Top Three in Winnipeg!

I'm praising the Lord that I got to perform in all three films which won the top prizes for independent features at the Winnipeg Real to Reel Film Festival: Polycarp, Princess Cut and Beyond the Mask.

I play a lead in Providence, a modern silent film that could come to a city near you soon!

Registration is now open for the 2016 Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp.

Risen Is an Answer to Prayer

I went to seminary with students who were there because they watched The Jesus Film in their heart languages. It has now been translated into more than 1000 languages. Our denomination, The Church of the Nazarene, began a partnership with The Jesus Film in the mid '90s that has helped us triple in size.

It has long been a prayer of my heart that there would be a Jesus Film that speaks the heart language of our culture. That prayer has just been answered in the film Risen.

Joseph Fiennes (Luther) plays Clavius, a Roman tribune, who is charged with finding the body of Yeshua (the Jewish name for Jesus). He worships Mars, but during his investigation he encounters followers of Yeshua who seem to truly believe that He is risen from the dead. At one point he goes to the statue of the god Mars and says he's not praying to Mars but to Yahweh. Of course his prayer, at that point, is against the will of Yahweh. Later he goes to the statue of Mars and, in one of the finer moments for the award-winning actor, sees it for the metal that it is.

I think the best acting actually comes from one of the guards, telling the story he's been paid not to tell. I found it much more compelling than a CGI recreation of what could never be captured for a film: The Resurrection.

Peter Greif, who plays Caiphas, played the Danish King Guthrum in The Dragon and the Raven. I got to perform two scenes with him in London. In one I served his character, and in the other he crushed my second character's neck. The protogé of Sir Laurence Olivier is almost as fierce in Risen, as he presses Pilate (played with layers by Peter Firth) for favors to prevent the true story from being released to the "weak." The word is a beautiful counterpoint to strong Clavius, following, by turns, what his eyes and mind cannot reconcile.

I got to see Risen with members of the creative team, including Fiennes. My favorite scene of the film is the same as his. He climbs up on a rock to speak to Yeshua. It was the first scene he'd filmed with Maori actor Cliff Curtis. Fiennes told our audience that they intentionally stayed apart on set before the camera rolled to highlight the encounter.

My prayer was answered for the film to be created. Now I'll keep praying that the Lord uses it to reach our cynical generation.

There's a beautiful moment when Clavius is interviewing a blind woman (played insightfully by Margaret Jackman). He asks her, "Are you a follower of Yeshua or a follower of a follower?"

If you've only followed followers of Yeshua this movie is for you, too. Seek the Son of God and you shall find Him.

Risen is rated PG-13 for war violence (some showing Roman warfare), crucifixion and several dead bodies unearthed at various stages of decay.

Here's what I said about it in this morning's service at Westchester Chapel:



Hear our whole service by clicking here.

I play a lead in Providence, a modern silent film opening in theatres coast to coast starting February 12.

Registration is now open for the 2016 Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp.

Also, we're now taking sign-ups for Rio Ready.

Providence Gets Noticed throughout China!

I've just added a talkback after the final screening of Providence at the AMC Empire Theatre on Times Square, TONIGHT at 7:10PM. I play a lead role in this modern silent film, told only through visuals and an eclectic indie soundtrack.

A couple of weeks ago I got to join Jenn Gotzon for a press junket at The Roosevelt Hotel in NYC. The word has spread throughout China! The articles below represent hundreds of millions of readers, and all but one of them use the above photo and all of them mention Providence and the other films I've performed in with Jenn: Princess Cut, Alone Yet Not Alone and The Screenwriters (which will be shown at the Christian Worldview Film Festival next month).

Though Providence was extended for a week in Atlanta, there are only two screenings left today in NYC. If you're in the area, I hope you can join us tonight at 7:10!

