Entertaiment

Box Office Buzz
By Thomas Baggaley

Filmmaker Richard Dutcher and Utah Jazz owner Larry H. Miller announced at a press conference on Thursday, October 16th, that production on “God’s Army 2: States of Grace” will begin in Los Angeles this January.  Miller will be a “significant investor” in the “God’s Army” sequel, although he will not be the sole investor. They also reaffirmed Miller’s financial support for “The Prophet: The Story of Joseph Smith”.

“God’s Army 2: States of Grace”

“God’s Army 2” will focus on the character of Elder Sandoval – a supporting character in the first “God’s Army” – with the role reprised by Luis Robledo.  Other casting details were not released, although it is possible that other actors may reprise their “God’s Army” roles.  In the sequel, Elder Sandoval gets unavoidably pulled into a gang incident, although Dutcher politely refused to give out any further details about the plot.  “I told my wife the story and she said, ‘Wow!'” said Dutcher, mentioning that several others privy to the story had also responded similarly but stating that audiences would just have to wait until the film is released to find out what those “wows” were all about. 

Dutcher did indicate, however, that other faiths besides the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints would be represented in the film and represented very positively.  “We are reaching out and trying to extend our audience.  I think this film will appeal to religious people of other faiths.  I think it’s going to be a powerful film.”

No release date for “God’s Army 2” has yet been scheduled, although the film will be distributed by Excel Entertainment Group, represented at the press conference by the company’s president, Jeff Simpson.  Neither Dutcher nor Miller would comment on the production budget for the film except to say that it’s “under $100 million” and that Miller’s involvement in “God’s Army 2” is “somewhat less than ‘The Work and the Glory’ and you can capitalize the S in somewhat.”

Pressed further, Dutcher said he feels there has been too much of a focus on budgets for LDS Cinema films and not enough attention on the stories.  He recalled an early press conference where he said that he felt that there was a market for these kinds of films and that Latter-day Saints have some amazing stories to tell, saying that at times it seems to him as if everyone heard him talk about the market and no one paid attention to the part about the stories. “We really do have some wonderful, powerful stories to tell,” he insisted. “I don’t think audiences care what a film costs.”

He admitted that because film is such an expensive art form, it is also, by necessity, a business, but insisted that while filmmakers and investors should pay attention to such details, those numbers were not so important for the general public.  “Our budgets are not so big as to be impressive.  We’re not spending $200 million to make “Titanic” or anything like that.” At the same time, budgets are not so small as to be remarkable either.  “We can’t point at our films and say, ‘Look what I was able to do with just $7,000.'”

“The Prophet: The Story of Joseph Smith”

Even with Miller’s renewed support, “The Prophet” is still not completely funded, but Dutcher said that he will have a team continuing to work on funding for the film while he works on “God’s Army 2” with the goal of beginning production on that film in the summer, hopefully with a release date during 2005.  He noted that a 2005 release date would be appropriate, since it would be 200 years after the birth of Joseph Smith. “[It would be] kind of my birthday present to him,” he said.  Dutcher also confirmed that both F. Murray Abraham and Val Kilmer have expressed an interest in portraying the roles of Governor Ford and Joseph Smith, Jr., respectively.  However, no contracts have been signed yet and these actors may not actually end up in the film.  There are still some details to iron out, and lot depends on the actors’ schedules – if they are available when it comes time for production.

Dutcher is eager for the project to go forward.  “It’s a great story,” he said. “We have a good deal of funding for “The Prophet”, but not all that I need.”  In the meantime, he has had time to sharpen a script which he says has been finished for some time.  Lately, the changes have been minor – changing a word or taking out a line here and there – while waiting for the funds to commit it to celluloid.  “It’s going to cross over in a big way,” Dutcher claimed. “Interest may be greater outside the church than within it because it’s a story they haven’t heard before.”

Dutcher said that people who read the script ask him all the time if those events really happened.  He said that he feels that because of the subject matter, the film needs to be historically accurate – more accurate than most films – while still telling a compelling story.  “I want to tell a powerful, amazing story in as close to two hours as I can. [Joseph Smith] was an exciting and charismatic man with an exciting and violent life, and I haven’t seen that portrayed anywhere.  I want to give this story the treatment it deserves.” 

Miller said that another reason the press conference was being held was to allow him to correct some erroneous statements that he had made about his support of “The Prophet” at a press conference a week ago.  That press conference had been held to announce Miller’s support of another LDS Cinema film, “The Work and the Glory”.  At the “Work and the Glory” press conference, Miller had said that he was surprised when a press conference he attended in 2001 turned out to be about “The Prophet” instead of Dutcher’s “Brigham City” – which is another film Miller had invested in.  He had also said that he had never received any detailed information from Dutcher about “The Prophet”.

