Advent Film Group Making Films and Filmmakers for Christ and the World

Distributed by Provident- Among the first feature films Integrity (a unit of ) completed and inspired by Movie Trailer Appears on San Antonio Independent FIREPROOF’s Special Christian Film Festival Edition DVD Endorsed by: Top 20 Bestselling DVD - The American Family Christian Booksellers Association, Patrick Henry Association College, Homeschooling Today, Guys For Life, Iron Sharpens Official Selection - Gideon Iron, Valley Family Forum Media Arts Film Festival Made by 40 homeschooled Winner: “Redemptive students, mentored by a handful Storyteller Award” of professionals

Come What May Movie Production Handbook Moviemaker’s Goal: Real Life Imitating Art Homeschoolers, production company depict challenge to Roe v. Wade

World Net Daily Article Roe v. Wade at the National Moot eventually could be overturned, October 11, 2008 Court Championship. At the same leaving abortion laws up to time, the character's mother, a individual states. Debate teams representing the feminist attorney, argues the case 300 students at Patrick Henry He concluded that if the at the U.S. Supreme Court, but on "personhood" of the preborn could College have won the Moot Court the opposing side. national debate crown twice in the be established, "the case, of course, school's eight-year existence, and The microbudget project – collapses, for the fetus' right to life they've defeated debating bastion essentially created with a is then guaranteed specifically by Oxford twice, including once in volunteer team of students advised the [14th] Amendment." England using UK laws, but now by a handful of movie The advances in scientific and they're reaching higher. professionals – already has had medical knowledge over the past half a dozen offers for distribution, four decades have created huge They are hoping that real life according to George Escobar of will imitate their art. conflicts over the issue of the Advent Film Group. beginning of life. Voters Combining with Advent Film He told WND the in Colorado will decide Group, the Virginia evangelical plans are for the movie Nov. 4 on a ballot school's debaters are featured in a to be streamed online on initiative that would new film presenting arguments GodTube later this recognize the unborn as that one day could be used to month, but exact details a person – given the overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade still are being worked same constitutional decision that found a right to out. protections as anyone abortion in the U.S. Constitution. "Our intention is else – from the moment "Come What May," which that people see the of conception. already has been shown to packed compelling arguments Harrisonburg Valley houses in Grants Pass, Ore., and for overturning Roe v. Family Forum director Harrisonburg, Va., is expected to Wade if there are the right Dean Welty believes the time for be available for screening online Supreme Court justices on the the issue to be given to American later this month. bench," he said. citizens is now. In the movie, Caleb, a In the Roe v. Wade opinion, "This movie tells how Roe v. Christian student attending U.S. Supreme Court Justice Harry Wade can be reversed by the U.S. Patrick Henry, is caught in a Blackmun hinted the decision Supreme Court," he said. moral tug-of-war as he challenges "Moviegoers [at a screening] were director on several television "If homeschoolers can turn the excited or agitated on both sides, shows and vice president of public education monopoly upside because the movie shows in product technologies for Tele-TV, down, they can do the same for dramatic fashion just how flimsy which then was headed by cinema," he said. the legal footing stands for Roe. Howard Stringer, now CEO of Statistics indicate "New Justice appointees who Sony. homeschooling is growing at a rate believe in constitutional original The founder of Advent Film many times the rate of growth for intent will likely overturn Roe," he Group in 2007, he confirmed schools nationwide, and there now said. distributors already are bidding are estimates of more than 2 Since the next president is for the rights to distribute the million students who are expected to appoint at least a few movie. homeschooled. new justices during the coming "We know that Christians Endorsing the project were term, the tipping point for many of love 'Come What May,'" said Michael Farris, founder and the previous 5-4 decisions that Escobar. "What surprised us were chancellor of Patrick Henry have upheld abortions could be the secular, pro-choice audiences, College, the nation's only Christian approaching. some of whom have told us that liberal arts college established to Welty noted it's possible a 'Come What May' is causing them serve homeschooled students; handful of voters in each precinct to reconsider their position." Graham Walker, president of the across the nation could make the He cited the huge impact of college; and Michael Smith, choice between GOP candidate recent low-budget movies, "Facing president of the