Terra Nova filmakers, Roman Jacquez and David Schwenker are in need of several extras to be in a short film that they are creating. Below is a blog entry from Roman. Reach out to Roman if you are interested in being a part of this project on December 12th in downtown Troy.

“Being a member of the family of Terra Nova Church has been a huge blessing in my life. Three years ago, I volunteered to create a motion installation of our most sacred king Jesus’ pierced hands and crown of thorns to be projected as part of the atmosphere before the band went up to lead in worship. Little did I know that this small act of service was going to so positively impact my filmmaking career.  Since then, it was only a matter of time before the pastoral team’s missions heart for community artist would become a source of help for many of us.

They knew I was doing business from a basement so they generously offered to share their office space with me.  This was one of their ways of being missional and reaching out to the local arts community and providing a home to showcase our work. Most of you have attended the Troy Night Out shows at the Terra Nova Gallery, and therefore have witnessed the impact that Terra Nova Church has in Troy. I am grateful for the pastors’ vision to be missionaries in the art culture of the Capital District.  Personally I have been greatly influenced creatively and spiritually.

Through the past three years I have had the opportunity to collaborate with church members and friends who are very talented photographers, graphic designers, web designers, fashion designers, musicians, writers, painters, actors and filmmakers. Most recently, I have had the honor of working with David Schwenker who has been an instrumental addition to the film  team of the church.  David is a very talented artist and he is the creator of the most recent baptism videos. Some of the productions that we have worked for TNC range from Point Of View street interviews asking thought-provoking questions, such as the project for the 7 Deadly Sins, to the baptism videos which tell the individual story of the person being baptized. All these can be seen HERE.

Most recently God has given the film team an opportunity to serve beyond Troy, NY. Because of the support of Terra Nova and the favor Almighty God has found in the work we do, I have travelled around the country filming and telling stories that glorify the Father. Stories of men and women who are doing extraordinary works of love and service, under much suffering and often persecution, only persevering under the name of Christ.  For instance, the feature documentary titled “BloodMoney” about the financial aspect of abortion in the United States. This documentary explores the impact abortion has on the women who chooses to have them, the men whose child is aborted and the men and women who perform the surgical procedure. The film is in post production and awaiting theatrical distribution.

Also, I have been filming “Silent Fall”, a global exploration of cultural forces eroding the value of human life and the social injustices that result. Infanticide, child prostitution, euthanasia, abandonment and abortion: behind every innocent victim is a story of tragic cultural pressures and a life-altering choice. What leads a father in the Amazon basin to bury his baby alive? How can a Cambodian family sell their 10-year old daughter into prostitution? What prompts a 40-year old woman in Holland to agree to end the life of her aging father? How can a loving couple in China abort their baby simply because it’s a girl? What leads a Romanian woman to terminate seven pregnancies? Deeply woven into our cultural fabric are the values that hold the key to these challenging questions of life and death.

One project that I am particularly excited about is “Away in a Manger”, a short family friendly film which started production last year and is scheduled to be completed by Christmas 2009. “Away in a Manger” is about the magical and mysterious tale of Christmas that blends both ancient celebrations and modern day family traditions. When Abby, an ordinary school girl, calls to a live radio talk show, the town is challenged by her to think about the true meaning of Christmas. After the live radio broadcast of “Monday Morning Mayhem with the Mayor”, something truly extraordinary happens to the people of Gulluver City. This Christmas, the words of a child will inspire an entire community to share the joy of celebrating the birth of Christ.

“Away in a Manger” is currently in production and we are casting for extras. Some of you have already worked with me as first time actors on a national commercial and or other productions. Some of you, perhaps did not even know that Terra Nova Church supports a small team of filmmakers. If you would like to be part of “Away in a Manger”, we would love to have your support by becoming a Movie Extra for the filming on Saturday, December 12th from 5-8pm.

To learn more about being an Extra and If you would like to learn about the movies referenced in this blog post, you are welcome to visit my personal website.