However, upon checking his notes it became apparent that his impressions about what happened were incorrect.  Miller noted that as he has gone back to look at his calendar from that time period, he found that he had specifically written “Joseph Smith movie press conference” on the date in question.  He said that the sense of surprise he remembered having must have been because “The Prophet” was moving forward on a quicker schedule than he had originally expected, and not because the subject of the press conference was a surprise itself. Miller had felt uncomfortable with this advanced production schedule at the time, because he had first wanted to see how “Brigham City” performed, since it was his first investment in film production.  He also clarified that Dutcher actually had sent him a significant information packet, but because he had turned Dutcher’s project over to someone else in his organization to handle at that time, he had not been aware of it.

Miller also said that he had inadvertently hurt Dutcher’s ability to raise money for “The Prophet”.  Whenever Dutcher approached potential investors, they wanted to know why Miller had pulled out.  “Why did Larry Miller pull out?  The answer is Larry Miller didn’t pull out,” he said as he announced his renewed financial support for the film.  “I’ve committed a significant amount to “The Prophet” – more than for “God’s Army 2″ – but then it has a bigger budget.”

Dutcher praised Miller for his handling of the situation.  “He didn’t have to do this.  It takes some real character for Larry to say he’s made mistakes. I always used to say Larry’s my hero. Last week I wasn’t so sure he was my hero or not. But this week, with the way he has handled this, sitting down man to man to make it right he’s my hero again.”

Miller admitted he is still learning about the filmmaking business.  From an investor’s standpoint, he had been disappointed in the performance of “Brigham City” in the box office.  But at the same time, the film is still the most critically acclaimed of all the LDS Cinema films to date, so he’s been trying to figure out the relationship between a film’s critical reception and its financial success.

While “Brigham City” has not been profitable yet, Dutcher insists that films have a long shelf life and that eventually it will be profitable. In the meantime, Miller has shown that he is still willing to support selected film projects, having announced his support for three such projects in a little over a week.  At the same time, he is being selective about the projects he funds, having said no to other films in the past.

Miller, who owns a multiplex movie theater in Sandy, Utah, said that he isn’t worried about a possible glut of LDS-market films in theaters.  Although there have been as many as four these films playing in his theaters at the same time this fall, he said, “I think it’s still an expanding market. As an exhibitor, we’ve seen no indication of it slowing down.  To me, each [film’s] got to stand on its own.”

Dutcher, on the other hand, is just excited to be once again making a film. It has been two-and-a-half years since Brigham City was released, and he has often been bombarded with questions about when the next film will be coming out.  Last year, Dutcher was 7 weeks from production on “The Prophet” before having to back off on his plans.  He feels it will be good to be able to focus on production again.  There was a smile of excitement and relief on his face as he said, “We’re funded [for “God’s Army 2″] and ready to go.”

Pride and Prejudice Trailer Now in Theaters

The trailer for the upcoming LDS Cinema movie “Pride and Prejudice” (based on the novel by Jane Austen) is now in theaters, and audiences’ collective jaws are dropping in awe just at this hint of the film. Scottish Latter-day Saint director Andrew Black, best known until now for the award-winning short “The Snell Show,” helmed the contemporary adaptation, which will be distributed by industry leader Excel Entertainment.

The full-featured official website will be online within the next few days… The site now at https://www.prideprejudice.com only has a link to the online trailer, the poster credits, and a links to a couple articles. A highly placed insider has revealed that the full website is simply awesome, one of the best LDS Cinema websites ever made. We’ll keep you posted.

“Saints and Soldiers” Book Now in Stores

“Saints and Soldiers,” the novelization of the hit LDS Cinema movie directed by Ryan Little, is now in stores. The novel was written by Jeffrey Scott.

Jeffrey Scott is a graduate of Brigham Young University law School and is a practicing attorney in the area of entertainment law. While raised on both coasts, his love of the mountains compelled him to choose Utah to make his home where he spends his free time training and competing in endurance sports. He is currently working on two additional novels and a collection of short stories. Saints and Soldiers is his first publication.

“Saints and Soldiers” was published by Thomson Productions, Inc. The cover proclaims that the move will be in theaters “Winter 2004.” 267 pages.

LDSFilm.com co-webmaster Thomas C. Baggaley saw the new LDS Cinema movie “Saints and Soldiers” on Thursday at the Gloria Film Festival: “I saw Saints and Soldiers last night.  It is a well-done film, and I enjoyed it very much.”

Baggaley, a film composer by profession who is finishing his Ph.D. under Jerry Goldsmith, has analyzed the film score for “Saints and Soldiers” in some detail. If you have questions about THAT topic specifically, you may call him or email him personally.

At the Gloria Film Festival it was announced that “Saints and Soldiers” will be distributed by Excel Entertainment.

With this announcement, Excel further solidifies their position as the leading theatrical distributor for LDS Cinema. Excel previously distributed “God’s Army”, “Brigham City”, “The Other Side of Heaven” and “Jack Weyland’s Charly.” They will soon distribute “Pride and Prejudice” theatrically.

Rival LDS Cinema distributor HaleStone Distribution has distributed its in-house HaleStorm films “The Singles Ward” and “The R.M.”, and will soon distribute the externally produced “The Best Two Years” and the HaleStorm film “The Home Teachers.”

