Prayers for Heartstrings.

*SIGH*

We have done it again; overcredited our abilities to produce too much content in too little time.

As David Heustis said, 'Too much stuffing, too small a turkey'.

And he's right; the length cap for the SAICFF is 55 minutes, including credits. We have cut several minutes from the film already, and it's still 56 minutes and 41 seconds, without credits. There are also a few shots and little scenes that need to be put in or extended.

That's right, we have an hour long film that was shot in twelve days, which isn't fully edited yet, that needs to be completed and in the mail on DVD's in 3 days. Well, four, technically, but considering the sabbath, 3 working days.

Which reminds me; Over this production I have realized just how much of a blessing the sabbath day is, not just for spiritual rebuilding, but for the physical as well. It is refreshing and renewing to spend time with God and fellow believers.

But Heartstrings is in a time crunch. We need your prayers. Pray that we will have a quality production on DVD by the deadline; pray that our equipment will hold up under the tremendous stress, that we will respond properly to God's leading in our choices of music, timing, dialogue, and all other things.

Pray this not just for HeuMoore productions, but for everybody that put their heart and soul into this project for these last several weeks.

The Heustis family; Mr. Heustis put several days into building a dolly rig for us to use on this production, and assembling the necessary tools to make one shot work. Mrs. Heustis has provided food and prayers, along with parting with her two oldest boys, David and Jeff, for many weeks.

The Moreland family; They set aside over two weeks out of a busy schedule, to fly down here from Alaska to be in this film. Mr. Moreland not only acted in the film though, he also served as an excellent grip, willing to do anything to make this production work, including cancelling another trip he had already planned and paid for. Mrs. Moreland worked diligently, on and off screen, providing us with some of the most excellent cookies I think I've ever tasted.

The Reins family: Mr. Reins is a busy man, but was willing to take time out of his schedule to be in the first film festival entry, Bubble Trouble. This time around, he let us keep his daughters, Kelly and Andrea, over at our house, working on the film. They did everything from babysitting to running the kitchen, to both at the same time. Running the kitchen was a chore by the way, with 24 very hungry people in the room. Mrs. Reins plays in the film as well, as Mrs. Billings; the long time friend of Grandpa George Morton.

The Rivera family: Juan Rivera is a name no doubt familiar to many of you, as the head of Reaching The Globe productions. He and his family were here in Dallas, all the way from San Antonio, for over two weeks. Daniel served as grip, cameraman, and rough editor at different points in the production, while his Father did everything from second unit directing, shuttling, camera operations, basic grip, key grip.... You name it, he did it. Raquel provided us with several hundred behind the scenes photos; many of which you shall soon see on this blog! God Bless you Juan, and your wonderful family. I look forward to seeing you all at the film festival!

Captain Morgan: Playing a very sneaky sort of character in the film, Captain Morgan had a tough role, but he did well, shifting from his daily life of a gentlemanly airline pilot, to a shifty old cowboy with dark glasses and a mysterious sort of frown.

And last but not least by any means, The Schamel family. Dale Schamel is a godly man with a great desire to see the kingdom of God advanced by any means available, and he was more than willing to help us get this production done. Hopefully in the future, HeuMoore Productions will do a story based on his testimony. I believe Mr. Schamel willl be at the film festival, and hopefully you will get to meet him. He can be seen with his daughters in the Return of the Daughters trailer, found at Anna and Elizabeth Botkin's blog. They're about 35 seconds in; in front of the pink flowers. A lovely family, and Mr. Schamel is a long time friend of my Father's.

It is for all these friends of ours, and all the others who donated time to this project, that we ask you to pray that the film will be completed on time, in a manner that will most glorify God, and serve families around the world.

Soli Deo Gloria!

~ In Christ, John.

Behind the Scenes part 4

Behind the Scenes Part 3

A friendly game of chess is played between the boys while awaiting to be called to the set. This chess board and the pieces were made by my grandfather (on my mother's side) He made many remarkable pieces that sold for hefty sums in Alaskan Art Galleries. We are using many of his pieces that he left to us in the film.

Mr. Rivera tries out for the position of "Gator's stunt double"

A true daughter of virtue, Audrey waiting her turn on the set.

Okay Derek, we're just about ready...

Sorry Derek, it wasn't quite right...

Quiet on the set! Take 5,987!

It's all in jest. I have to note how much I appreciate the Moreland family's flexibility and willingness to dedicate their time and resources to this project. Many thanks go to them.

I heard what you said!

Scene shot of the day: a slueth at work.

Say Cheese! This could be evidence!

Reviewing the script.

Mr. Moreland helped in a multitude of ways with every spare moment he had outside of playing a major role in the film. Here he helps Gator and Audrey review their lines.

Jack and Jeff testing the tracks and undoubtedly scheming up other uses for the camera dolly.

Mr. Rivera was an ever present source of joy, enthusiasm and laughter no matter what circumstances arose.

In position for the perfect angle

Audrey was a delight to work with and is an excellent example of femininity in our film.

Filming in the balmy south

Mr. Rivera is amused as he listens to me explain the key to this film's success.

Back in the editing room during our lunch break we review our takes and prepare for the next shooting session.

A day in review

Behind the Scenes of Heart Strings

Four days left to go until we have to have Siblings: Heartstrings in the mail bound for San Antonio. Well, five days, but with Sabbath rest, it's four working days.

Developing directorial skills, or merely the outward appearance?

Juan was consistently checking to make sure the belts were holding up as drove down the road at 25 miles an hour.


Look Ma! No hands!


Jack Dale Moore between the famous Heustis Brothers.

Jeff Heustis manned the editing predominately by himself, with support from Daniel Rivera (who unfortunately had to give up the mouse due to a sprained thumb) throughout our first 10 days of shooting as more and more footage came in. Here he visits the set to aid his brother David: the Anti-Chaos. Jack had dual roles of actor and grip.

Originally, "Brownie" had a larger role in the film, but he ended up getting cut from a scene or two due to the distance to one set location. It was great driving it back and forth to and from the location for the Bed and Breakfast.

David taking a breather between shots.

The shooting schedule was short (over 50 minutes of film to be shot in 9 days, with only a couple actors left to shoot a scene or two with on the remaining three days) so the days were long and grueling. Everyone met the challenging task with an abundance of enthusiasm, great attitudes and a willingness to do whatever it took to accomplish our goals; they all gave excellent performances as well.

Gator looking for adventure, takes along his bag of tricks that he might be prepared for whatever may come his way.

I'm watching you.



Derek Moreland, a lead actor, keeps up a good attitude despite a tough schedule and a terrible headache.

Johnny Reighard, our story board artist and grip, spying on the set crew to make sure everything it just how the director wants it.

Canons at the ready

Shot of the day. Drama.

More later folks. Got lots of editing to do.

This project has come about solely by the providence of God, in many very direct ways. We'll be sure to tell the story of God's opening up the doors for this project on the Heartstrings DVD.

Special thanks to ReachingTheGlobe.com for their creative and technical work on the project, and to Buildings4Babies for financial support of the film.

How many of you are going to the Film Festival or Academy?

Lord willing, I'll see you there.

~ In Christ, John.

Joe Darnell's Video.

Nathaniel Darnell works in the media department of Vision Forum, while his brother Joe works in the media department of American Vision.

Both have tremendous amounts of Vision, as do the companies they work for. Recently on Nathaniels blog, I saw this post.

Definitely check it out.

~ In Christ, John.