Quest is an ensemble feature about three strangers whose circumstances put them on the same plane headed to Israel. Pastor Paul Ryann, who looks more like an athlete than a pastor, is obsessed with finding out if Christ was actually nailed in the hands, wrist or forearm. His fixation separates him from his loving wife of seven years with little hope of reconciliation.

Dr. Elizabeth Stewart is a beautiful and highly regarded life flight trauma specialist. She holds impeccable credentials and a deep seeded need to rescue the wounded. Despite her skills, Elizabeth struggles with the deaths of those she can’t save. She soon finds new vitality in Paul and desires what she can’t have, as they bond through traumatic circumstances.

Professor Van Eaton is an expert in decoding and deciphering ancient manuscripts. Far from a religious man, he’s an obsessed skeptic with a passion to uncover the secrets of ancient times. Sober for two years, he finds that the dusty parchments hold the same tantalizing lure for him as a top shelf bottle.

The interaction between the characters brings about a unique sense of adventure and fascination, a strong feeling of constrained romantic desire, and a jolting revelation that makes the crucifixion personal. Each character is faced with their inner demons and is forced to decide if they will do what feels right or follow the will of God.

Author Don Furr drew realistic encounters from his earlier years in life for the first draft of his book. After realizing that most audiences that read faith-based stories prefer characters that are good people that become better, he softened the interactions between the characters to make the story more acceptable.

When I first chatted with Don, I quickly learned that he had some regret because he didn’t go with the real world experiences that the characters were based on. We talked about the harsh realities of divorce and the incredible healing power that God can pour into a hurting heart. By the end of our discussions about each character’s dreams and vices, we altered the story in keeping with the original vision God gave Don.

The audience will see very real characters in the film, beginning with the street-racing scene. While we’ll be tactful in the presentation of the medevac helicopter and emergency room, those scenes will be very realistic in what actual trauma doctors face.

And, when Paul and Elizabeth start to unintentionally bond, they will be forced to face the same difficult decision that real people have to make. For Paul, he’ll have to decide between taking advantage of the circumstances that’ll lead to an affair or choosing to act according to the scriptures rather than following his feelings, knowing that his wife may never take him back.

The professor is also faced with a unique opportunity that can regenerate his passion from college or send him back to the bottle.

There are two things they all have in common: An inner struggle that consumes them; and, an encounter with the Master. What they do with their choice changes all three once the time portal returns them back to the present.

If you like realistic character driven films with plenty of adventure, Quest will be a great film to watch.

Copyright © 2013 by CJ Powers
All Rights Reserved.

Not to be confused with “Working Title,” which you may have been following in my recent blogs, the Quest for the Nail Prints production schedule has been moved up. Quest is based on the book by Don Furr, who has agreed to pilot the medevac helicopter in the film – A great cameo for a real life pilot.

This faith based adventure film requires a cast and crew of 300 people including 60 speaking roles. When asked about the style of the film, I typically suggest its like Adventures in Odyssey meets Indiana Jones. Top Hollywood stars, who are familiar with faith based films, are being approached for the three lead roles. We have a winter start date.

The story is about Pastor Paul Ryann who breaks his promise to his wife when a junior high kid’s bad choice prompts him to intercede. Returning home two hours late, his wife sends him on their anniversary trip to Israel alone, in hopes of him learning how to respect her.

During his flight, Paul meets two traveling companions. Together, they tour Old Jerusalem and stumble upon two men assaulting a woman. The men notice Paul shooting a video of the incident and chase after them. They dodge in and out of crowds and alleys until they duck into an old dark shack. Just when they think it’s safe to step out of hiding, the floor gives way and plunges them down into an ancient stone well.

As the water rises, Paul, in true “Indiana Jones” style leads the three to safety. When they emerge, they find themselves thrust back in time to the year 33 A.D. during the triumphal entry of Jesus of Nazareth in Jerusalem. During the week leading to his crucifixion, the three are loved by the Master and forced to face their deepest internal pain. Filled with new vitality, Paul struggles with the decision of saving Jesus from his harsh death and making sure it happens.

Translating the book to a screenplay was a long and difficult process. The word for word translation suggested the film would need to be six hours long. Through careful crafting and positive approval from the author, the story has been trimmed to a full two hour adventure film that is packed with awe inspiring moments.

I’m looking forward to sharing more on this story as we develop the picture.

Copyright © 2013 by CJ Powers
All Rights Reserved.

The new A-List of stars was released this week and the up coming stars are more affordable than ever before. Jennifer Lawrence (Hunger Games, X-Men, Silver Lining Playbook) who I’ve met, and Anne Hathaway (Les Misérables, The Dark Knight Rises, Alice in wonderland) both bring in about $5MM for a picture – Causing my producer and me to have a serious discussion about raising our $6MM budget to a $40MM picture.

Unfortunately, comparable men to play across from these reasonably priced stars are 2X – 3X more costly. While the thought of discrimination might pop into one’s mind, studios can quickly support the fact that men pull in a far greater audience than women, both nationally and internationally. In fact, very few women can create box office draw overseas.

This comes down to the audience’s taste. Men and women enjoy watching men on screen, but few men will watch a woman on screen. Angelina Jolie is the exception to the rule, as enough men will watch her in the up coming Salt 2 to drive her pay to $20MM.

We decided that for Working Title, we would shift to the TV A-List and sign actors in the low to mid six-figure range – Not bad for eight weeks of work. The top three stars will be very well known and the next level of stars will be faces that you’re very familiar with. The remainder of the cast will include local and new talent.

There is one exception. We’ve decided to film the banquet fundraising scene last and invite all of our investors, friends and family to play donors in the film. We will serve real food and not only shoot the scenes needed, but we’ll turn the event into our wrap party. And, I’ve already chatted with a few actors who thought they’d like to stop in for a cameo during the fundraising scene, so get ready to be surprised.

What better way to thank those supporting our vision, than introducing them to the stars, cast and crew that will turn their hard work and investment dollars into a great cinematic achievement.

Copyright © 2013 by CJ Powers