Shooting The Prodigal
Richmond, Virginia | Film Feature
Comedy
A brash young Jewish filmmaker from New York tries to help an overly-zealous Baptist preacher in south Alabama make a movie about the Prodigal Son. In the process they both learn about the love and acceptance of the Prodigal's father.
Shooting The Prodigal
Richmond, Virginia | Film Feature
Comedy
1 Campaigns | Virginia, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $25,470 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
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A brash young Jewish filmmaker from New York tries to help an overly-zealous Baptist preacher in south Alabama make a movie about the Prodigal Son. In the process they both learn about the love and acceptance of the Prodigal's father.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
The Story
David Powers – Director, Executive Producer, and Writer – wanted to tell a great story and bring a little love, humor, & hope to the world. So he and his writing partners sat down and wrote a script! The result was Shooting the Prodigal, a feature screenplay that will be brought to life by Belltower Pictures on June 23rd when principal photography begins.
At its core it is a faith themed film, but it’s also a quirky comedy with lovable, outrageous characters. The heart of the story emphasizes that our greatest fulfillment in life comes when we love God, love our neighbors, and love ourselves.
“Cynicism, polarization, and judgment pollutes society. As Christians we are called to meet all with grace and acceptance. Yet even the church has gained a reputation for judgment and hypocrisy. I believe we are all children of God, blessed by the Father and forgiven. This little film portrays a small church in Homer, Alabama in its struggle to love and accept one another. The quirky characters make us laugh… partly because we see ourselves reflected in their attitudes and situations,” David says.
During the course of the production, we want to train the next generation of filmmakers. To do this we have provided a number of internship and apprentice positions on the crew. We also want to provide an opportunity for people from many different segments of society to work together and build relationships, so we are undertaking a comprehensive audience engagement campaign.
Shooting the Prodigal depicts our ability to grow as human beings and the delightful surprises that we encounter when we look beyond the surface to find the value in others.
We invite you to join us on this journey… to tell this story of acceptance and grace… and to provide a fresh, new, positive voice of faith and hope in our culture.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Share this update!
About This Team
The FAITHFUL Crew
David Powers: Director/Writer/Executive Producer
David is the founding president of Belltower Pictures. He started his career in radio then moved into television, film and multimedia production in 1969. He earned his undergraduate degree in radio/TV/film production from the University of Georgia in 1973, and over the next several years was involved in broadcast television news and as a volunteer in local churches as a producer and director, and in community theater as an actor. After earning a Masters degree from Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, David served as Media Minister for Broadway Baptist Church. There he produced and directed several award-winning television programs. He later joined the electronic media production staff of the Baptist International Mission Board in 1987, and for the next few years, traveled and worked in 25 countries on five continents producing short video features and directing two dramatic feature films for use in evangelistic missions overseas. David later joined the staff of Richmond’s First Baptist Church, and led the church’s communication ministry where he produced 1,000 hours of local television programming, wrote/directed commercials, promotional videos and two hour-long, award-winning Christmas music specials.
Ken Roy: Producer
A retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel, whose last duty station was the Pentagon, and a graduate of Washington and Lee University, with a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska, for the last 17 years Ken has been exercising his military experience and business training in the film industry. In 1998 he founded the Central Virginia Film Office, headquartered in Petersburg, VA, and in 2004 made the transition into producing films. Since 2004 he has been the producing partner and the primary Producer for all projects originating from Tim Reid’s New Millennium Studios. Ken has worked on projects such as Killing Kennedy, Selma, Madam Secretary, and more. As a producer, his latest projects include Keepers of the Flame; Troop 491: Adventures of the Muddy Lions; and The Life and Times of Elizabeth Keckly, a documentary on the life of Mary Todd Lincoln’s dressmaker.
Heather Waters: Producer
Heather Waters has worked in the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She started her career as an actress and singer, and in 2000 turned to producing, directing, and entrepreneurial ventures. In 2007, Heather created Creative World Awards, a screenwriting development company and international competition. After earning her Masters degree from Georgia State University (GSU), Heather relocated to Richmond, Virginia where she founded the Richmond International Film Festival (RIFF) and the Media Industry Xchange (The MIX), an online development platform where creatives come together to develop and package projects. As a writer, producer, and film director, Heather’s latest projects include The People v. God; Sleep to Dream; Stillwater Lake; Trading Ages; Strive; and The Youth Roundtable Project. Heather also serves as President of the Executive Board for the Virginia Production Alliance (VPA), the leading advocacy organization responsible for bolstering film and developing talent across the state of Virginia.
Eric Hurt: Director of Photography
Eric is a cinematographer, writer, and director. Some of his latest work is on Coming Through the Rye; Ike’s Underground, House Hunting, Ralph’s World: Time Machine Guitar; Singularity, and The Watermen.
Richard Blankenship: Production Designer
Richard Blankenship is a legendary designer who has built sets and designed for more than 50 motion pictures as a construction coordinator, art director, and production designer. His work can be seen in Lincoln, Ithaca, Mercy Street, Killing Lincoln, Turn: Washington’s Spies, Captain Phillips, Killing Kennedy, War of the Worlds, Hannibal, The New World, The Box, Hannah Montana: The Movie, Mickey, and many other projects.
