Scripting the Season: Rock White and Derek Massey on “Holiday Bae”
This holiday season, indie filmmaker Rock White is bringing a fresh, culturally resonant story to screens with the debut of his new romantic comedy, Holiday Bae. Released via Reel Shot Films on Apple TV+, Tubi, YouTube Movies, and Amazon Prime Video, the film follows Shilo, an ambitious publishing coordinator who finds herself in a “fake dating” scheme with a charismatic chef to secure a book deal.
To bring this story of “Black joy, Black love, and Black humor” to life, White co-wrote the screenplay with Derek Massey. We sat down with the writing duo to discuss their collaboration, the inspiration behind the characters, and how they crafted a holiday classic for the modern age.
Q: Rock, Holiday Bae mixes romance, comedy, and family moments. When you first had the idea, what kind of movie did you want it to be for audiences?
Rock White:
When I first started thinking about Holiday Bae, I wanted it to feel like a warm hug you get when you see your cousin. I set out to create a movie that blended romance, comedy, and those loud, loving family moments that so many of us recognize. My goal was for audiences to see themselves—whether in the awkward dating missteps, the holiday chaos, or the unexpected sparks of love. I wanted it to be the kind of movie that you watch with your family, your partner, or even by yourself and walk away smiling. Ultimately, I hoped it would celebrate Black joy during the holidays in a way that feels authentic, relatable, and entertaining all at once.”
Q: Derek, the relationship between Shilo and Darius starts as business but slowly becomes something more. What was most important to you when writing their connection?
Derek Massey:
I believe the most important thing was that they each came to the realization that the more they learned about each other, the more they discovered about themselves and what was truly important. While Shilo was driven by career ambitions and Darius was passionate about his culinary craft, achieving those things alone left an emptiness or lack of true accomplishment.
Q: Rock, food plays a big role in the story, especially with Darius being a chef. Why was food such an important part of the film, especially for a holiday movie?
Rock White:
Food is one of the most powerful storytelling tools we have—especially in Black families and especially during the holidays. In Holiday Bae, making Darius a chef wasn’t just about giving him a cool profession; it was about grounding the story in something familiar, intimate, and culturally rich. Food brings people together, even when they’re stubborn, stressed, or pretending to date for convenience.
Holiday meals are where we laugh the loudest, argue the quickest, and love the deepest. They carry tradition, memory, and identity. So by centering food in the film, I wanted to tap into that emotional layer—the idea that cooking isn’t just cooking; it’s communication. It’s healing. It’s showing love without saying a word.
For a holiday movie, that felt essential. The kitchen becomes its own character. The meals become moments of truth. And through Darius’s dishes, the audience gets to taste the warmth, connection, and cultural pride that make this story feel like home.
Q: Derek, many viewers will relate to Shilo trying to succeed in her career while managing her personal life. Why do you think that balance will connect with today’s audience?
Derek Massey:
Great question! In this era of ‘chasing the bag’ so much is poured into individuals whether it be through family, friends, or the media to get to the top. Social media has been a major component of trying to devalue our genuine personal relationships and replace them with status and material possessions. I don’t know if we will ever redeem the simpler times where the person you make memories with will be enough to sustain us. Life comes at you at breakneck speed and the fear of missing out on an opportunity to climb the ladder could put you in a state of paralysis when it comes to growth in your personal life. When we really learn not only what, but who truly matters it just may be too late. Like the saying goes, “don’t miss the forest for the trees.”
Holiday Bae is now available to stream on Apple TV+, Tubi, YouTube Movies, and Amazon Prime Video. To learn more about the film and Reel Shot Films, visit their platform listings.
