Lent 2021 Update

Greetings, dear friends of To Serve The Crown!  Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

While the last year was a challenge and even a tragedy for many, I pray that each of you were able to (because it was 20/20) focus on what truly matters – the pearl of great price, our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

For our part, 2020 was very productive.  We were able to film seven scenes last year, a few of which included significant lines and set-building.  Now, after six years of filming, principle photography is finally complete!

I am forever grateful to all two hundred of you who have volunteered your time, talent and treasure to make this movie possible.

My update today comes after a two-week vacation which I spent transferring the rest of the movie footage to the editing computer.  This is the first time I’ve seen most of these shots.  I don’t mind telling you I worried some of the footage would make me cringe.  I recall much struggling in some of those sessions as my kids grew tired of the process long before they were able to deliver their lines in any convincing way.  I must admit some lines are tongue-twisters, and the story requires a range of emotions kids don’t experience in real life.  And that’s not to mention my amateur lighting and camera work.

Thanks be to God, my fears were unwarranted.  It turns out that even though we struggled for days to film some scenes, we did eventually get a good take, every time.  And the technical flaws are largely fixable in the editing software.  It won't be Hollywood – and it was never intended to be – but the movie will indeed be watchable!

In addition to this good news, God blessed the project yet again by providing a new layer of meaning.  I don’t think it’s giving too much away to tell you the story is about a typical Christian girl who must be humbled to accept God’s plan for her life.  After her momentous decision, she proceeds faithfully despite every indication her efforts are all for naught.  In the end, she discovers God rewards the faithful – if not in this life then in the next.

Isn't this the pattern for every Christian?

The movie is set in medieval Ireland.  To provide context, it begins by showing the life of Saint Patrick.  The second pleasant surprise for me this week is that the little Saint Patrick vignette follows the same trajectory as the main story.  Though born into a Christian family, God humbled Saint Patrick by his kidnapping and slavery.  Saint Patrick then lived for God quite heroically.  His reward is his admittance into heaven as a famous saint of God.  So the movie’s intro not only provides context, but it also prefigures the main plot.  I didn’t see that coming!

There is still plenty of work remaining on this project between here and the finish line.  I have a number of additional shots to film.  I need to record a few voice-overs, the narration, various sounds, and two songs.  All 2,500 video clips need to be edited together.  Each one needs color correction and audio scrubbing.  We need to add foley, ambient sound, a musical score and closed captioning.

After 10 years, I won’t predict a completion date, but rest assured the project is proceeding as quickly as I can manage.  I will thank you all to continue praying for my family and me as we enter the final stretch.

Greg Bussey

Light at the end of the tunnel!

Filming continues with more great sets, costumes and performances!  We're expecting to complete the final scenes by this fall, and advance to post-production work in 2020.

We have an acting opportunity in September for an older male who has not yet been in the movie.  It would require one meeting with the director to go over the script, and then one long day or two short days to film at our place in Millersport, Ohio.  The part has 39 sentences - to be spoken somewhat pirate-y.

We also need extras on 3 different dates (to be determined) in late September or early October.  All people of all ages are welcome - as long as you have not yet been in the movie.  We have costumes.  No experience necessary.  These sessions will again be filmed in Millersport and will likely only take two hours apiece.

The closer we get to completion, the more obstacles are thrown in our path.  Please pray for this movie.  And please reach out if you might be able to help with the above roles.

Greg Bussey
614-562-0992

Calling extras to Cleveland in October!

UPDATE: DUE TO SCHEDULING CONFLICTS, WE WILL FILM THIS SCENE ONLY ON OCTOBER 20.  THE 10/13 SHOOT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.  WE HOPE TO SEE YOU ON 10/20!

We are planning to shoot some "outside the castle" shots on Saturday, October 13th and again on October 20th.  We will even get a couple drone shots!  Our location is Squire's Castle at the North Chagrin Reservation Metropark in Willoughby Hills, Ohio.

We need extras of all ages - as many as possible - dressed in medieval "royal ball" attire.  (See the photo below from our Charlevoix shoot).  If you don't have that, a prom or homecoming suit or gown is fine.

These will be all day filming sessions because our schedule depends on the weather and on other visitors to this public site.  In fact, if there is a wedding, we will have to get out of the way and wait until it's done.  We will play it by ear.

Extras should arrive by noon.  We will begin filming their scenes at 12:30 PM if we can.  We will certainly wrap it up no later than 7:30 PM since that's when it gets dark.  If you can only come for part of the day that's fine.

We will be there rain or shine but we can't shoot if there is more than a little rain, which is why we're planning on two Saturdays. Please let Greg know if you can come either date.  Call or text: 614-562-0992.  Email: gregbussey@earthlink.net.

You will be paid $1.  No food will be provided, so please bring your own lunch.  Please bring your release form (which is linked on our "Be In The Movie!" page above).  Actors under 18 need a parent's signature.  We will try to arrange transportation from Columbus and Lansing if you need it.

