Director LazRael Lison speaks about A Miracle Before Christmas (Premieres Tonight)

I had the amazing opportunity to speak with writer and director LazRael Lison on his latest project A Miracle Before Christmas. This project stars LeToya Luckett, Romeo Miller, Keith David, Paula Jai Parker, Demetirus Shipp Jr and Porscha Coleman. It is a feel-good love story about family, holiday and redemption. LazRael gave me insight into why he chose this film, him as a writer and director.

Why this film?

“I had a transformation when I had kids,” said Lison. Prior to this project a lot of his work was in the genre of suspense and thrillers. But being a father he started to think more about his lasting impact and how his work will reflect on his kids one day. This was a project he enjoyed because he got to see himself and his community in it. 

LazRael said, “I love seeing true love on set unfold and the journey that takes place.”

LazRael – The Writer 

When writing this film he looked to see what else he could bring to television that is missing and true to him. His writing comes from a place of honesty and desire to push a more positive and diverse narrative for Black people and The Black family. 

“We have successful Black families out there,” said Lison. This was something different he wanted to see in this movie because many times you have Black families in film not being represented at a high socioeconomic status like their counterparts. It was important for him to showcase that representation during a Christmas movie. 

LazRael said, “It starts with my mindset when I think about the Black family and the thing about Christmas and miracles.” The tone of the film is set around redemption because in life we sometimes lose our way and the holidays are the best times for us to be reminded of our way back. “Just like everyone else we sometimes get lost chasing for success,” said Lison.

LazRael – The Director 

When directing this film he chose a path of collaboration and encouragement for talent to understand that they have a voice and their inputs matter. You can think of him as the head basketball coach with a star-studded roaster of exceptional talent. Though he has the game plan written and routines down, he is always open to suggestions from the team. It’s because he believes and trust in their instinct and intuition. 

“I always get lost to the music of the genre of the film,” said Lison. Preparing for A Miracle Before Christmas he was listening to Christmas music all year round. As a director it’s a very immersive experience for LazRael. 

LazRael said, “It first starts with the actors being in tune with the characters.” For this project, he said he was fortunate enough that all the actors came already understanding their characters. As a director his job is to make sure that not only are the pieces moving properly for production but that inputs and opinions are heard. “I said tell me why,” said Lison when LeToya told him that Mercedes wouldn’t wear one outfit they had assigned for a scene. As long as they have a reason their character would or would not do something he will take it into consideration. 

“I can put the words on paper, but I look for talent to bring it to life,” said Lison. As a director he really enjoys seeing the actors bring the project to life. He said it isn’t about him as a writer or director because without the exceptional actors none of it would be. The words would stay just words on a paper.