Grace Shines on Movie Set Posted November 01, 2009Friday October 23, 2009
Conditions outside were not exactly ideal for our Academy Award winner’s first day on-set. We were outside, shooting at Green Belt Park, and it was wet, cold and windy! But ever the trouper, 73-year-old Louis Gossett Jr. knocked out his first scene as Grampa George ahead of schedule, and even better than we dreamed (and we do dream big). He and Michael Higgenbottom bonded instantly as actors, characters and friends. The chemistry between these guys is amazing.
The afternoon saw a company move to Overton Park, where we shot the poignant scene with Mr. Gossett and Michael in Grampa George’s book-lined study. The shoot went well into the night, cast and crew kept a good spirit and the scene played beautifully.
“To be in my first movie alongside an Academy Award Winner…I’m still pinching myself that this is really happening,” says Michael Higgenbottom. Watching a 50-year master craftsman at work on The Grace Card, we all feel the same way—humble, awed, and very, very blessed.”
Saturday, October 24, 2009
It is difficult to put this day into words. We shot the ending of the movie in the Messiah Missionary Baptist Church on Chelsea, and when we locked the doors behind us after more than sixteen hours on-site, all of us were filled with a combination of exhaustion, exhilaration and complete and utter gratitude.
For nearly twelve hours, a hundred or so “extras” (a very inadequate term for these blessed and dedicated souls) sat patiently in the pews, performed magnificently when cameras rolled, and returned to their gracious waiting in-between takes. If that sounds like “no big deal”, try sitting in one seat for twelve hours with no cell phone, computer, I-Pod or even a decent book to keep you company. And performing on command, and doing it better than it was even written.
Movie-making looks like a glamorous and exciting way to spend your day. Occasionally, it is. But the reality of this craft is that it is usually very difficult, often tedious and grace-testing work. And in an older building crowded with that many people and movie lights and an air conditioner that has to be shut off during takes for sound purposes, it gets pretty toasty, too. Throw a light-diffusing fog machine on top of all this for your entire Saturday, for a Cause greater than yourself…you’re a hero.
And to all of you who braved this wonderful, emotional, and frankly difficult day, in helping us craft this vision, thank you beyond our ability to say. You are our heroes.
The scene played beautifully, more than one tear was in evidence. Michael Joiner, Michael Higgenbottom, and the entire cast were present, even Lou Gossett made a powerful, if brief appearance. Ephie Johnson and her choir performed, and spontaneously worshipped in between camera moves. Pastor Lynn Holmes from Calvary Church opened the day with a devotional, Pastor Randolph of the Messiah Missionary Baptist Church prayed over us, and director David Evans spoke throughout the day; keeping the “congregation” informed, as well as entertained.
The Support Team from the church showed up in force; parking, loading, feeding, herding, and encouraging the cast and crew. And within this incredible up-front and behind the scenes choreography, the climax of The Grace Card was laid down on film. Week Two, in the can. Still on-schedule, confidence and enthusiasm as high as Day One, and the joy of having pulled off a highly complex sequence without a hitch.
It is said that God does his finest work, and blesses his people most with the gift of each other. Never was this more in evidence than on-set this glorious Saturday. There are just no adequate words to describe the feelings of gratitude and amazement we feel for each of you who have given so much of themselves to make this vision- this dream—a reality.
You bless us. You are Grace in Action. And we thank our Loving Father for bringing us all together in this quest.
