SAICFF
The Journal was chosen as a semi-finalist in the 2007 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival (October 25-27, 2007), competing in the film competition against four other films in the special Young Filmmakers Category.
The Story Behind the Story
The film project was started on June 8th, 2007, as a result of my mother’s suggestion of making a movie for the Soldiers For Christ outreach program at our church. Hearing the word “soldier” sparked the beginnings of the story. The Lord gave me the scenario of a soldier, who kept a spiritual journal and gets killed in Vietnam. The journal winds up being given to the family, and because of it several people get saved.
We started work on the movie right away, starting that very night. We shot (with our consumer grade Hi8 camcorders) the battle scene. The next day we shot the b-roll sequences after creating a sequence sheet. For being done spur-of-the-moment, the footage wasn’t all that bad. But God had bigger plans for the film, and He gave me the vision of turning the movie into a high-quality short feature to be entered into the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival, as well as possibly having screenings.
Work Begins!
On June 12th the script was started. By the time we were ready for our first day of production on June 30th the script was at it’s finished length of 18 pages.
The budget was also compiled, and original estimates for amount of money needed to make the movie was around $3,000, which included one camera, tripod, crane, and prop items. The finished budget ends up being closer to $7,000, which included two Panasonic AG-DVX100B proline cameras, a Bogen/Manfrotto tripod, a ProAm crane and stand, a couple military helmets, and shipping for all that stuff.
Our first day of production ended up nearly being a flop, as only the Production Assistant was able to come. We shot one scene, but had to re-shoot it during the week due to the poor audio levels. The next full production day went quite well; two extras came and we shot the main battle sequence. During the next couple weeks, the 9/10 of the footage was shot and rough edited.
On July 31st, the day before the August 1st postmark deadline for the SAICFF, the film was completed.
Soli Deo Gloria!
The Lord has really been at work throughout this whole project. Following is a list of only some of the things that we’ve seen His hand working in:
• The inspiration for the story
• Provision of equipment
• Provision of crew and talent
• Provision of props
• Resources to learn techniques for cinematic effects and composite squibs
• Beautiful weather that has been perfect for each scene being shot
• Permission from a publishing company to use a song
• Inspiration for the music
• Provision of sound equipment from our church
• Provision of a professional audio person to help guide the audio processes
• And so much more!!!
This film is being made to give God glory and honor, and it is our vision and hope that people will come to repentance and a saving belief on the Lord Jesus Christ through the making of this movie.