No distribution deal has been announced for Vuissa’s “Eat, Drink and Get Married,” which is now in post-production. Film editor Krisi Church is among those working feverishly nearly every day until midnight to complete this masterpiece.

Would we pay $7.50 to see a barehanded fist fight between Jeff Simpson and his friend Dave Hunter, with the prize being absolute hegemony over LDS Cinema distribution? Yes, yes we would. But as Larry H. Miller is unlikely to host such an event at Jordan Commons any time soon, we will have to be satisfied simply with watching the movies themselves.

The Primary Colors Are 1…2…3…

A new DVD — “Colors Live” — will be released by Excel Entertainment on November 18th. The DVD features the popular Latter-day Saint band “Colors.” Colors was the subject of a previous documentary by celebrated LDS filmmaker Tucker T. Dansie, “Colors: Up Close & Personal”, released in 1999 and sold at Deseret Book.

This new DVD includes footage from that documentary, as well as all new material and Colors’ final concert. This is an awesome DVD. We recommend buying 3 copies.

Numerous LDS-Made Films at Eclipse Film Festival

The Eclipse Film Festival is coming up in November. This is one of Utah’s greatest film festivals. It was founded by Latter-day Saint filmmakers and features numerous films by Latter-day Saints and others from around the world.

The festival will screen short films, documentaries, animated films and student films. There are also 4 feature films being screened this year, including Latter-day Saint filmmaker John Lyde’s stunning martial arts science fiction adventure film “The Collectors” (think “Kill Bill” for families). Two LDS-themed feature films are among those being screened: “Saints and Soldiers” directed by Ryan Little and “The Best Two Years” directed by Scott S. Anderson. Both “Saints and Soldiers” and “Best Two Years” star popular Latter-day Saint film star Kirby Heyborne. “Saints and Soldiers” also stars LDS actors Larry Bagby (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” TV series; “Liken The Scriptures”) and Corbin Allred (“Christmas Mission”, “Diamonds”, etc.). Allred is the biggest LDS movie star from the world of mainstream Hollywood film ever to “cross over” and appear in a lead or supporting role in an LDS Cinema movie.

Check out pictures from and synopses of all the competing films.

Featured Bio: Chance Cook

Chance Cook’s long and distinguished career has led him through each of the media disciplines.  His long-time friend, Chris Cobb, who he grew up with in Los Angeles, initially exposed Cook to the film industry while both were attending Brigham Young University.  There he worked on several important projects for the LDS Church.  Quickly proving his worth, he performed in various positions as a location scout, set dresser, production assistant, second and first assistant director.  He then suddenly left film to finish his degree in communications.

Cook graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications/Public Relations and joined the NBC affiliate in Salt Lake City, Utah (KSL Television) rising through the ranks from master control operator, contributing writer to associate producer.  When the new local programming department was founded in late 1996; Cook was promoted to become the only producer in the department under the departments director, Doug Miller. 

From that point, Cook wrote and produced three weekly programs ranging from an outdoor-oriented show hosted by renown outdoor enthusiast Doug Miller to a ski program and The Utah Business Show hosted by Keith McCord.  Cook turned out 50 brand new programs each year for the Outdoors Show With Doug Miller and The Utah Business Show.  Ski Utah only ran for 23 episodes during each winter season.

During his tenure at KSL, Cook also co-produced KSL coverage of The Days of ’47/KSL Parade from 1996 through 2001 and was lead producer of KSL’s local media coverage of the Champion’s Challenge at Thanksgiving Point.  He has also assisted on First Night coverage and co-wrote and produced KSL’s lineup of special Olympic programming, 2002 Up Close and 2002 Preview, in preparation towards the upcoming 2002 Olympic Winter Games.  During the 2002 Olympic Winter Games his features could be seen on SLC Live.  Cook was also approached by E! Entertainment and interviewed Gold Medalist Picabo Street before the Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City.

For years the KSL Local Programming Department dominated local and regional awards relating to lifestyle programs, sports, non-news segments and features.  Cook’s work on Outdoors With Doug Miller, Ski Utah and The Utah Business Show was also recognized by the Utah Broadcasting Association and The Society of Professional Journalists.  He also won several Tellys.  Cook was also prestigiously nominated as the “Chamber Champion” in 1998 by the Salt Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and “Media Advocate of the Year” in 1997 by the Small Business Administration.

After the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, the local programming department was eliminated by KSL management and Cook left the organization to pursue his true passions- travel and human powered outdoor adventure consisting of canyoneering, whitewater rafting, hiking and skiing.

Chance Cook now is a freelance travel and adventure writer based in Salt Lake City, Utah and his work has been published in the regional magazine Oudoors.com and currently online at Utah Outdoors.com.  A few of his works are as follows:

Idaho Student Filmmaking Association

The Idaho Student Filmmaking Association is a brand new society that is dedicated to learning the craft of positive filmmaking. Write for more info about the Association, or to inquire how you can support it, or if you are a filmmaker how you can schedule an appearance before this august and interested body.