The Best Thing About Christmas
Screenplay by Alan Peterson
Based on the Musical by Derek Hinckley
Our Mission
We hope this film leads people towards finding God‘s purpose for their life, promote's the importance and sacredness of family, inspires us to dream big, and helps us know that it’s only through the love and grace of God that we can overcome life's trials and hardships.
Our Pre-Production Trailer
"The Best Thing About Christmas" is derived from the real life of its creator. Having moved his own little family to Nashville in 2007 chasing the dream, Derek Hinckley's life experiences give him a perspective that is beautifully captured in the story of the Hunt family. The screenplay is based on a stage musical by the same name that he launched in 2021 as a unique way to share his music. After trying his hand in the Nashville scene for years, he was inspired to go a different route. Derek's musical script has now been turned into an original musical screenplay ready for production. This collaboration, with Writer/Director & Producer Alan Peterson, features over a dozen original songs, some written while hitting the streets of Nashville and most written specifically for this film. The music is the heart and soul of the project and we are so excited to feature it in this unique way. Our team is primed and ready to make "The Best Thing About Christmas" the next national release this coming Christmas in 2025. Along with Derek, who plays the lead role Dylan Hunt, we are thrilled to have the multi-talented Megan Alexander cast opposite him as our female lead Kara, Dylans' wife. She brings authenticity as an actor and singer and years of experience in front of the camera as well as lending her creative eye to the project as a Producer.
Be sure to click on the Full Synopsis where you'll find music clips attached.
Struggling singer-songwriter, Dylan, thinks he’s finally made it when he and his band, Rivers Deep, sign a contract with a big-time Nashville Record Label and he moves his family to Music City.
But, when his talented teenage daughter, Molly, is killed in an accident on Christmas Eve, Dylan’s world comes crashing down. Seeing her dad self-destructing and on the verge of losing everything, Molly, now an angel, intervenes in Dylan’s life, eventually, helping him create a Christmas miracle no one will ever forget.
"A Star is Born" meets "A Christmas Carol"
With a Nashville twang
Full Synopsis w/Music Here
Just a few of the
Original Songs appearing in the film
Behind The Scenes with our Crew
Writer/Director/Actor
For more than 30 years, Alan Peterson has directed, written, and produced a diverse cross-section of material for both the big screen and the small screen including directing "TREK", The Movie, a feature dramedy about a group of teenagers on a pioneer re-enactment camp-out. Prior to "TREK", he wrote, produced, and directed "Christmas Dress" that quickly became a Covenant Communications’ best-seller. Peterson wrote, produced, and directed "If These Walls Could Talk", the story of the Hole-in-the-Rock Pioneers. Early in his career, he produced the independent feature "Escape from Alaska" featuring Thomas Ian Griffith, C. Thomas Howell, and R. Lee Ermey. Alan also brings experience as an actor to his directing skills having been featured in Disney Channel and HBO movies, as well as CBS’s "Touched by an Angel" and "Promised Land." He also had featured roles in "The Cokeville Miracle", "Ephraim’s Rescue", and "The World’s Fastest Indian."
Alan Peterson
Derek Hinckley
Producer/Composer/Actor
In the fall of 2018, Derek decided it was time to write his story in his own way. He took a Christmas tune he'd penned a decade prior and began tinkering with it. A lifelong musician and an avid songwriter, he drew from his own life as he created characters, a story, and then inserted his own music into the narrative. That December "The Best Thing About Christmas" made its debut to a room of 100 people in Knoxville, TN. Little did he realize what had just spun into motion.
Residing in the Nashville area with his wife and five boys, Derek has been a creator all his life. He has been the driving force behind his brothers band The Hinckley Brothers and his move to Nashville in 2007 with only a paper-napkin publishing deal is proof. He's written songs since he was 18 following in the footsteps of his musician parents. He has always had his sights set on finding specific ways he can share his gifts with others and make a difference. With the launch of the stage musical in 2021, "The Best Thing About Christmas" has touched the lives of thousands and is now on its way to becoming a household name. As he often says "If you don't do good things, good things won't happen". Derek is a Producer on the film and plays the lead role of Dylan Hunt.
This passionate and talented team is primed and ready to bring this touching story of hope, grit, and redemption to the big screen.
Megan Alexander
Actor/Author/Producer
Megan Alexander grew up singing in her church choir and performing skits for anyone who would watch. She graduated from WESTMONT college, then eventually landed a job as a national correspondent for the #1 syndicated tv show INSIDE EDITION. Megan has starred in feature films like Redeemed, Back to the Goode Life, Gods Not Dead 3, Sanctuary, Our Church Thinks We’re Dating, and co-produced “Heartbeats”. And on television in ABC’s Nashville, CMTs Still the King, and Lifetime’s Christmas in Tune. She produces and hosts the holiday travel show “SMALL TOWN CHRISTMAS” , in its 3rd season, airing on UPtv. She is a sought-after keynote speaker on the topic of Faith and Work and the Author of 3 best selling books “Faith in the Spotlight”, “One More Hug” and “The Magic of a Small Town Christmas”. Megan co-wrote a few songs with Derek for this musical film score. As a mama of 3 children, she sees the next chapter of her career focusing on family-friendly, inspirational content, and is thrilled to team up with Derek and Alan on this incredibly special project and bring it to life for audiences everywhere. Megan plays the role of Kara Hunt in “The Best Thing About Christmas”.
www.MeganAlexander.com
"The Best Thing About Christmas"
Projected Budget
1.5 - 2.5 M
Currently Searching for Strategic Creative & Funding Partners To Make Our Film
Contact Us Now:
Visit our Stage Production Website
to learn more about our origin.
Request a Copy of
the Screenplay
