Merritt Patterson and Trevor Donovan star in “’Twas the Text Before Christmas” a new, original movie premiering October 21 on Great American Christmas. We at Survived The Shows had the pleasure of chatting with screenwriter Cara J. Russell about her experience in the making of the movie “ Twas the Text Before Christmas ” and what fans can expect.
Can you tell us a bit about the storyline of “Twas the Text before Christmas ”?
In ‘Twas the Text Before Christmas, Addie (Merritt Patterson), a New York City chiropractor mistakenly receives a text from “Nana.” The accidental text turns into a loving friendship between the matronly Nana and Addie who now communicate regularly. Nana invites Addie to spend the holiday in Vermont. It is picture-postcard perfect and exactly as Nana described except for one surprise. Nana’s single son, James (Trevor Donovan), a traveling doctor is also home for the holidays. Over three consecutive years, James and Addie are together during the holidays, though it isn’t until they are both single that they begin to see each other in a different light.
What initially attracted you to the incipit in “Twas the Text before Christmas ”?
This story was inspired by the plethora of stories about people who found love and romance through a wrong text message or the one-off text number fad that was going around a while ago. I thought it would be fun to explore that situation in a Christmas movie. What is different about this movie is that it takes place over three Christmases. It’s like the old saying, third time’s a charm!
What do you think makes the romance in the movie so special and captivating?
I always like to use family and friends’ names in my scripts because they get such a kick out of it. In this movie, I chose Nana because my mom is Nana to my nieces and nephews, James is my little nephew and Addie is our family friends’ daughter.
What do you hope audiences take away from watching “Twas the Text before Christmas ”?
I love the idea of strangers becoming friends and family. The world needs more openness, kindness, friendliness, and acceptance. Especially now more than ever. Great American Family is all about sweet, joyful, uplifting movies and I’m honored to have this movie airing on their channel. You can text CHRISTMAS to 877-999-1225 to find your local channel.
What was your favorite scene or moment while writing“Twas the Text before Christmas ”?
Favorite scene? That’s a good question. I don’t think I can answer this without spoiling what happens! Merritt and Trevor and all the actors did such a fantastic job bringing the characters to life in every scene. You’ll have to let me know what your favorite scene is after you watch it 🙂
7. Can you tease something about your next projects?
My next movie is A ROYAL DATE WITH A DUKE starring Danica Mckellar and Damon Runyon as the Duke of Tangford also airing on Great American Family on November 25th.
(Stay tuned with Survived the Shows to know more).
“’Twas the Text Before Christmas” will premiere October 21 only on Great American Family.
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Desirèe
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