in Wilmington lets the movie tap into that local flavor, even if the story itself aims for something bigger.

For Murdock, it’s a way of giving back—bringing work and attention to the place that shaped her early on.

The Enduring Appeal of Christmas Stories

Filmmakers keep coming back to holiday stories for a reason. Christmas movies offer built-in emotion, familiar rituals, and the hope of transformation.

When they work, they become yearly traditions for viewers. A Proper Christmas steps into this crowded field with a personal touch, shaped by someone who knows both the sparkle and the nuts-and-bolts of the genre.

What Sets This One Apart

This project doesn’t feel like it was cooked up by committee. It’s got the mark of a single vision, and honestly, that can be the difference between a forgettable seasonal flick and something that actually sticks with you.

By blending professional chops with hometown roots, Murdock’s hoping to deliver something that’s both polished and heartfelt.

A Career Moment Years in the Making

For an actress who left North Carolina almost twenty years ago with big dreams, coming back with a feature film is a big deal. It’s about persistence, growth, and adapting to a changing industry.

As production kicks off, A Proper Christmas feels like more than just a movie. It’s a nod to creative independence—and maybe, the power of coming home.

Why This Is Just the Beginning

Projects like this can really be launching pads. They open doors to all sorts of future opportunities, both in front of and behind the camera.

If things go well, it might mark a new chapter in Murdock’s career. Maybe one where authorship matters just as much as performance.

Right now, all eyes are on Wilmington as cameras roll. Christmas comes early, and honestly, some holiday stories just deserve to be celebrated all year.