Father's Day 2012

"Show me a man who refuses to compromise his belief in Jesus and will lead his work place and his home and I'll show you a real man."

~Pastor Andy Heis

For many years, the entertainment industry has often portrayed fathers as either a clueless man whom the wife and children mock and control, or as an indifferent parent...if he is present at all. The days of loving, nurturing, strong fathers such as Cliff Huxtable (The Cosby Show), Andy Taylor (The Andy Griffith Show), Atticus Finch (To Kill A Mockingbird), or even Marlin (Finding Nemo) seem long gone. I have observed a growing trend to turn the tide though, and I am one of many who applauds the efforts to redirect the importance of being a dad.  The tremendous success of  Courageous (now available on DVD/Blu-Ray) in 2011 proved that many others are in agreement. Watch this scene from Courageous: The Importance Of Family

Aren't these the films we need? I know that there are way too many kids who did not have the advantage of a nurturing dad, and I feel that society reflects that absence of a strong father. We have become a culture that is more influenced by television and films than ever before and it seems more important than ever to be aware of what our kids watch. Since some kids do not have a male role model in their lives, who do you want them to emulate? There are more than enough "my baby daddy" types who have the erroneous idea that a child is 'proof' of their manhood. I believe it is vital for us, and our children to  see men who love God, their wives, their children, & their communities.....even if it is in a movie. Boys need someone to emulate, and girls need to raise their expectations. I recently read a blog that highly impressed me and you may want to check out called Mocha Dad: 7 Traits Of Real Men.

But, my focus is on movies this time, so I have been looking ahead to see what other films are coming up that will have an emphasis on both faith and family, especially those with a strong positive image of a father. A few that are due to be released in 2012 include the three films listed below:

1. Beyond The Farthest Star: In BTFS, Todd Terry portrays Adam Wells...a man who has a troubled relationship with his daughter. We also learn of the relationship he had with his father. A father's impact on his child truly does leave a lasting and profound effect...but things don't have to remain the same from generation to generation.
A minister driven by the prospect of achieving greatness as the next nationally-syndicated TV Evangelist lays down his opportunity at “celebrity” and even his own life in order to become something even greater... A loving husband and father to his wife and daughter. (Pathlight Entertainment)


Stars: Todd Terry, Renee' O'Connor, Cherami Leigh
Writer/Director: Andrew Librizzi
Producers: Benjamin Dane, Sally Helppie



 
Cast Interview: Todd Terry from Beyond The Farthest Star on Vimeo.

2. Hardflip: The story of Caleb,a young skater whose ill mother and absent father leave him reaching for the only hope he has—becoming a sponsored skater. After finding a stack of old love letters, he sets out to find the father he never knew and inadvertently begins a journey he never could have expected. This story explores what happens when we let go of our anger and pain and forgive those who have hurt us most. (Skipstone Pictures)
Stars: Randy Wayne, Rosanna Arquette, John Schneider
Writer/Director/Producer: Johnny Remo
Writer: Daniel Backman
Watch the Hardflip  trailer:

 

 3. The Father Effect Movie: "Our prayer in making this film is to capture the critical and powerful impact of fathers in a documentary so compelling that it ignites intentional and purposeful actions by the men who watch it." This film is the true story of John Finch and his journey of growing up without a father, finding forgiveness, and how it changed his life. Learn more at The Perfect Father and watch the short film below:





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 So, go see these films, buy the dvds, help fund worthy projects, and PRAY for the people who are making movies that can make a difference. We truly are influenced by the films we choose to see, and our actions help shape our culture.

 “It is much easier to become a father than to be one.” ~ Kent Nerburn
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Real Men, Love the Lord.
Real Men, Pray.
Real Men, Read their Bible.
Real Men, Regularly go to Church.
Real Men, Live a Godly Example.
Real Men, Love their Wives.
Real Men, Spend Time and play with their Kids.
~ (Author Unknown)

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The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.~ Proverbs 20:7

BTFS: The Novel Giveaway

 "A twist of fate brings the national spotlight to a forgotten Texas town and a once famous preacher has an opportunity to regain his former glory or seize one last chance to restore his fractured family. Narrated by his teenaged daughter, we watch as Adam Wells, a minister driven by the prospect of achieving greatness as the next nationally-syndicated TV evangelist lays down his opportunity at “celebrity” and even his own life in order to become something even greater... A loving husband and father to his wife and daughter."