Parents are welcome to come, watch, or be in the movie too.  In addition to extras, we also need helpers to move props around and to hold the reflector during filming.

Are you interested in these special roles?
- The Royal Guard has 23 words to say.  We will provide his costume.
- An adult young maiden needs to refuse to give money to a beggar.

It will be another fun day on the set, this time at a real castle!  Pray for no rain, little wind, no weddings, lots of cloud cover, and many extras.

Please come be an extra, and pass the word!  Call with any questions you may have.


Greg Bussey
614-562-0992

Summer 2017 Status

We're working on several small scenes this year so we're not calling for extras yet...

But we did want to preview a song (© Dominican Nuns of Summit and performed by Emily Kvidt and Kathleen Tully) that we recently recorded for the movie.  It's so beautiful it will send chills up your spine!

Listen: Our Lord Jesus Christ

O Jesu, Thou the beauty art 
of angel worlds above; 
Thy Name is music to the heart, 
enchanting it with love. 
Celestial sweetness unalloyed: 
who eat Thee hunger still, 
who drink of Thee still feel a void 
which nought but Thou can fill. 

O my sweet Jesu, hear the sighs 
which unto Thee I send; 
to Thee mine inmost spirit cries, 
my being's Hope and End! 
May every heart confess Thy Name 
and ever Thee adore; 
and, seeking Thee, itself inflame 
to seek Thee more and more.

Stills from Charlevoix

Thank you to everyone for your generosity at the Castle Farms shoot.  We ended up with 91 actors and over a dozen helpers.  The costumes were wonderful, the food amazing, and your enthusiasm was an inspiration.  What a privilege to work with such a great group!  The footage is wonderful.  You can be proud of what you accomplished.

Final notes for May 8th filming

The big day is almost here! We have a crazy tight schedule so please try to arrive early and in costume. Castle Farms is located at 5052 M 66 North, Charlevoix, MI 49720.

Upon arrival, please proceed directly to the “Knight’s Castle” which is at the west end of the property. Kathy will sign you in. Sarah can assist with costumes if needed. Melissa will give you a final inspection and place you into position on the set. Orientation is at 10:15 and filming will begin no later than 10:30.

We will have some snacks and drinks but please pack your own lunch.

We have to be done filming no later than 4:30 since they lock the doors at 5.

Parents: Our purpose is to get 100 shots in less than 6 hours, which is hard work and requires everyone’s cooperation. While it will be intriguing and fun, it is NOT childcare. If there is any question about your child’s ability to behave for 6 hours, please remain on site to supervise.

If you have questions, please contact Piper.

It’s going to be a great day! We look forward to seeing everyone. Thank you again for making this movie possible!

Just two weeks to go!

May 8th is shaping up to be the best scene of the whole movie so far. We're thrilled with all the preparation that so many have put into this shoot. We have an exciting day in store.

So far, we have release forms from 71 extras. That is good, but 200 would be better! Spread the word, bring your friends. You won't regret it. It will be a ton of fun, a day you will not soon forget.

If you haven't sent in your release form or photo of your costume, please get them to Piper now to avoid delaying our shoot on May 8th.

There is an opportunity to spotlight some of you.  If you can act out any of the following parts, we will ask for volunteers on May 8:
- Chuckle, smile
- Dance a jig
- Hug, smile
- Celebrate
- Eat
- Cheer
- Snap to attention
- Look at each other confused, shrug shoulders
- Applaud
- Smiling, adoring
- Put hand over your mouth in horror
- Point and mock
- Laugh cruelly, point
- Listen in awe, wipe a tear
- Panic!
- Hip, hip, hooray!
- Maidens look down in contrition
- Maidens look indignant
- Generals look at each other and shrug shoulders
- Waiter looks up in surprise
- Guard's eyes glance to other guard, worried
- Minstrels jam out, lip sync

We look forward to seeing you on May 8th! This movie certainly could not happen without your generous donations of time, talent and treasure - and your smiling face!

Stay tuned for additional details...

Piper Fountain 
1piperpiping@gmail.com 
810-882-1035

A Couple Notes

Just 5 weeks until we film in Charlevoix.  We will have people from Illinois, Ohio, Detroit, Lansing, Charlevoix and more.  This is exciting!

A couple notes:

1) Only a fourth of those wanting to come have turned in their release form so far. Please get it to Piper Fountain so we know if you're really coming or not.

2) Until we get a lot more release forms, the invitation to be an extra is still open. We need a minimum of 100 extras for this scene but we can actually use as many as 300. So if you were wondering whether you should come on May 8th, the answer at this point is YES, you should come - and bring friends.

3) If you've had trouble printing or scanning the release form, call Piper.  She can assist. Remember that minors need a parent's signature.

Thank you! Please return to this web site for updates as we get closer to May 8th.

Piper Fountain
810-882-1035

1piperpiping@gmail.com