Around 2:30 in the morning, after completing the last shots we need to film on the Verity campus, we headed downtown. Again, I was driving the camera car, which I must say was beginning to be quite fun. With a crew of 10 people in 4 cars at 2:30 in the morning, this was going to be an exciting and climatic end to a very awesome film shoot. Glancing right and left as I approached the road, I realized that the traffic should be light at this hour of the night. Well, that was one good thing about filming in the middle of the night. Praying as we drove, we quickly approached the city of Indianapolis. Before I knew it, the cameras were rolling and everything needed to be in place. With a driver and a communication person in every car, we coordinated with each other as we drove down the road. The camera was rolling.

Around 4:00 only 2 cars were still downtown to finish the film shoot. The camera batteries were dying and we only had a few moments to capture on film this last scene. Everything needed to be done correctly. As we turned onto Pennsylvania, the street we were filming on, we prayed for green lights so that we could have a continuous shot. As I drove to the intersection, God gave us a green light just before I needed to push the break in order to stop. We did this through 6 intersections. By 4:27 a.m. we completed the Indianapolis film shoot!! Although we had been up for many hours, the excitement of finishing gave each of us a burst of energy as we drove back.

With the Indianapolis film shoot complete, we will be heading into the post production phase for Creed of Gold. Please be praying that it goes well. We will continue to keep you updated on the progress of the film as we are able.

After quickly running upstairs and grabbing any necessary items, I hurried back down to find that problem solved. Mom (Mrs. Knudsen) was going to come with me and help. After a pleasant drive to the store, I was told as we pulled into the parking lot to find a quarter since at this store you “rented” a cart. I wasn’t quite sure what this meant, but I quickly rummaged through things and found a quarter. Hopping out of the car, we walked across the parking lot and approached the carts. Mom showed me that you put the quarter in a little slot and then you get to use the cart. Just as she was about to push the quarter in the slot, the little kid inside me jumped out; I asked if I could do it. After pushing the quarter in and hearing a little click, I pulled the cart out and triumphantly proceeded into the store.

Filing down the aisles, we collected many items: 7 gallons of milk, 8 dozen eggs, 7 half gallons of chocolate milk (needed to make the “good stuff”), several containers of orange juice, etc. For the first time, I felt like I was truly beginning to understand and appreciate the effort that the operations team put into making this film a success. They bought, prepared and served food to an army of people every single day for 5 weeks. Without their vital assistance, this project could never have been accomplished. Every day they spend from early in the morning making breakfast until late at night when the last cup is cleaned in dish-pit making the rest of the team successful. Seeing everyone’s willingness to serve wherever needed is something that makes Creed of Gold’s team truly special and unique.

Tyler Goodwell, operations assistant for Creed of Gold. Photo taken by dalrymple photography © 2010.

Tyler Goodwell, a senior at Verity Institute pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, joined the Creed of Gold team at the end of June as an operations assistant. With this being his last summer as a college student, he wanted to spend it doing something both profitable and exciting. Some of his interests include: volleyball, friends and computers. Working with Crystal Creek Media gave him the opportunity to enjoy his interests in a new environment. According to Tyler, he is excited about: “seeing 5 weeks of craziness develop into 90 minutes of quality entertainment.”

Experiencing the process of making a movie was something new for Tyler. One of his favorite memories was sitting in the War Memorial and observing how the film crew managed to make an audience of 50 extras appear to fill a 450 person auditorium. When reflecting back on the project, Tyler said that one of the things that impacted him the most was: “the overall leadership for the project and Daniel’s ability to direct people… it inspires me to go out and accomplish something great by influencing the world around me.”

Christine Knudsen, operations assistant for Creed of Gold.

A sophomore in high-school, Christine Knudsen joined the Creed of Gold team for the summer project because she felt that media determines the course of the culture, and Christians need to be leading the way. Throughout history, Christians have led the way in so many areas of life whether it has been government, law, science, art, etc., and there is no reason for Christians to give up on the film industry here in the 21st century. As an operations assistant, Christine enjoyed working with many different people on the team. During the morning, Christine could often be found either assisting with make-up or preparing breakfast for the team.

With the sun blazing over her head and sweat rolling down her face, Christine played a part in the Russian scenes as an extra on June 17. Despite the extreme heat of wearing a wool coat and furs in 80 degree weather, this was actually one of her favorite memories. While on the film sets, Christine Knudsen often laughed with other crew members about their opportunities to be extras on the set. When asked what she enjoyed most about this summer project, Christine answered that: “Spending time in prayer as a team made me grow as a Christian and that is what impacted me the most.”

When asked what she was most excited about in working over the summer, Ashley replied that she is: “…excited about seeing not only the results of the production but also the relationships built with each other and with God.” Working behind the scenes has given Ashley a whole new appreciation for movie production – both big and small. Now as she views movies, she can’t help but think about the angle of the camera and all of the people that are on the other side making the actors successful.

Prior to coming to Verity and working with Crystal Creek Media, Ashley lived in China. While there she developed a whole new appreciation for their culture and customs. According to Ashley “Media has not only a local impact, but also a national and international impact, which is why having Christians shaping the media industry is vital.”

Filming with the Myers (Kirsten's parents in the film) at the Stanford Mansion on June 9-10.

Charity coaching Nick, Ellen and Taylor for a scene in the library...

Tabitha and Christine in the Columbia Club.

Filming at the Morning Star Golf Club on June 17...

Russian extras silently cheering at the train station...

Yes, we did get to use this jet for the film!

Filming at Connor Insurance on June 19...

Filming at the Warehouse on June 21...

Ellen and Vanessa at the hospital.