Home School Sen. John McCain, who has a long the Giants," and "Fireproof," as a Legal Defense Association. record of largely pro-life votes, and sea change in the movie industry. The project, in which students Democratic Sen. Barack Obama, "Giants," on a budget of also received on-the-job training in who has advocated for abortions $100,000, earned $10 million in box the film industry, already has been beyond even the demands of the office sales and – so far – has sold honored. It was given a National Abortion Rights Action more than a million . Redemptive Storyteller Award for League. “Fireproof,” budgeted at $500K, 2008 from the Redemptive Film "If this new movie gets has earned $23 million in box Festival. widely known, and it could break office after 5 weeks. Kurt Ramspott, founder of the out because it's very "Our mission is to change pro-life group Guys-For-Life, said controversial, then watch out," culture for Christ through media," the film "could be a tipping point Welty said. said Escobar. "We are drawing in this dramatic battle of Good vs. Escobar has worked in the from the outstanding talent and Evil in our lifetime." and in strength of the homeschooling "It is a 'must see' that will spur Hollywood as a freelance story community. you onto action," he said. analyst. He was assistant to the Sisters, and they are also members of Abdul, Olivia Newton-John, Gordon CAST The Ivy Street Band. The Emmons MacRae, His professional, civic light Sisters have performed on over 95 opera and community theatre credits episodes for two world wide television include roles in “Paint Your Wagon”, shows. During high school, Victoria “Anything Goes”, “Kiss Me Kate”, competed in two different speech “Good News”, “In Command Of The leagues, going to Nationals twice and Children”, “Durante”, “Oliver” and placing 4th in the nation with her pro- “Stone Soup”. Original productions, life speech. Victoria lives in Oregon “Johnny Bugle”, “Rocky’s Place” and with her parents, three sisters, four “Mystery At Windemere Mansion”. He goats, and a pet chicken named has numerous national and local Susanne. She hopes to use her passion commercial, music video, industrial for performing and love for God to credits as well. touch and affect people's lives. In addition to his performance and production credits Kenny also holds black belts and Full Instructor certifications in several martial arts disciplines, is the founder of Christian Austin Kearney Freestyle Karate and for 17 years as Caleb Hogan successfully owned and operated his own martial arts school. Austin Kearney is a 19 year old aspiring entertainer. Raised in Portland Karen has acted in two soap Oregon he grew an eclectic taste for operas, playing the role of Brenda many types of activities. Participating Clegg in CBS’ “Capitol” and Noel in forensics he holds a national rank as Gallager in “Rituals”, the latter of a speaker and debater. He enjoys which she was nominated for “Best philosophy, literature, good Ingenue” in the Digest conversation, music, theater, physical Awards. A former Miss LaHabra and exercise and chewing gum. Currently expert in Polynesian Dance, Karen has he plays guitar in two bands and is had the privilege of working with involved with film making. Karen and Kenny Jezek entertainment greats such as; Rory as Judith and Don Hogan Calhoun, , Marj Dusay, Tammy Wynette, Estelle Getty, Pat Kenny is probably best known for his Morita, Gary Collins, Lanie Kazan, and regular role as Lars Englund in NBC’s Kin Shriner. Her theatre credits include “”. He has guest “Stone Soup” and “Betty Bear Saves starred in “Hill Street Blues”, “St. Christmas”. Elsewhere” and “FAME”. Prior to his transition into acting, Kenny was one of After leaving Hollywood in the top working dancers in the country, 1988, Kenny and Karen (who met at a often touring teaching master jazz and Hollywood party in 1986 while they tap classes in the US, Europe and were on their soap operas), were Canada. Some of his dancing credits married in 1989 and became heavily include the Los Angeles (National involved in the theatrical arts ministry Touring) companies of two Tony award of a large local church acting, directing winning Broadway musicals; “Cats” and choreographing skits and musical and “42nd Street”, a regular series productions, including roles in original dancer in FAME, and a featured dancer musical productions of “Rocky’s Place” Victoria Emmons in the movies “Pretty In Pink” and “Johnny Bugle” and “Mystery At as Rachel Morton “Fast Forward” the latter produced by Windemere Mansion”. They’ve also Academy award winning actor, Sydney had the privilege of starring in three Victoria Emmons was five years old Poitier. independent Christian films - when her older sister Christina “Forevermore-The Karla Faye Tucker encouraged her to audition for a lead Kenny has worked with some Story” Karen playing the title role of role in a church musical. Victoria of the most recognizable names in Karla Faye Tucker, “A Father’s Heart” auditioned and landed the part. entertainment in capacities that and now “Come What May” with Thirteen years later, Christina was once include, dancing, choreographing, Advent Film Group. Through these again encouraging Victoria to audition, directing and staging. Some of them films they have been able to use their this time for Advent Film Group's include; Chita Rivera, , gifts not just in acting but also in "Come What May." From a very early Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Jermaine mentoring and helping other members age, Victoria has loved entertaining Jackson, Helen Hunt, Sydney Poitier, of the casts to develop their acting and people. She and her three sisters have a Jamie Lee Curtis, Dinah Shore, Paula performing gifts. gospel bluegrass band, The Emmons PRO CREW