That is the synopsis of Beyond The Farthest Star. The film is still being perfected for release, but the novel is ready NOW!!!! Written by Bodie and Brock Thoene, and based on the screenplay by Andrew Librizzi, this story has been receiving rave reviews!! I was given the opportunity to review it myself several weeks in advance and now I want to share a copy with someone.Please enter the contest yourself and share the link with your friends!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


For those who want to know a bit more about the film, there was a test screening last year in Irving, TX. Producer Benjamin Dane interviewed some of those who viewed it and shared a portion of that video: Audience reaction to BTFS test screening.

Also, Ben was recently interviewed by Tommy Kendrick in his outstanding Actors Talk podcasts. Check out the discussion about Beyond The Farthest Star! Make sure you listen to Tommy's other podcasts too! I have become a huge fan!!

Thanks for entering the contest, and best wishes to all! Remember that the Beyond The Farthest Star novel is available at your favorite book retailer, and the film is coming to YOUR cinema in 2012. Drop by their site and tell them to BRING IT!

Actors Talk with Tommy G. Kendrick

Tommy G. Kendrick is a professional actor who lives in the Austin, Texas area. Tommy has been in the acting profession since the late 1970s and is a longtime member of  SAG and AFTRA.  Tommy is a founding board member of the Austin Actors Conservatory and is chair of the AAC Education Committee.
Tommy began his career at the Dallas Theater Center, then under the direction of renowned theater producer and director Paul Baker. While at DTC, Tommy was privileged to become one of the original cast members of Preston Jones’ highly acclaimed, signature works, the TEXAS TRILOGY (The Oldest Living Graduate, LuAnn Hampton Laverty Oberlander and Last Meeting of the Knights of the White Magnolia.) Following his stint at DTC, Tommy freelanced in the Dallas market for several years racking up numerous credits in on-camera and voice-over commercials, industrials and a few small film roles.
Tommy and his family then made Los Angeles home for fifteen years where he worked in commercials, film and television before returning to his native Texas in the early 1990s. Tommy continues to actively pursue his career from central Texas. (bio taken from the Actors Talk podcast page.)

I only know Tommy through various Facebook groups we are both in, or seeing comments he has made on pages of mutual friends. His intellect, creativity, and willingness to help others has impressed me for a long time. I would frequently copy a comment or link he shared to send to some of my friends who act. So, I was excited to see that he was starting a new podcast. You can just imagine how happy I was to see that today's podcast featured actor/producer Benjamin Dane of Beyond The Farthest Star!!

Of course, the BTFS podcast is MY personal favorite, but I have enjoyed the others too. If I was actually in the entertainment field, this would definitely be a resource I would use! However, my talents are strictly in the "share the news" category, so here ya go!! I highly recommend you check out Actors Talk podcast!! You will certainly want to subscribe in itunes at  www.actorstalkpodcast.com/itunes . Any comment line feedback will be played back and responded to during future episodes: 877-518-2530 - I think that's US calls only. Google Voice # will also work 512-660-7160.

The following links should prove useful in helping you to gain more info and to show your support:

Actors Talk Podcast: http://actorstalkacting.com/
Actors Talk on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/actorstalk
Tommy G. Kendrick FB fan page: https://www.facebook.com/tommygkendrick
Tommy G Kendrick IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0447729/
Tommy G Kendrick Twitter: @tommygkendrick

Beyond The Farthest Star FB page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beyond-the-Farthest-Star/170290344732?ref=ts
Beyond The Farthest Star IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1605791/
Beyond The Farthest Star website: http://beyondthefartheststar.com/
Beyond The Farthest Star Twitter: @beyondmovie

Benjamin Dane IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1254478/
Benjamin Dane Twitter: @benjamindane
Andrew Librizzi IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1276394/

Also, if you are an actor or filmmaker, check out Karmalicity!!