Gloriana Fonseca Wills: First Assistant Director
Originally from Costa Rica, Central America, Gloriana Fonseca Wills began her career as a television producer, editor and director. After achieving her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Audiovisual Production, she worked in different television and video projects broadcasted in Costa Rica and the US. In 2009, she received a Fulbright scholarship and traveled to the US to get her MFA in Film Production at Florida State University. Her thesis film Historias went on to participate in film festivals in New York, Houston, Chicago and California. Wills is currently living in Northern Virginia, working as a director, editor and first assistant director for documentary and feature films.
Jim Ed Wills: Editor
At 24, Jim Ed directed, produced, and edited his first feature film, Shadow Games, which lead to an opportunity to study under Rexford Metz, Johnny Jensen, and William Carruth at Florida State University Film School. Since graduating with his Masters in Film Production, Jim Ed went to work on Lincoln in his home town of Richmond, VA where he continues to work as an electrician for studio productions and editor for independent productions.
Anne N. Chapman: Casting Director
Anne Chapman, CSA, is a Casting Director with a Theatre & Film degree from the University of Kansas. She is an Adjunct Professor/Casting Director for VCUarts Cinema, casting 70+ films since 2008, including their current feature MACBETH. She recently joined the VFO as their Workforce Development Liaison and served 3 years as President of the VPA. Her casting experience started with Childsplay, the original "CHUCKY" movie and Uncle Buck. Anne has contributed to the casting of countless projects, serving as Casting Director or Virginia Casting Director on Big Stone Gap, Point of Honor, Killing Lincoln, The Abolitionists, Lincoln and now Shooting the Prodigal. Anne never tires of searching for and mentoring emerging actors, and she enjoys giving them opportunities to help them rise to the challenge.
Additional Crew
Greg Womble & Deborah Hocutt: Additional Writers
Brandon Over: Extras Casting Coordinator
Shannon Laribo: Lead Casting Assistant
Tracia Austin: Casting Assistant
Amy Fox: Casting Assistant
Allison Simmons: Casting Assistant
Michael Congdon: Senior Music Producer/Composer
Kevin Beale: Composer
Anthony Nesossis: Print, Motion, and Web Design & Development
BELIEVE This Cast
Paul Wilson as Brother Bob Cross
Sterling Hurst as Josh Blume
Julie Moss as Esther Cross
Christie Osterhus as Emily Cross
Joseph Gray as Noah Thatcher
Micah Brown as Garth
Mary Suib as Forsythia
Pepi Strieff as Aunt Judith
Rebecca Turner as Sallie Ann
Terry Gau as Sallie Ann's Mother
Steve Hurwitz as Guy
John Witt as Ted
Jim Johnson as Harvey
Lily Rouse as Miranda Mae
Ron Reid & Twinkie as Old Fred & Gracie
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
The Story
David Powers – Director, Executive Producer, and Writer – wanted to tell a great story and bring a little love, humor, & hope to the world. So he and his writing partners sat down and wrote a script! The result was Shooting the Prodigal, a feature screenplay that will be brought to life by Belltower Pictures on June 23rd when principal photography begins.
At its core it is a faith themed film, but it’s also a quirky comedy with lovable, outrageous characters. The heart of the story emphasizes that our greatest fulfillment in life comes when we love God, love our neighbors, and love ourselves.
“Cynicism, polarization, and judgment pollutes society. As Christians we are called to meet all with grace and acceptance. Yet even the church has gained a reputation for judgment and hypocrisy. I believe we are all children of God, blessed by the Father and forgiven. This little film portrays a small church in Homer, Alabama in its struggle to love and accept one another. The quirky characters make us laugh… partly because we see ourselves reflected in their attitudes and situations,” David says.
During the course of the production, we want to train the next generation of filmmakers. To do this we have provided a number of internship and apprentice positions on the crew. We also want to provide an opportunity for people from many different segments of society to work together and build relationships, so we are undertaking a comprehensive audience engagement campaign.
Shooting the Prodigal depicts our ability to grow as human beings and the delightful surprises that we encounter when we look beyond the surface to find the value in others.
We invite you to join us on this journey… to tell this story of acceptance and grace… and to provide a fresh, new, positive voice of faith and hope in our culture.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Share this update!
About This Team
The FAITHFUL Crew
David Powers: Director/Writer/Executive Producer
David is the founding president of Belltower Pictures. He started his career in radio then moved into television, film and multimedia production in 1969. He earned his undergraduate degree in radio/TV/film production from the University of Georgia in 1973, and over the next several years was involved in broadcast television news and as a volunteer in local churches as a producer and director, and in community theater as an actor. After earning a Masters degree from Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, David served as Media Minister for Broadway Baptist Church. There he produced and directed several award-winning television programs. He later joined the electronic media production staff of the Baptist International Mission Board in 1987, and for the next few years, traveled and worked in 25 countries on five continents producing short video features and directing two dramatic feature films for use in evangelistic missions overseas. David later joined the staff of Richmond’s First Baptist Church, and led the church’s communication ministry where he produced 1,000 hours of local television programming, wrote/directed commercials, promotional videos and two hour-long, award-winning Christmas music specials.