University of Toledo Law Review, clerked for the Honorable L. Clure Morton, a Tennessee federal judge, and then joined his father in a successful federal trial and appellate practice. He is the writer, producer, and director of MYSTERIOUS WAYS, executive producer of INVICTUS and several other short films, and co-director of the 2006 Georgia Christian Film Festival. Manny is a dual citizen of the and Switzerland. He lives near Nashville with his wife and four children. George Escobar - Director/Producer David Gilchrist George Escobar, Producer, is founder of Advent Film Group and has over 20 David came to the Lord at the young years experience in film, television and age of 6. Although aware of his interactive media. He co-produced/ fondness for music at the young age of directed/and scripted COME WHAT 7, he didn't take up any instruments MAY. George has worked for top until he was 10 when he began to play executives in the industry including the trombone. It wasn't until he was 17, Howard Stringer - Sony CEO, Sandy when he picked up the guitar, that he Grushow and David Grant, both from realized he could and liked to compose Fox Network, Kit Laybourne, TELE-TV songs. He began to play the piano at 19 SVP, and Kim Friedman, veteran TV and then gradually developed into director. Most recently Escobar was VP helping the church worship team. of Product Development for Discovery, When David was around 28, Executive Director for AOL/Time that is when he began to attempt Warner, and is a former Producing composing more intricate and more Fellow from the American Film Pruitt Allen - Director of Photography orchestral sounding pieces. David had Institute’s Center for Advanced Film Pruitt Allen, "Come What May"'s always loved film and wanted to be a and Television Studies. He holds seven Director of Photography, began his part of it. So at 35, David decided to U.S. patents in technology and user- professional life in missions work, plot his course and see how the Lord interface design. He and his wife managing homeless shelters and after- would determine his steps. After some homeschool three sons in Northern school care programs. He then began "asking, seeking, and knocking", David Virginia. selling computer networking was given the opportunity to score for a equipment, eventually ending up in a short narrative and documentary. It top-tier sales position in . was during the showing of the After being encouraged by the attacks documentary that David met George of September 11, 2001 to make a career Escobar and, in time, was given the change, Pruitt moved into filmmaking, opportunity to score for Come What and the independent film community May. in New York provided an ideal training David Gilchrist lives in the ground. Eventually Pruitt found work Pacific Northwest with his lovely and as a lighting grip, gaffer and lighting beautiful wife Leanne and their six designer for clients like CBS/Viacom, absolutely wonderful children. David is Fox, ABC, PBS and a variety of a letter carrier for the United States corporate and non-profit entities. He Postal Service by day and one of many soon began working as a cameraman composers out there trying to give John and then Director of Photography, with Williams, James Horner, Jerry occasional forays into directing and Manny Edwards - Director/Producer Goldsmith, Ennio Morricone and others producing work. He has served as DP a good "run for their money" (I don't Manny co-wrote/produced/directed on independent features, several gamble by the way) by night. COME WHAT MAY under his own documentaries, many short films, banner, Brightline Pictures. Manny is a corporate and non-profit videos and lawyer licensed to practice in Tennessee music videos. and Michigan. He was an editor for the PRO CREW 2008 by Cloud Ten Pictures and Koch Ben now resides in Fairfax, Entertainment.* Virginia, with his new wife Lisa Adams. At present (aside from the minor task of Daniel believes that the new establishing a new household), he is generation of Christian filmmakers will drafting the script for AFG's summer '09 be able to attain positions of influence production, working full-time with the in the industry so long as they hold Christian ministry Truth For Muslims, their work to the rigorous standards of running a part-time videography quality that the mainstream audience expects of their movies.