These articles we know about have a combined readership of about 500 million:

Vogue China

MSN (China) Fashion

Chinese Central TV Station Official Website

Xinhua News Agency 

Chinese Top Four Comprehensive News Web Portals: 

Sina OfficialTencent Mobile / Tencent Express (For Tencent Express click the "v" for the full article)  

Sohu Mobile / Sohu 3G (click on the 79% / 88% for the full article)

163.com Mobile 

Other Governmental Websites:

Lifestyle Channel (lohas) of China.com.cn (Run by Information Office of the PRC of the Chinese State Council) 

Wealth Channel of China.com

Leading news, entrepreneurs, fashion websites:

TOM, a leading news and fashion portal 

ifeng.com, the leading news and entertainment, fashion TV and digital medium 

upinquan.jrj.com.cn, a leading finance website 

Today's Headline, the most famous news screening and analysis APP in China, with 350 million subscribers 

Qianlong.com, the comprehensive news website co-run by Beijing TV Station, Beijing Daily, Beijing Broadcasting Station, and Am Beijing, etc. 

Mina, a famous fashion website in China  

SWCJW.com, a leading business and finance website 

News.CNStock.com.cm, a leading finance and security website for business people (Doesn't use the above photo, but does mention Providence and the other films in which I've performed with Jenn) 

Jiang Su Province governmental website

I play a lead in Providence, a modern silent film playing in theatres coast-to-coast now.

Registration is now open for the 2016 Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp.

Lay Down Your Life for the Lord

Pastor Randy Solomon preaches on Romans 12:1-8. Pastor Jim Warren opens our service. Rich Swingle gives a report on Providence showing on Times Square and leads worship. Pastor Linda Warren leads communion, opening with the true story of Valentine's Day.

Pastor Randy is preparing for a short terms missions trip, and team members Angie Atoth and Glenn Romano thank Westchester Chapel for our contributions toward the trip and share some more details about the work they'll be doing to build a home for three orphans. Liz J. prays over their team.

Our pastoral and prayer team prayed
over Pastor Randy and the team
heading for Columbia.

This service is available for download free on iTunes, where you can also subscribe to our podcast. Search for "Westchester Chapel" on the iTunes Store.

Photo courtesy of NicolettiPhoto.com.

I play a lead in Providence, a modern silent film opening in theatres coast to coast starting February 12.

Registration is now open for the 2016 Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp.

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IMDb noticed Providence

I was on IMDb, the go-to site for all you want to know about films, and there is Providence on the front page!

Earlier we made their

IMDb Picks: February Indie Releases

We also made the list for Rotten Tomatoes and Fandango's Valentine's Movie Guide.

I play a lead in Providence, a modern silent film opening in theatres coast to coast starting February 12.

Registration is now open for the 2016 Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp.

Vote for what you want me to perform at the Christian Worldview Film Festival

I've been given 20 minutes to perform at the Christian Worldview Film Festival, so I thought I'd let you decide which pieces I should perform. Take the survey below.

Click the titles to see what they're about. Scroll down for the full list and Done button.

Create your own user feedback survey

I play a lead in Providence, a modern silent film opening in theatres coast to coast starting February 12.

Registration is now open for the 2016 Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp. Only two acting slots left last I checked.

Christian Worldview Film Festival

I'm excited to return for my third year at the Christian Worldview Film Festival and Guild, where I'll teach and perform.

Here are the selected films in which I perform:

Rather to Be Chosen
The Messenger's Box
The Screenwriters
Joni and Friends Family Retreat Trailer (possibly featured)
Mission Impossible: Joni and Friends Family Retreat (possibly featured)

Click here for the whole lineup.

I play a lead in Providence, a modern silent film opening in theatres coast to coast starting February 12.

Registration is now open for the 2016 Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp.

Tips for New Actors

I just got a request for some tips for getting started as a Christian actor, so I thought I'd write a response here.

First, I recommend staying close to the Lord. If you're not, you will be turned this way and that by the ideas of this world, no matter what industry you enter. Get plugged into a Christ-centered, Bible-believing congregation, and make sure you're in a small group of some kind where individuals will hold you up and hold you accountable. If you're near NYC I keep a list of churches we trust at www.RichDrama.com/NYC.

Also be sure that your personal relationship with the Lord is constantly growing. If it's not, it's stagnating or you're moving further from Him. I'm determined to read through the Bible every year. I've written more about that at www.RichDrama.com/BibleReading. Make sure you're spending time in prayer. I always open the day committing the day to the Lord and end praying with my bride, Joyce.

In terms of getting work as an actor I recommend training. I teach acting for film at The Christian Worldview Film Festival Guild (www.ChristianWorldviewFilmFestival.com) in San Antonio, which is also a great place to network! I also teach at The Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp (www.ChristianFilmmakersCamp.com), and as I write this we have two openings left.

