A few years ago, Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia, surprised a lot of folks by going in to the movie business. Michael Catt, the Senior Pastor of the church, cast a vision that their church could "reach the world from Albany, Georgia." The story is a great one, but too long for this article - you can find it Here. The result has been three movies - commercially released - and two of them have been blockbusters. Facing the Giants and Fireproof have been especially welcomed by the Christian community, as movies the whole family can see.
The story is echoing in San Angelo, Texas. Jamey Halfast, media minister at Glen Meadows Baptist Church, wrote, produced and directed a movie that's close to being released - The Pearl of Greatest Price. (Concho pearls are unique to the Concho river and a number of lakes around San Angelo.) The post-production is nearly finished, and I asked Jamey to tell us about this project.
By the way, in a matter of full disclosure, my family and I are Extras in this movie. :)
Sandy: Tell us briefly about the plot of The Pearl of Greatest Price.
Jamey: The Pearl of Greatest Price is a story about Clara, a thief who, along with her colleagues, makes a living finding expensive items online, and stealing them to sell on their own. But, when she sets her eyes on a Concho pearl from a local jewelry store, the situation steadily grows out of her control - something she's not used to.
S: How did the idea come about for doing the movie?
J: The idea of a story revolving around a Concho pearl actually came from another idea put forth by someone else's story. I was intrigued with the story, since I was looking for a story with local interest. Unfortunately, though, this person decided to take their story and pursue their own agenda. So, I had to pursue my own story.
S: Does anyone involved with the movie have professional experience?
J: Harrell Floyd, who plays jewelry store owner Frank Hines, has had minor parts in a few westerns. Heather Stamper, who plays the main character Clara, has been involved in some major motion pictures, … and has appeared in other independent films. Beyond that, my job at Glen Meadows Baptist Church has put me behind the camera for a few years. I also spent two weeks on the set of Fireproof, doing anything they would allow me to. Many of our actors have stage experience, too. But having said all that, No one has ever worked on this level of project before!
S: What has been the most challenging part of the process?
J: The most challenging part of this process has been dealing with the limitations of working with volunteers ... including myself! Because no one was getting paid, we had to work around everyone's schedule. So, what looked like a nine-month project has turned into a three-year project!
S: And the part that has been the most joyful?
J: I can say without a doubt that the filming of the movie was the most enjoyable part of the whole project. Though it was stressful most of the time because of our schedule, still - working with everyone and seeing what was written on a page come to life ... very exciting!
S: When and where will we be able to see the movie?
J: We are still in the planning stages of our release, so there's nothing really solid enough for me to tell you when and where you might see it. But I can tell you, it will be in the middle of July. Beyond that, you'll have to get on the movie's Facebook page to follow developments.
S: Any plans for another movie? :)
J: You may think the long, tough experience was enough to dissuade anyone from going through it again. But for me, I can't wait! I am really looking forward to applying all the lessons I learned while working on this project to the next. We learned so much along the way, the next movie will be dramatically better! But for hard facts about the next project, no... I have refused to focus on anything else, or The Pearl would never get done!
You can follow the development of our marketing and promotion campaign, leading up to the release day, by becoming a fan on Facebook - link Here.
Can't wait to see it Jamey!