John William Doryk - Sound Ben Adams - Story Artist / Co- Design( www.johndoryk.com ) Producer / Location Manager / PHC Liaison / Casting Coordinator John is an award winning television/ film composer, who has been creating Ben Adams was one of the earliest original music and sound design for members of the production team for over 20 years. He has had his music Come What May, spending many hours performed on The Discovery Channel, working out plot details with George PBS, FOX Network, Focus on the Escobar and ultimately taking on the Family, Answers in Genesis Creation role of co-producer beside his friend Museum, Coral Ridge Media, and and former roommate Mike Holcomb. many independent feature films. He The literature majors also had a co- Peter Forbes - Unit Production currently resides in Colorado Springs cameo as the sleazy junior lawyer duo. Manager and 2nd Assistant Director with his wife Susan and two children, Peter Edward Forbes has spent most of Stephen and Emily. his life being home-schooled near the little town of Dinosaur, Colorado. Working as an assistant director in a local school’s musical drew him to the STUDENTS performing arts. Since then, he has tried his hand at directing, writing, and starring in several plays and amateur films. Peter is currently a literature major at Patrick Henry College and began his Senior year in August 2008. He’s the Chief Executive Officer of PHC’s film club, Streaming Media Network, which has been graciously given no-fee access to Advent Film Ben's interest in film began in Group’s professional equipment. He high school thanks to Chris White's also initiated Patrick Henry College’s teen film camps-a model he later first national short story competition in appropriated with the help of Jeremy Fall 2008. Clayton, enlisting about 10 local kids Daniel Noa - 1st Assistant Director each year. For the camps, he wrote, Ultimately, he wants to do and 2nd Unit Director directed, edited and produced two 1- what he loves professionally—tell hour feature films, Split Second (2004) stories in film and fiction, as far as it is Daniel Noa is a Patrick Henry College and Where Grace Falls (2005). Much of in Christ’s will and love. A verse of Graduate who is responding to God's his dramatic and creative training was special importance to Peter is Luke call on his life to enter the film industry. received through the Patrick Henry 12:48: “From everyone who has been After starting the PHC film group, College Eden Troupe. Ben played a given much, much will be demanded; Streaming Media Network, Daniel total of nine consecutive roles while at and from the one who has been continued to produce short films in PHC, and co-directed Christina Calvit's entrusted with much, much more will California in conjunction with his adaptation of Pride and Prejudice with be asked.” Or, in movie speak, “With friend, Brandon Rice. As Noa/Rice Lisa Bode in the spring of 2006. He has great power comes great Digital, they produced the award also produced the video versions of responsibility.” winning short A Price Too High, as well most of these plays. as the recently completed Smuggler's Ransom, which was released in June More than a Movie, it’s a Movement

The Christian community is failing to raise “superbly qualified” Christian filmmakers to direct big-budget movies, according to George Escobar, Ex-Discovery executive and American Film Institute producing fellow. Two recent major studio Christian-themed movies, “Amazing Grace” and “The Chronicles of Narnia,” were both directed by secular directors. Escobar, who is a born-again Christian and homeschooling dad, launched Advent Film Group (AFG), an investor funded film production and distribution company, to help change culture and filmmaking in Hollywood by training a new generation Christian directors who will one day produce big-budget films with moral integrity. “Our mission is to change culture for Christ through media,” said Escobar. “We are drawing from the outstanding talent and strength of the homeschooling community.” AFG is working with dozens of homeschoolers from across the country to accomplish this mission. Advent has been endorsed by several high profile homeschooling advocates, including Dr. Michael Farris, founder and chancellor of Patrick Henry College, the nation's only Christian liberal arts college established to serve homeschooled students; Dr. Graham Walker, president of Patrick Henry College; and Michael Smith, president of Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). The timing is right as new digital technologies and internet marketing are giving Christian filmmakers the resources to challenge an industry dominated by multimillion-dollar budgets. The most successful examples are “Facing the Giants (FTG),” a film about a high school football team, was