You may be called to get a degree in acting, either at a conservatory or a college/university. I've performed and/or taught at over 40 (www.RichDrama.com/Schools), so I'd be happy to share my insights about a school you're considering. Contact me through the form below. If you choose a Christian school don't assume you'll naturally grow in your relationship with the Lord. It still takes personal effort and choice no matter what your environment is like. If you choose a secular institute you can be sure your faith will be assaulted. I have a former student who attended Augustine College for a year before entering a secular institute. They prepare you mentally to engage with the secular mindset. InterVarsity and Cru have a presence on many campuses, and if you're called to an Ivy League School, check out Christian Union. I spoke at an event they held near Harvard, and I was seriously impressed: www.RichDrama.com/IvyLeague.

Stay busy. When I first moved to NYC I was waiting on line for tickets to Shakespeare in the Park, and the fellow ahead of me was an actor who had been in an impressive number of projects. He said, "Whenever you're not working, someone else is." Training will only take you so far. You need put it to use. Don't wait for someone to find you. Make things happen. Write and perform sketches or short films for your church and/or the internet.

Get a great headshot and résumé. It's important to do this right. Here's an article I recommend: How to Format Your Acting Résumé and Headshots.

Create an account at www.ActorsAccess.com. It's free, but until you have an agent you'll need to submit yourself, which is $2 per submission, or they have an annual fee. You can plug in your location and a number of identifiers, and you'll get regular emails with casting notices that match your criterion. There's no checkbox for "Christian actor," so be warned. Do you due diligence and seek the Lord's peace for every project.

About half of the films in which I've been cast I've heard about through Facebook. Scroll through my Groups and join the ones that may help you discover casting calls.

Consider getting coached for your auditions. Patricia Mauceri, Michael Joiner and Rebekah Cook all offer Skype coaching.

Even if it's a Christian project you'll still want to do your due diligence and seek the Lord's peace because there may be elements in the film you don't feel comfortable supporting.

In My Utmost for His Highest Oswald Chambers says, "Whenever there are competing concerns in your life, be sure you always put your relationship to God first." It may sound impossible to make a career in acting when there are so many projects out there that are propaganda for worldly wisdom. But I've been able to make a 20-year career in acting and applying acting concepts to the business world, and I've done my best to honor the Lord with all of my choices. I do a one-man play on John Woolman, who spoke against slavery a century before the Emancipation Proclamation. He was speaking to Quakers who owned slaves, but I think his words are just as true for Christians striving to honor the Lord with their skills: "The case is difficult to some who have slaves, but if such set aside all self-interest, and come to be weaned from the desire of getting estates, or even from holding them together, when truth requires the contrary, I believe way will so open that they will know how to steer through those difficulties." I've found the Lord faithful to provide for two decades, despite the narrow path I've chosen.

All the Best!

I play a lead in Providence, a modern silent film. Sign up to receive information on how to bring it to your community: www.RichDrama.com/Updates.

Registration is now open for the 2016 Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp.
 

Sermon from Providence

Our church, Westchester Chapel, decided to cancel today's Bible study and service since the blizzard prompted the governor to declare a state of emergency for our region. The sermon planned for today will be preached next week, so for this morning I've recorded the sermon I prepared for Providence, in which I play Pastor Mitchell Little. It's a silent film, but I wanted to be preaching a real sermon when the camera was rolling. I never got through it when we were filming, so I promised my screen congregation that I'd record the whole thing and post it online. Today seemed like a great day to do that.

The photos are stills from the film (used by permission). My character was preaching an Easter message in the cemetery where he first encountered Rachel, who used to own the Bible from which he's preaching.

As you listen, keep in mind that I'm preaching in character, and there are elements of the sermon that will make more sense if you've already seen the film. :-)

[Note from 2020: The fact that this film played at the AMC Empire Theatres on Times Square was an answer to a specific prayer.]

Jeremy Camp - Everlasting God (Lyric Video) from jeremy-camp on GodTube.

Shelley Jennings - The Love Of God from bobmarshall on GodTube.

AWESOME GOD BY RICH MULLINS from mylordjesus1 on GodTube.

This music video shows excerpts from the sermon in the film...


Here's the trailer for Providence, which is being shown now in theaters that will host the film starting February 12, 2016...