LOL, but...since I am providing links anyway....
Cindy Navarro Twitter: @cindynavarro
Cindy Navarro FB page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cindy-Navarro/182791155098919?ref=tn_tnmn

BTFS Novel Reviews & Updates

 I guess that by now everyone knows that Beyond The Farthest Star is both a film and a book. Have I mentioned this before? LOL!! Yeah, I guess I do go more than a bit overboard in my excitement! But THIS IS THE YEAR IT WILL BE RELEASED!! ~happy dance~ Last night I even dreamed that I had written an absolutely outstanding article about BTFS that garnered attention everywhere! Sadly, I don't have that talent in reality, but I did want to share some updates on the book. Bodie and Brock Thoene have taken the mesmerizing, brilliant screenplay by Andrew Librizzi and turned it into a page-turning, intense, satisfying read. Don't just take my word for it. The eBook was released just before Christmas....and everyone agrees......

Some of the comments I have read:

With tight writing and a compelling story laced with angst and trimmed with faith, this is a great read. ~ Linda

I enjoyed every minute spent getting to know these realistic and well developed characters. This novel offers everything a reader could want heartbreak, suspense and romance. Dialogue, scenery and plot worked well with no dull parts. ~ Kathy 

Amazingly well crafted story that keeps your interest as it weaves through multilayered characters, secrets, betrayal and a thrilling but emotional outcome. What is so interesting about Beyond The Farthest Star, is that it is so rich with deep truths. ~ Lydell

Beyond the Farthest Star is a great read. I can`t wait for the movie to come out. It touches on a lot topics relevant today. A very moving book. ~ Anita

Really enjoyed it. Great job! ~ Tyler

The novel was very good. It definitely showed how grace can be missing in the places you expect to see it most, and how the One Beyond the Farthest Star can reveal himself to even those who seem most unable to see. I can't wait to see it on film. ~Jennifer

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IF you live in the Dallas, TX vicinity and are a fan of the Thoene's, I have GREAT NEWS:

The Thoenes will appear in the Zondervan/HarperCollins booth at the ALA (American Library Association) Midwinter convention from 6:30pm-7:30pm on January 20th!!  The 2012 Midwinter Meeting will take place in the Dallas Convention Center at 650 S. Griffin Street, Dallas, TX 75202, as well as several hotels near the Convention Center. Find out more details at http://www.alamidwinter.org/  or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/221581731235566/.
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Beyond The Farthest Star in paperback is due NEXT MONTH!! Producer/Actor Benjamin Dane recently showed off his prized early edition of the paperback...which has me sooooo envious! Yes, I did get to read an ARC eBook in November, courtesy of NetGalley and Zondervan, but....I am old-fashioned and prefer to hold a book in my hands!! I preordered MY copy weeks ago, so I don't have much longer to wait. Make sure you pre-order your paperback (or audio book) through one of the many fantastic outlets available or you can buy the ebook TODAY!! Happy Reading!!

UPDATE!!!!! My friend Gretta just posted a review AND she is sponsoring a GIVEAWAY!!!!!! Check it out at The Johns Family.

Natalie & Jonny Gore

Natalie Gore is listed as Production Staff on the set of Beyond The Farthest Star but she and her brother, Jonny also played a huge role in one of the songs done on the set. In the film, Anne Wells (Cherami Leigh) is the Goth daughter of Pastor Adam and Maureen Wells (Todd Terry, Renee' O'Connor). Anne, along with Steven (Tyler Corie), Kyle (Shawn Roe), and Clifford (Jordan Walker Ross) have a band that plays what Adam refers to as "vampire music".

Writer/director Andrew Librizzi gave a poem to Natalie and Jonny and asked them to write a song for the band. Watch the video to hear Natalie & Jonny talk about it:

Natalie and Jonny are the children of Rob and Toni Escobedo Gore of Faith Fellowship Church of McKinney, TX. In the video below, you can see that their mom also has a beautiful voice as she sings with Natalie...and below that is a funny, loving tribute from Jonny to his mom. :)

Natalie Gore Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/Nataliegore
Natalie Gore Facebook fan page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Natalie-Gore/118382250113?sk=app_112078882147346
Natalie Gore on Twitter: http://twitter.com/nataliegore  
Natalie Gore on MySpace:  http://www.myspace.com/nataliegoremusic
The Natalie Gore Show: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Natalie-Gore-Show/123438711066585
Jonny Gore on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001097025567
Jonny Gore on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jonnygoremusic

 To hear the song they contributed, you will want to keep up with when BTFS is coming to a cinema near you!! For all the latest, go to Beyond The Farthest Star on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beyond-the-Farthest-Star/170290344732 or Beyond The Farthest Star on IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1605791/

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A series of blogs about Beyond The Farthest Star.
(I am NOT affiliated with the film or Pathlight Entertainment. Just an appreciative fan.)