made by Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. The film earned $10 million in box office sales and sold over 1.5 million DVDs, all with just a $100,000 filming budget. “Fireproof,” made for $500,000 was released on September 26th, 2008. It has earned over $33 million at the box office and sold over 2 million DVDs. (FTG took 17 weeks to earn $10 million.) “AFG’s movie budgets are similarly ‘right-sized’ to our self-distribution campaign and network,” according to Escobar. “With a cast/crew of over 40 homeschooled students mentored by a handful of film professionals, Advent’s first movie, “Come What May” completed post-production in Colorado and Tennessee, following principal photography last summer in Purcellville, Virginia. AFG’s network of supporters, now several hundred homeschooling families strong (and growing), are helping promote the film across the country. Recently, a packed audience of 2,000 filled Rolling Hills Community Church in Portland, Oregon, while 800 filled the Grants Pass Oregon Performing Art Center. On the east coast, two nearly sold- out screenings were held at Harrisonburg, Virginia’s Court Square Theater. Dozens of church screenings are now underway through Outreach Films. The movie also received ten distribution offers, ending up with Provident Films (a unit of Sony) who also distributed “Facing The Giants” and “Fireproof”. To put this in perspective, out of the 4,000 independent movies made each year, only 5% receive any kind of distribution offer. CWM has certainly beaten the odds. “Come What May” has garnered wide attention because it features Patrick Henry College (PHC), a national powerhouse in debate and moot court competition. The movie centers on two PHC students who battle to overturn Roe v. Wade at the National Moot Court Championship. The movie features Mike Farris as the real-life PHC debate coach. Homeschooled students and their parents, interested in rebuilding culture for Christ in cinema, have sought out AFG as an alternative to film school. “This fulfills part of AFG’s mission,” says Escobar, “to train student not just to make movies, but to tell stories with fidelity to a biblical worldview.” Unlike film schools where students pay large tuitions to practice making unmarketable short or student films, AFG productions are feature-length for commercial release from the start, giving the completed film immediate market value. AFG actually pay the movie, AFG is also building a and prose of such a great film, college students a small stipend movie distribution system from rather, by the strength, even as they are trained, earn within the homeschooling, and determination and courage of professional credits, and receive pro-life/pro-family communities. America's finest Christian youth to profit-participation points. Rather than sharing film revenues stand up and deliver such a Escobar gives details, “We’re strictly with traditional compelling message in the wake of doing this because film schools distributors, AFG seeks to channel Roe vs. Wade being taken for really don’t work for Christian revenue into Christian and family- granted in America, never to be filmmakers. Secular film programs based organizations. overturned. This film could be a often lead Christians toward Escobar remarks. tipping point in this dramatic compromise, while Christian film “Homeschoolers have already battle of Good vs. Evil in our students are often relegated to successfully turned the public lifetime." televangelistic or fuzzy faith-based education monopoly upside down, "I am convinced that this new projects.” we will now do the same in movie is the 'right stuff' and the According to AFG’s model, cinema production and type of film that will truly homeschoolers should save their distribution.” motivate God's people into “film school money” and use it to understanding a new reality," adds COME WHAT MAY Wins a make their own feature films after Ramspott. "Simply put, Roe vs. “Redemptive Storyteller Award” they learn storytelling from Wade's days are numbered! schools like PHC. Advent believes The movie has won a Rejoice!" that students who master classic Redemptive Storyteller literature, history, English, art Award from the history, all from biblical worldview Redemptive Film Festival will become the best filmmakers. held at Regent University. “We can teach students all the It was also an Official mechanics of filmmaking in about Selection at the Gideon 2-3 months. That’s the easy part. Media Arts Film Festival. Story is hard. And entertaining "I have seen COME stories told from a Christian WHAT MAY with my worldview are the hardest.” bride and I am greatly Escobar clarifies. overwhelmed," exclaims Even as AFG works with Kurt Ramspott, Guys-For-Life distributors for a wide release of founder. "Not by the pageantry