Actress Kristi Murdock begins filming holiday feature ‘A Proper Christmas’ in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, N.C. — Actress and filmmaker Kristi Murdock has begun production on a new holiday feature film in which she wrote, ‘A Proper Christmas.’ Filming will occur this month at multiple locations throughout Wilmington and nearby coastal communities.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Theatre Department, Murdock returned to the area after more than a decade working in Los Angeles, where she built a career appearing in made-for-television romantic comedies, holiday films, and thrillers. With ‘A Proper Christmas,’ she expands into a creative leadership role, developing an original story while keeping production rooted in southeastern North Carolina.

The film is a character-driven holiday romance centered on themes of love, grief, and second chances. Murdock describes the project as deeply personal, shaped by recent life experiences that influenced the script during its development.

“Holiday movies are about comfort and connection,” Murdock said. “This story reflects that — and being able to tell it here, with people and places that matter to me, makes it even more meaningful.”

Production is taking place at recognizable local locations including downtown Wilmington, the Riverwalk, Southport’s Christmas House, and a residential neighborhood in Porters Neck. A downtown British pub, Banter, serves as a central setting in the film, acting as a gathering place for many of the story’s key moments. The film will also be featuring Wilmington’s newest British Taxi Car Service, Taylor Made Transportation.

The cast features a strong lineup of Wilmington-based performers, underscoring the region’s acting community. Local cast members include Alisa Harris, Maureen Mountcastle, Robin Robertson, Beth Becka, and Leona Burke, alongside additional regional talent. ‘A Proper Christmas’ also reunites Murdock with actor Tom Gipson, her co-star from the romantic comedy, “Technically Yours” which is now streaming on TUBI.

The film is directed by Collins White and includes original music written for the project by Leona Burke, whose work is featured within the story. The film is expected to premiere during the upcoming holiday season, with distribution details to be announced.

Media Contact:
Kristi Murdock
Email: kristigail@hotmail.com
Instagram: @kristi__murdock