I play a lead in Providence, a modern silent film opening in theaters coast to coast starting February 12, 2016.

The Escalator

When Joyce and I first moved to Midtown Manhattan in 2008 I was coming down this escalator the first time we saw a movie at the AMC Empire 25, and I said a prayer that one day I'd be coming down the same escalators having seen a film in which I'd performed.

Maybe I was prompted to pray that night because I had been at the grand opening of the theatre in 2000. The gala was a benefit for a few Times Square charities including The Lamb's Church of the Nazarene, where I had been an intern for four years. The new cineplex's 25 screens were attached to the Empire Theatre, a playhouse built in 1912 where Bud Abbott and Lou Costello first performed together in 1935. The theatre was moved 168 feet westward to make way for the screens, shops and restaurants! The 3,700 ton structure was pulled by two giant balloon images of Abbott and Costello. LOL! You can see a number of fascinating features from the original theatre, which now makes up the lobby of the megaplex here. The grand opening was really something and had a major impact on me. 

At any rate, that prayer I said on the escalator two years before I'd even been in a feature film was answered tonight -- on Joyce and my 226th monthaversary -- in a small way. We saw the trailer for Providence, in which I play one of the lead roles. It's playing in AMC Theatres that will host the film starting February 12, but if you're not near one of those you can watch it below. The 4K footage looked stunning on the big screen. So, the greater answer to that prayer will be fulfilled 21 days from now when Providence opens in this architectural wonder.

Another way this is answered prayer is that Joyce had prayed I'd be cast in a lead role in a film that honored the Lord literally days before I was cast as Mitchell. She's trying to place when it was and she said it was as we were anticipating the theatrical-on-demand release of Beyond the Mask, in which I play Dr. Bonneville. That opened a week after I was cast.


When we were in Israel in May 2011 Joyce put a prayer in the Wailing Wall that I would be cast as the lead in a film that honored the Lord and I was soon cast as the adult lead in Indescribable, my first lead role in a feature film at that time.

I play a lead in Providence, a modern silent film opening in theatres coast to coast starting February 12.

Registration is now open for the Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp.

I Will Fight

I just heard from a friend that the trailer for Providence is now playing in the AMC Theatres that will host Providence starting February 12.

Here's another music video with scenes from the film. This one's by Caleb Allen​, the brother of Josh Allen​, who plays my character's teen self. We got to have dinner with their family after the Nashville premiere in November. What an amazing family! They all live on a bus! Seriously. They go from performance to performance and are so committed to the Lord's work they have no permanent residence. I told one of the daughters how blessed they are as young people to see that kind of dedication to the Lord lived out!



See the trailer and more music videos at www.RichDrama.com/Providence.

I play a lead in Providence, a modern silent film opening in theatres coast to coast starting February 12.

Registration is now open for the 2016 Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp.

Also, we're now taking sign-ups for Rio Ready.

Six in the Top 100

ChristianCinema.com ranked several films in which I've performed in their top 100 for 2015:

2: Alone Yet Not Alone (www.RichDrama.com/AloneYetNotAlone)
3: Beyond the Mask Movie (www.RichDrama.com/BeyondTheMask)
19: Polycarp - Movie (www.RichDrama.com/Polycarp)
31: In His Steps: The Movie (www.RichDrama.com/InHisSteps)
43: Princess Cut (www.RichDrama.com/PrincessCut)
45: The Messenger's Box (www.RichDrama.com/TheMessengersBox)

See the whole list: ChristianCinema.com Releases the Top 100 Best Selling Christian Films of 2015.

I play a lead in Providence, a modern silent film opening in theatres coast to coast starting February 12.

Registration is now open for the 2016 Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp.

Also, we're now taking sign-ups for Rio Ready.

Second Interview with Harold Hendrick

Here are links to things I spoke about in my second interview with Harold Hendrick, which will air on KSIV-AM 1320 in the St. Louis area and online at www.BottRadioNetwork.com on January 19 at 1:45pm Central:

Beyond the Chariots
Jamey Hudson Taylor, III
The Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp
Providence
Eternity

You can hear the first interview by clicking here.

I play a lead in Providence, a modern silent film opening in theatres coast to coast starting February 12.

Registration is now open for the 2016 Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp.

Also, we're now taking sign-ups for Rio Ready.