I AM MARK is coming to the silver screen!
In a hugely exciting development, Stefan has been working with a professional movie production team to create a new feature film length version of I AM MARK, bringing the story of the Gospel to more people in an exciting new format.
Stefan recently filmed all chapters in their entirety on set, with the view to shooting additional scenes in Israel once it becomes safe to travel there, and once sufficient funds have been raised to help fund the project.
We spoke to Stefan about how the filming went!
“My week spent filming I AM MARK in the first century village film studio was a mind-bendingly scary experience at first, having never been filmed for a real feature film before. But I soon got into my stride, and loved every minute. By the end of the week’s worth of filming I was hoping it would never, end it was that exhilarating. Yet, such were the levels of exhaustion experienced, that another part of me was dying for each day to end! (To give you a clue as to what it was like, the last full day of filming finished at just after midnight!).
“At the risk of stating the obvious, feature film making is totally different to acting on stage. I found that it comprises lots more takes, of course, (not always for missed lines – the camera work, lighting and sound had to be just right!). But it also demands maximum concentration because there’s so much starting and stopping. The need to stay “in the zone” from one scene to another was one of the biggest challenges, but it was a good one to have. And I had to exercise a certain amount of humility in terms of my relationship with the directors and the rest of the crew…it was their vision after all, not mine. Yet a low level ego state having been quickly established, the atmosphere was one of creative collaboration throughout.
“It really was the most amazing fun! And I really did feel as if I was in my element (“born to do this”, opined one friend), despite my relative inexperience of film work. It was also a highly professional enterprise. The cameras, lights and sound equipment were clearly of an excellent standard, and the numerous crew exhibited a proportionate amount of professionalism and artistic and technical expertise. Props, lighting, sound, costume and set design were also of the highest possible quality, as far as I could tell.
“Most strikingly, the whole cast and crew seemed united in a sense of calling. No one was in it for the money. Instead there was a deep desire to bring this greatest story of all stories alive for a new audience. We will wait and see as to whether or not we have succeeded, but I’m sure I’m not alone in sensing the quiet encouragement and wisdom of the Holy Spirit along the way. From this point of view alone, it is an unforgettable privilege to have been part of something so exciting and beautiful.”
We hope you’ll agree that we simply cannot wait to see the final film!
If you’d like to contribute towards the project, and support Stefan in his mission to film in Israel next year, please visit Stefan’s JustGiving page. Even the smallest amount donated will help to get him closer to his goal.
We’ll keep you updated on phase two of the filming project, and when you can expect to see it on the big screen!