Filming in the atrium of the Indiana Statehouse.

Filming at the Indiana State Capitol...

Filming at Mo'Joes on June 28...

Taylor University - film location from June 29-30.

Filming at the house of the president of Taylor University...

Verity Insitute - a set location and homebase during the film shoot.

So, how did we get to use all of these locations completely free of charge? Well…let’s just say that God still answers prayer and He still performs miracles! The promise in Luke 11:19 is still true: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”

Crystal Creek Media celebrating the 4th under the gazebo!

As the sun sank lower on the horizon, the entire group gathered under the shade of the trees for a time of sharing. Sitting on the grass and desperately hoping no ants would come and climb onto me, I listened as one after another shared about how God led him or her to the team and what they had appreciated most about this film shoot. Towards the end, there was one thing I was convinced of and that was that God had truly brought together this team! We come from different backgrounds, and we plan on pursuing different dreams; but there is one thing that makes all of us bond together — our desire to see God glorified.

The team gathering together for a time of sharing...

As we reflected on the independence of our nation, we were also reminded of the importance of maintaining those freedoms so dearly bought. Mark Knudsen, the executive producer, challenged the team with the thought that: Christians should not follow signs but signs should follow Christians. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” — 2 Chronicles 7:14

Savannah, Christine K., Tabitha, Christine L. and Ellen having fun together...

While making Creed of Gold has been a lot of fun, it has also been very difficult. Late nights, early mornings and intense days make for a long summer of film shooting. Walking around downtown, lugging boxes of equipment with us in very warm weather is also not especially pleasant. And, yet, many of us will be sad to see this film shoot come to a close. The memories made, the friendships formed and the purpose of the project have combined to make for a very enjoyable summer.

This past week as we were filming at Taylor University, there was several very tense moments as crew members worked to finish certain scenes before the sun set and the desired lighting sunk beneath the horizon. During these moments, Director Daniel Knudsen reminded us that filming a Christian movie is “not only about the product, but also the process.” While Creed of Gold may be a Christian product, the process of making it must also honor God for it to truly bring Him glory.

Assistant Director Micah Lawrence leads the cast in prayer before shooting a scene.

Loading the cars in preparation for the trip to Michigan

This past weekend around half of the team left for a film shoot in Michigan. One of the scenes happens to take place in a bakery, and you may ask yourself why a film group based out of Indianapolis would travel nearly 10 hours round trip to film at a certain location. The answer, however, is quite simple: you’ll have to watch the movie to find out why!

All present cast and crew members gathered to pray...

Before leaving on Saturday morning, all present cast and crew members gathered for a time of prayer, which really set the tone for the start of an exhausting weekend for those that went to Michigan. Having left around 1:00 on Saturday and returned around 6:00 on Sunday, the team spent a little less than 30 hours away from campus. 10 of those hours were spent traveling. Those that remained in Indianapolis spent time cleaning up the facilities we are based out of, relaxing after a long week of work, or preparing for the next week of shooting. All in all, it was a busy weekend.

On Sunday evening, the team gathered together again for a meal, announcements and prayer. Shortly after that many of the team members raced outside for a game of volleyball, which is one of the fun activities we enjoy in our free time. A few minutes into the game, rain started pouring down on us. But we were not to be deterred by the rain. After many fun games and good laughs, we went inside. With that done, week 4 was started.

As was customary, the evening before we’d been briefed as to what the code of the day for my team was to be: professionalism. Donning what my blurry eyes deemed to be professional attire, and finishing up by snatching up my water bottle and badge, I made it to the morning meeting and breakfast. My good friend and roommate (after going through her own day’s prep session) at the meeting looking every inch the urban princess, a little the worse for wear. After conferencing, we all gathered our gear, and I found myself headed to the job of the day with another equally official looking gentleman, and three girls in full scrub attire, their hair pinned back and looking serious about the task at hand.

Our crew of about 30 assembled about half an hour later at Clarian Methodist Hospital. Looking around I see a mix of business suites, lab coats, scrubs and hospital gowns. Soon large blue containers began arriving, and a mass of equipment and cords spread across 2 hospital rooms and the connecting hallway. After aiding in the set up, I went in search of my roommate, and was not disappointed in what I saw. I found my beautiful roommate dressed in a faded hospital gown, bandaged and bloody looking, with seemingly vacant, dark ringed eyes. I helped her to the bed, taped on her IV, and asked if there was anything I could do to make her more comfortable. When she replied that she was as comfortable as could be expected, I then retreated to the corner to observe, and pray for the best.

The scene I saw unfold before my made me alternately laugh and cry. On cue, I watched two of my dear friends do their best to convey to the world what was the truth of the life of a high society girl, faced with an empty life and ultimately eternity without the hope of a God that loved her enough to die for her.

Actresses Vanessa Ewing and Ellen Lawrence...

Several hours, and much emotional expenditure later, I was on my way back to our home base, this time with the 3 “nurses” and my roommate (still slightly disheveled) all looking tired, yet satisfied with themselves for having done their best. I found myself pausing to look around the car at the contrast we must have made to an outsider looking in, asking myself how many people have an opportunity like the one in which I find myself.

This is not what one would call a normal day for most, and yet it would not be considered atypical for a film set. Is it hard sometimes? Yep. Are the hours crazy? Most of the time. Could there be frustration involved? Undoubtedly. Is it worth it? Absolutely. Henry Ford was quoted to have said “There is no happiness except in the realization that we have accomplished something.” The only thing better than realizing that you’ve accomplished something, is realizing that you’ve accomplished something with an eternal impact. That to me as a Christian, is the real beauty of working on the set of Crystal Creek Media.