looking. . .Beyond the Mask.

. . .an action-fused historic adventure, set in the international turmoil of the mid 1770′s. Running for his life, an East India Company assassin buried his past in a quiet English village, assuming the mantle of an Anglican priest. But this disguise won’t last for long when a woman he loves and a war he no longer wants force him to confront the question of who he really is. In the face of a looming global conflict, he discovers for himself the meaning and source of true justification and freedom.

Fundamentally this is a story about where we find our identity. Each of us asks, why am I special, why is my work significant, who am I, and why should people respect me. The answers we find to these questions define how we live our lives. At Burns Family Studios, we believe that the greatest story ever told is the good-news of Jesus Christ – that the human condition to prove oneself over and over by performing to the critics doesn’t impress God, and He accepts us in His Son, in-spite of, not because of, our best efforts. With this unmerited acceptance comes the only sure foundation for life.

{see development trailer here}

This is REAL folks--as in, they are actually filming. . .the cast is being picked. . . .Paul McCusker is the scriptwriter. . .the movie is being filmed at the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan. . .and I am going to be an extra in the ball scene.

:faint:

It's hit me, just like that. Next month *I* will be on the film set of Beyond the Mask. Little old me. It's sooo extremely exciting to actually be a part--the teeniest fragment--but still a part--of making this movie happen. I may not be a professional seamstress, but I can dance. I told a friend on facebook, "yeah, look near the floor. Nope, don't see--oh wait, yes! That's the top of Michaela's head, waaayyyy down there." 

Even if I don't make it into any of the shots, I'll be there, helping and watching history take place--experiencing for myself the courage and perseverance of Christian film-making. I've caught the vision. Hard to imagine, especially for me--film making, honestly? But I went to the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival in February. . .and I know dozens of people involved with movies. Kinda hard to ignore. Even harder to resist. Next film, I'd love to get an on-set job.

Of course my hyper-driving-the-family crazy excitement has nothing to do with Friday's announcement that Andrew Cheney is playing LEAD in Beyond the Mask. !!!!!!!!!!!! Do you realize how incredible that is?

Andrew is a fantastic actor. . .I know because he was in the SAICFF's Audience Choice winner, Seasons of Gray. Incredible, incredible movie. It made me cry (which isn't terribly hard to do. Don't repeat that to anyone. :P) Really, he was perfect. And he was a cowboy. And the movie brought the Biblical story of Joseph to a new, relate-able light. And. . .well, you can guess which movie **I** voted for. ;)

So. Very, very, very happy with the casting choice. Now I'm practically stalking the Beyond the Mask blog--it's gone from the GOOD of Paul McCusker as scriptwriter, (Focus on the Family Radio Theater, Adventures in Odyssey,) to the mind-blowing perfection of Andrew Cheney. (As far as Independent films go. ;) )

Just slightly exciting.

Now I just have to finish my Ballgown. It's a lovely mossy-green silk, covered in machine-embroidered teardrops. I love it. Not only is the fabric pretty, it was fairly easy to work with--not nearly as slippery as I feared. So far I've completed my {linen} shift, stays, (horror of horrors!) under-petticoat, over petticoat, (still needs hemming,) half of my bodice (the sleeves have major issues--this is where tips and seamstress friends are useful,) and I still need to attach the skirt. There wasn't enough time to make the pocket hoops, sooo hopefully my friends in costuming will remember to set one aside. ;)

Don't try imagining a tiny girl maneuvering a huge-hipped dress while trying not to trip and STILL look graceful. Just don't.

{Costume production in MI. I know most of these people! Makes me feel famous B) }

Alrighty--sisters are calling me off the computer. I am SO behind on posting, especially with my families annual homeschool event coming up next weekend. Busy to the core--but I had to stop and share the excitement with you. :) What are your thoughts on independent Christian films? Have you been to the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival?--if so, would you go again? (I personally cannot wait for next year!) Are you involved in film making?. . .and what do you think of Beyond the Mask so far?? 

Watch out world, I'm a movie extra.