Democratic Senator Burns Nativity - National Debate!

A DEMOCRATIC SENATOR DESTROYS A TOWN SQUARE’S NATIVITY AT CHRISTMAS. That is the opening segment of a new novel being released through Zondervan/HarperCollins by acclaimed authors, Bodie and Brock Thoene. It begins a national debate as the national news media and a civil liberties group descend upon the sleepy Texas town. The story is unfortunately genuine as it highlights the ongoing struggle with religious freedom in America.... Especially at this time of year. The novel is based on the controversial faith-based film, BEYOND THE FARTHEST STAR. The film releases this March in Dallas but the e-book will be available starting December 18th, with the novel following soon.

Stories similar to this are happening all over America NOW. As I read through several yesterday, I could not help but compare it to the events in BTFS. I believe this book calls attention to the attack of religion and the demise of Christmas as we know it!

In fact, currently there is an intense story in the little town square of Athens, Texas as the Wisconsin group, Freedom from Religion attacks this small town. Here is the Fox Dallas report- http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/national-group-wants-courthouse-nativity-scene-removed-120711 <http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/national-group-wants-courthouse-nativity-scene-removed-120711>
 
Athens is about 30 minutes from where the story in the novel and film take place, and it is interesting to see the actual events and compare them to the fictionalized ones. You can see the vision behind the story of BEYOND THE FARTHEST STAR and how the burning of the nativity inspired the story...



For further commentary on how truth and fiction are meeting in Texas, Bodie and Brock Thoene are available, as well as independent filmmakers Andrew Librizzi and Benjamin Dane.  The author’s nearest Fox Affiliate is Santa Barbara Channel 24 KKFX. The filmmaker’s is Dallas Fox KDFW Channel 4. To schedule an interview, or to gather additional info, please contact Ben Robinson of Robinson Creative Inc. at the following links:


286 Grand Ave. Suite 238
Southlake, TX 76092
p. 817.748.5057 X-101
f. 817.416.7833
w.RobinsonCreativeInc.com

Beyond The Farthest Star novel review

Beyond The Farthest Star is the latest release from the prolific, multi-award winning team of Bodie and Brock Thoene. Known primarily for their carefully researched historical fiction, they have proven they are equally skilled in a contemporary setting. Based on the original screenplay by Andrew Librizzi, Beyond The Farthest Star is an insightful, mesmerizing story that centers on the Wells family. Adam, Maureen, and their teenaged daughter, Anne, are each struggling with internal demons that are destroying their family. Once a world-renowned preacher, this move to the small town of Leonard, Texas, is Adam's last hope of restoring his dream of living up to the approval he craves, but instead brings mounting tensions, revealed secrets, and an unexpected confrontation that leads to the ultimate sacrifice.


From the beginning, I was able to "get into the skin" of each character in the book and understand a bit of what he or she was feeling. The conflict between people and their inner turmoil jumps off the page in a way that has tremendous impact. The entire book is filled with universal themes that speak to all people and effectively weaves the idea that there is hope in spite of physical or emotional scars.The humanity of each person is revealed in a way which is a fresh and unique with genuine, even raw emotions. Ultimately this is a richly layered story with an honest portrayal of transformation and restoration. However, there is so much more, and it is hard to pinpoint just one aspect. BTFS is an amazing story that will hold the interest of those who like a variety of genres. Elements of suspense, romance, and political intrigue are presented in an escalating tension that intensifies to an explosive climax, and, ultimately, to a satisfying conclusion. This engrossing novel, with multi-dimensional characters is a story of how the choices we make affect the lives of those around us, and how buried lies may destroy us. Even days after reading the book, the story and characters have remained vivid. For me, a good book is one that I hate to see end and this one fits that criteria. I am also eagerly anticipating seeing this story and the characters come to life on the big screen when the film, Beyond The Farthest Star, is released in theaters in 2012.

I received a free copy of this of this product from the publisher. I was not required to give a favorable review.