Ken Roy: Producer
A retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel, whose last duty station was the Pentagon, and a graduate of Washington and Lee University, with a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska, for the last 17 years Ken has been exercising his military experience and business training in the film industry. In 1998 he founded the Central Virginia Film Office, headquartered in Petersburg, VA, and in 2004 made the transition into producing films. Since 2004 he has been the producing partner and the primary Producer for all projects originating from Tim Reid’s New Millennium Studios. Ken has worked on projects such as Killing Kennedy, Selma, Madam Secretary, and more. As a producer, his latest projects include Keepers of the Flame; Troop 491: Adventures of the Muddy Lions; and The Life and Times of Elizabeth Keckly, a documentary on the life of Mary Todd Lincoln’s dressmaker.
Heather Waters: Producer
Heather Waters has worked in the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She started her career as an actress and singer, and in 2000 turned to producing, directing, and entrepreneurial ventures. In 2007, Heather created Creative World Awards, a screenwriting development company and international competition. After earning her Masters degree from Georgia State University (GSU), Heather relocated to Richmond, Virginia where she founded the Richmond International Film Festival (RIFF) and the Media Industry Xchange (The MIX), an online development platform where creatives come together to develop and package projects. As a writer, producer, and film director, Heather’s latest projects include The People v. God; Sleep to Dream; Stillwater Lake; Trading Ages; Strive; and The Youth Roundtable Project. Heather also serves as President of the Executive Board for the Virginia Production Alliance (VPA), the leading advocacy organization responsible for bolstering film and developing talent across the state of Virginia.
Eric Hurt: Director of Photography
Eric is a cinematographer, writer, and director. Some of his latest work is on Coming Through the Rye; Ike’s Underground, House Hunting, Ralph’s World: Time Machine Guitar; Singularity, and The Watermen.
Richard Blankenship: Production Designer
Richard Blankenship is a legendary designer who has built sets and designed for more than 50 motion pictures as a construction coordinator, art director, and production designer. His work can be seen in Lincoln, Ithaca, Mercy Street, Killing Lincoln, Turn: Washington’s Spies, Captain Phillips, Killing Kennedy, War of the Worlds, Hannibal, The New World, The Box, Hannah Montana: The Movie, Mickey, and many other projects.
Gloriana Fonseca Wills: First Assistant Director
Originally from Costa Rica, Central America, Gloriana Fonseca Wills began her career as a television producer, editor and director. After achieving her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Audiovisual Production, she worked in different television and video projects broadcasted in Costa Rica and the US. In 2009, she received a Fulbright scholarship and traveled to the US to get her MFA in Film Production at Florida State University. Her thesis film Historias went on to participate in film festivals in New York, Houston, Chicago and California. Wills is currently living in Northern Virginia, working as a director, editor and first assistant director for documentary and feature films.
Jim Ed Wills: Editor
At 24, Jim Ed directed, produced, and edited his first feature film, Shadow Games, which lead to an opportunity to study under Rexford Metz, Johnny Jensen, and William Carruth at Florida State University Film School. Since graduating with his Masters in Film Production, Jim Ed went to work on Lincoln in his home town of Richmond, VA where he continues to work as an electrician for studio productions and editor for independent productions.
Anne N. Chapman: Casting Director
Anne Chapman, CSA, is a Casting Director with a Theatre & Film degree from the University of Kansas. She is an Adjunct Professor/Casting Director for VCUarts Cinema, casting 70+ films since 2008, including their current feature MACBETH. She recently joined the VFO as their Workforce Development Liaison and served 3 years as President of the VPA. Her casting experience started with Childsplay, the original "CHUCKY" movie and Uncle Buck. Anne has contributed to the casting of countless projects, serving as Casting Director or Virginia Casting Director on Big Stone Gap, Point of Honor, Killing Lincoln, The Abolitionists, Lincoln and now Shooting the Prodigal. Anne never tires of searching for and mentoring emerging actors, and she enjoys giving them opportunities to help them rise to the challenge.
Additional Crew
Greg Womble & Deborah Hocutt: Additional Writers
Brandon Over: Extras Casting Coordinator
Shannon Laribo: Lead Casting Assistant
Tracia Austin: Casting Assistant
Amy Fox: Casting Assistant
Allison Simmons: Casting Assistant
Michael Congdon: Senior Music Producer/Composer
Kevin Beale: Composer
Anthony Nesossis: Print, Motion, and Web Design & Development
BELIEVE This Cast
Paul Wilson as Brother Bob Cross
Sterling Hurst as Josh Blume
Julie Moss as Esther Cross
Christie Osterhus as Emily Cross
Joseph Gray as Noah Thatcher
Micah Brown as Garth
Mary Suib as Forsythia
Pepi Strieff as Aunt Judith
Rebecca Turner as Sallie Ann
Terry Gau as Sallie Ann's Mother
Steve Hurwitz as Guy
John Witt as Ted
Jim Johnson as Harvey
Lily Rouse as Miranda Mae
Ron Reid & Twinkie as Old Fred & Gracie